All Schools Moving Temporarily to Remote Learning

Online learning begins January 5

On January 3, the Province of Ontario has directed all Ontario schools to pivot to remote learning for two weeks, with an anticipated return to in-person learning on January 17 for secondary and January 18 for elementary (January 17 is a PA day for elementary). 

Device Needs Survey

Grand Erie is prepared to support students who may need devices (laptops or tablets) or connectivity to continue their learning from home. Please contact your school to advise of any device needs.

During this remote learning period, D2L Brightspace and other virtual platforms will be used to provide synchronous and asynchronous learning to students throughout the school day. This includes students in Grand Erie Learning Alternatives (GELA).  

Teachers and support staff will reach out to students and families to provide online learning access information and directions by January 5. Asynchronous learning will be available on January 5 for all students, and by Friday, January 7, all teachers will be delivering synchronous learning to their classes.

Grand Erie students already enrolled in virtual online learning classes are not impacted by today’s announcement, and will resume online learning on Wednesday, January 5.

Students with Special Education Needs

If your child has special education needs, we expect that they will also learn virtually during this time period.  In very rare cases, some students with pervasive and extensive special education needs may not be able to access their program virtually.  Grand Erie can offer some opportunities for these students to learn in-person. Your school Principal will be reaching out, or please contact your school directly.

Families and students looking for assistance with technology support during online learning can contact the Parent Help Desk: parent.techsupport@granderie.ca or 519-756-6301, extension: 287080. Toll-free: 1-888-548-8878, extension: 287080. Resources to support online learning are also available.

As directed by the government, Grand Erie will continue to provide access to on-site childcare centres. 

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.