Grand Erie Highlights Multi-Year Plan Through Video Series Focused on Equity

Grand Erie District School Board is showcasing what its Multi-Year Plan means through the launch of a video series focused on Equity, a key pillar of the Board’s strategic plan. The video series tells the stories for four Grand Erie students who have overcome adversity and challenges to succeed.

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

“The resilience of our students in the four videos, matched with the passion and dedication of our staff, is truly a celebration of who we are at Grand Erie,” said Christine Bibby, Safe and Inclusive Schools Lead. “We hope these videos bring opportunities for rich conversations about diversity amongst our staff and students as well as within each of our school communities.”

Grand Erie, and the Safe and Inclusive Schools team, prioritizes equity, and works to create environments where students, staff and families feel safe, welcomed and included. The Safe and Inclusive Schools team focuses on providing supports and educational resources on Cyberbullying, Bullying Prevention, Safe School Terminology and the Safe Schools Code of Conduct.

“Equity is a part of everything Grand Erie does,” said Brenda Blancher, Director of Education. “From the supports provided to students and staff, to the events and activities the Board honours and celebrates. Equity is, and continues to be, our guiding force.”

In 2016, Grand Erie approved a new strategic direction that guides the work that the school board is doing. At the centre of this plan is the goal of Success for Every Student. Equity is one of six success indicators. Other indicators include: Achievement, Well-Being, Community, Environment and Technology.