Labour Update

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Grand Erie is anticipating Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) staff will continue to participate in a provincial political demonstration and will not report to work on Monday, November 7, 2022. In the event that the political demonstration continues Monday and through the week, schools will remain closed to students. 

This does not impact ongoing virtual or elearning instruction, or programs that are run out of facilities other than Grand Erie schools, including students who participate in off-site learning programs through GELA, NATIONS/New Start programs, or employer-based co-op programs.

Students can expect to continue with independent remote learning. Teachers will continue to provide learning opportunities online and be available to support learning.

Items for pick-up

If your child has personal items or medications still at school, please arrange with your school Principal a time to pick them up.

Extracurriculars

All extracurricular activities, field trips and sports and athletics are postponed.

Childcare

All school-based before and after care programs will be closed as well. Only childcare programs with their own custodial services will continue to operate, namely:

• 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
• Bellview Y Child Care Centre
• Haldimand-Norfolk R.E.A.C.H., Mapleview Child Care Centre
• Haldimand-Norfolk R.E.A.C.H., McKinnon Park Child Care Centre
• Edith Monture Y Child Care Centre

Technology needs

We are collecting information to determine technology needs for remote learning.

If your child needs a device, connectivity or SEA technology sent home, please fill out this survey by the end of Monday, November 7. We will update you Wednesday, November 9 with more details on next steps.

Families who may need translation support for the survey should reach out to their school Principal for support.

Technical Support

You can find information and support documentation on our Remote Learning web page.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please review the information on the link provided, or ask your child’s teacher for help with login.

Without the 920 CUPE workers in our schools and facilities, we cannot ensure safe conditions for students. We cannot be sure of supervision and support for all students, safe operation of water and sanitation systems, or clean conditions in our schools.

Our hope is, like yours, that the Province and CUPE can resolve this situation. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

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.