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.
Thank you Queensview Retirement Community for donating $1,000 to our playground fundraiser
In an effort to build a better school playground we are trying to raise money for two playground structures with landscaping. This project will make a positive difference for 400+ elementary students at North Ward School. The estimated costs to complete the project is $75,000 to $100,000. Our school has raised approximately $11,000 through our recent Danceathon. Thank you to Queensview Retirement Community and R.T . Systems Inc. for donating $1000 each to our important cause.
For charitable donations of $1,000 or more, we can provide a charitable donation receipt, an acknowledgement on our outdoor school sign (see photo) and an acknowledgement in our school website. We will also include the name of the business or community group on a permanent plaque displayed inside our school.
For further information on donating to our playground project please contact the Ms. Shaheen or Mr. Holmes at: 519-442-2311.
Together, let's build a better playground!
Social Justice at North Ward
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We also have a YouTube channel to keep you posted about all the amazing things happening at North Ward. Click on the picture below to see!
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