Grand Erie Issues Winter Weather Reminders as Temperatures Plunge

THURSDAY, NOV. 17, 2022

W

ith winter temperatures here, Grand Erie is reminding families of how the board makes decisions around inclement weather conditions, and where they can find information in the event of weather-related cancellations. 

"Our focus is always on the safety and well-being of our students and staff," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "The decision to cancel transportation is made when Student Transportation Services believes the forecasted road conditions will not allow for the safe delivery of services during the morning or afternoon commute. Transportation is also cancelled when visibility is expected to be significantly impacted."

When student transportation services are cancelled due to inclement weather, there are two options: closure of all Grand Erie schools or closure by zone. Grand Erie has four zones: Norfolk County (Zone 1), Haldimand County (Zone 2), Brant County (Zone 3) and City of Brantford (Zone 4). Grand Erie students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation are included in Zone 2. In the event of transportation cancellations, schools are closed to all students and staff. 

“Where possible, impacted students will be provided with asynchronous learning on inclement weather days,” said Roberto. “These learning opportunities are optional and will provide students with an opportunity to support the continuity of their learning when schools are closed.”

The decision to cancel student transportation services due to inclement weather is made by 6:30 a.m. If Grand Erie schools are closed, the decision will be posted on the board’s website (www.granderie.ca), Twitter account (@GEDSB) and shared with local media. Student Transportation Services Brant Haldimand Norfolk (STSBHN) will also communicate closures to riders, post on Twitter (@STSBHN) and share on its phone line (519-751-7532).

Grand Erie’s Inclement Weather policy also allows for the option to cancel transportation services when there is extreme cold weather. In this case, student transportation services would be cancelled; however, all Grand Erie schools would remain open to students and staff. Extreme cold weather negatively impacts the operation of buses. Extreme cold weather in Grand Erie’s Inclement Weather policy is defined as -30 degrees Celsius (without windchill) at 5 a.m. or a high risk of frostbite (10 minutes or less) as of 5:45 a.m.

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.