A Message from the Director of Education: Lead, Learn & Inspire Monthly Bulletin

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026

Grand Erie Families, 

February has me reflecting on the power of education and the motivation to do the heart work and hard work which supports student success every day.

February is Canada’s nationally recognized Black History Month, celebrating “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History in Canada by highlighting the enduring contributions of Black Canadians across time. It acknowledges the foundational role of nation builders—those who fought for civil rights, advanced social justice, and shaped Canada’s cultural and political landscape.

At the same time, it looks forward to tomorrow’s visionaries, the emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are redefining excellence in every field. Throughout the month, we will be sharing reflections, resources and student work on social media to recognize and celebrate the diversity and richness of the histories and heritages of the African diaspora.

Last week, we officially started the second semester for secondary students, and this week we have officially hit the 100th day of school for elementary students.

Over the coming weeks, Grand Erie will host interactive events to help families with little learners prepare for successful starts to school. Kickstart to Kindergarten aims to connect families with educators and resources in preparation for the milestone. The first event is February 10, at Burford District Elementary School. The events are open to all families with a child starting Kindergarten at a Grand Erie school in September.

This year, we have shifted from a Student Learning Support Day to Flexible Periods to offer secondary students an additional opportunity to demonstrate their learning based on the course material covered to date. Flex Periods will take place between March 1 and 30 and April 27 and May 1 and will be scheduled by individual teachers.

All high school students must complete 40 hours of community involvement by the time they graduate from Grade 12. Students may begin to accumulate volunteer hours in the summer between Grade 8 and Grade 9. If you go above and beyond in your volunteer work during high school, you can earn a Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement when you graduate. 

Launching September 2026, Grand Erie is expanding future-focused learning opportunities for secondary students through its new Technology and Innovation Hubs. The initiative connects students to real-world career pathways in high-demand sectors including health care, skilled trades, manufacturing, green industries, and computer technology.

A unique drama class at Waterford District High School is turning heads and changing how students experience the arts. Teacher Jason Mayo has introduced a first-of-its-kind specialized drama course built around Dungeons and Dragons, blending acting, storytelling, teamwork, and creative design into one immersive semester-long experience.

Grand Erie will invite artisans to interpret our core vision—Learn, Lead, Inspire—and what it means to them through traditional (drawings, paintings), digital art or permanent displays (e.g. quilts) that can be displayed in Grand Erie buildings. Stay tuned for further information.

We want your input to shape the future of Grand Erie. The process to develop a strategic plan for 2026-30 will seek input through a community survey. In the meantime, read a summary of successes from the 2021-25 Annual Learning and Operating Plans.

Each year, Grand Erie Public Health assesses the immunization records of students aged 7 and 17 to ensure they are compliant with immunization requirements. To learn more, visit geph.ca/ispa.

See the latest math resources and literacy resources to foster your child’s learning and support their growth at home.

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Dr. JoAnna Roberto, PhD

Director of Education-CEO and Secretary of the Board
Grand Erie District School Board

Important Upcoming Dates

View a full list of days of significance and Grand Erie events.

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Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026
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Wednesday, Feb 04, 2026