2010 is going to be a great year, but it is not without its challenges. The Ministry has prescribed several new mandates. All day learning starts in September but the details of how we are to implement have yet to be revealed, so a great deal is unknown at this time. However, we are confident that that our staff, working closely with community partners, will introduce this new initiative in an effective manner and the children will enjoy the full benefits of this expanded program.

 

Bill 177 has passed, but the accompanying regulations are still up for discussion and we will have to wait and see the full impact of this new legislation. Safe schools, customer service standards, and new policy direction on external partners are all other initiatives that come with their very own tight timelines that the Board will be implementing throughout the year. We have approved a new Accommodation Review Committee for Haldimand East that will begin early in 2010. And what would an inaugural address be without a mention of BCI and our plans and efforts to have the 1910 and the new construction open on time and on budget for September 2010.

 

Once again Grand Erie was ahead of the curve and built Cobblestone to meet the new Ministry requirements to be green, long before the Ministry decided that was the way to go. We have a new exciting project for a joint school in southwest Brantford, our second combined school in the board, once again ahead of the Ministry.

 

Grand Erie has so many strengths, we have strong, committed staff at all levels. It never ceases to amaze me as I visit many of our schools across the board how one school system can have so many unique places within it. Every school has its own culture, own strengths but the one uniting feature is the great staff and the mission that “We are united in our purpose to inspire and support all our learners to reach their full potential.”

 

I would like to say thank you to the staff who day in and day out do the very best for our students, our schools and our system. It is noticed and it is appreciated.

 

Let us continue to work together to continue to be the best we can be for the future – our students.

 

I wish you all a very happy holiday season, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. I hope you enjoy a time of relaxation and enjoyment with family and friends. I look forward to our work together in 2010.

 

Carol Ann Sloat

Board Chair