Grand Erie Launches Video Series Showcasing Equity

In 2016, Grand Erie approved a new strategic direction that guides the work that the school board is doing. At the centre of this Multi-Year Plan is the goal of Success for Every Student.

Each fall, as a way to highlight the Multi-Year Plan, a series of videos has been created. This year, to demonstrate what the Multi-Year Plan means, Grand Erie is focusing on one of the six indicators that helps the board achieve Success for Every Student.

Equity is a part of everything Grand Erie does, from the supports provided to students and staff, to the events and activities the board honours and celebrates. Equity is, and continues to be, a guiding force. These videos, created by Grand Erie’s Safe and Inclusive Schools Committee, tell just four of the many stories of students and staff embracing Equity.

The first video highlights Matt Cain, a Simcoe Composite School student who came out as transgender in Grade 11. After years of struggle, he found support from Jason Dale, a Guidance Teacher at the school. Jason helped Matt not only stay in school, but also succeed and thrive, providing the safe and encouraging environment that Matt needed to build his confidence. Matt now speaks to various groups, including the Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk, about his experiences.

The second video highlights Nour and Khaled Aldakak, who settled in Brantford from Syria with their two children. They credit their successful transition to Canadian life to the supports they received from staff at Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School as well as the Grand Erie Learning Alternatives (GELA) team.

Launched on Accessibility Awareness Day in Grand Erie, the third video in the series features the story of Brent Flicks, a former student who attended Simcoe Composite School. Brent was born with spinal muscular atrophy, and uses a wheelchair. He brings an inspiring message about equity and inclusion that celebrates the spirit of Accessibility Awareness Day.

This fourth and final video in the series highlights Maria, a member of the Low German Mennonite community who was struggling to move forward in life, lacking the education she desired. Through the Moms & Tots program, facilitated by the Norfolk Help Centre, she was able to get the support she needed to succeed. She completed secondary school through a Grand Erie Learning Alternatives (GELA) program. The program provides child care so mothers are able to work on their education. Maria is currently employed at the Norfolk Help Centre, where she works as a facilitator, helping people with translation, as well as accessing health care.

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.