Labour Update

TUESDAY, NOV. 1, 2022

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has announced that their members will not be at work on Friday, November 4, 2022 across the Province of Ontario.  

CUPE represents more than 920 school board staff in Grand Erie, including Educational Assistants, Communicative Disorder Assistants, Food Technicians, Clerical (school and central board staff) Library Technicians, Information Technology staff and Custodial and Maintenance staff. They play a vital, daily role supporting student success, safety and the effective operations of our schools and facilities.

Given such a large number of potentially absent staff, should a strike or protest occur, it will not be possible to safely open and operate our schools.

If a full withdrawal of services occurs, all Grand Erie in-person students will move to independent/remote learning activities for Friday, November 4. Schools will not be open to students.  

It will not impact ongoing virtual or elearning instruction, or programs that are run out of facilities other than Grand Erie schools.

Teachers will reach out to their students with information on accessing independent/remote learning activities. You can find out more information on remote learning on Grand Erie’s website.

If schools are closed, before and after care programs will be closed as well. Childcare programs with their own custodial services will continue to operate. A list is available below, and we will share this on social media as well. 

We acknowledge the impact this will have on families. The health and safety of students is our number one priority. We will continue to provide regular updates to families as more information becomes available.  

Thank you.

Childcare centres attached to schools that can remain open in the event of a strike/protest on Friday, Nov. 4

• YMCA Daycare – Central Public School
• Maawdoo Maajaamin Child Care – Hagersville Secondary School
• Today's Family – Lakewood Public School
• Brantford Little School – Pauline Johnson C&VS

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.