Dear Grand Erie families...

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30, 2023

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s summer begins to wane and new opportunities await, we want to wish all Grand Erie learners and families a wonderful start to the 2023-24 school year! 
Summer is an important chance to break from routine – to go on adventures, explore new places, delve into hobbies, and discover new interests, free from the start times and due dates that tend to punctuate our fall schedules. Most importantly, it’s a time to rest and recharge as we get set to put our best foot forward for the year ahead. We hope the past months have brought that much needed chance for downtime, and that you’re as excited as we are for what’s to come. 

Grand Erie’s educators and support staff can’t wait to welcome learners back to our schools and classrooms, and we’re thrilled to share some of the plans in the works as we gear up together. As a board, we continue to focus our work on the collective goals and priorities outlined in our multi-year strategic plan, which moves into year 3. Guided by our vision – to learn, lead and inspire – and our mission to build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging, this plan guides our goals and provides the framework that informs everything we do.  

Of course, it’s normal to have first-day jitters, too. But please know that we are all here to support your success and ability to thrive. We will continue to plan and deliver on what’s needed to ensure each learner can reach their full potential, recognizing the social, emotional and cognitive needs that make each of us unique, and prepare us to take on new challenges on our learning paths.  

On behalf of Grand Erie’s Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership team, welcome to the new school year! Together, we are ready to learn, lead and inspire. 

Susan Gibson & JoAnna Roberto
 

Healthy Bites Success for Graham Bell-Victoria Students

Graham Bell-Victoria School has been presented with a GOLD award of recognition and achievement in the Healthy Bites Program. The staff and students have worked hard and enjoyed the “fruits” of their labour as they have now been recognized with GOLD!

Throughout the year, Sonia Martin, school health nurse with the Brant County Health Unit, has lead our staff and students in a variety of healthy eating awareness activities. These included a Mystery Fruit and Vegetable contest, a trivia question in the monthly newsletter, and healthy fruit and vegetable snacks every Friday. These tasty treats, prepared by the grade 4-5 class were a big hit and helped us learn about the benefits of eating healthy.

Next year the program will be expanded to Healthy Steps and Healthy Bites, a program in which we will learn about and practice healthy eating and healthy activity. Congratulations, Graham Bell!

Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification

The Grand Erie District School Board recognizes the importance of school success for Aboriginal students. Our dedicated staff members are committed to improving services and programs for Aboriginal students attending school in the Board.

With a goal to improve the school experience for all Aboriginal students, the Board encourages the development of strong partnerships with Aboriginal families, communities and organizations, both on and off the reserve.

Through the Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification process, Aboriginal parents and students will have access to additional support services, including educational, social, and emotional supports that focus and foster Aboriginal identity, culture and values.

There are three categories of Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification – First Nation, Métis, or Inuit.

Your child may bring a GEDSB Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification form home or if not, you can contact your child’s school to receive a form. You can also, visit the Aboriginal Education section under the Program tab at www.granderie.ca for more information and a copy of the Voluntary Self-Identification form.