Grand Erie’s 2020-21 School Year Calendars Released

Grand Erie District School Board is getting set to transition into the new school year following approval of its elementary and secondary school-year calendars by the Ministry of Education. The 2020-21 school year officially begins for students on Tuesday, September 8.

“We’re pleased to have our calendars approved, and to be able to share this information with our students and families,” said Board Chair Greg Anderson.

Grand Erie teachers, professional service personnel, educational assistants and designated early childhood educators all return September 1. The 2020-21 school year calendars include three professional-activity days to start the year (September 1-3). During this time, staff will focus on re-opening protocols, including health and safety and online learning strategies. There will also be a focus on mental health and well-being for students and staff, bullying prevention, equity and an introduction to the new elementary math curriculum. Additionally, to prepare for back-to-school, 10-month clerical staff return to schools on August 26.

“Our priority for back-to-school this fall is a safe and successful return for all students and staff – whether that’s in-person or online,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “As we implement our plans for September, we will continue to share information with families. Our plans will be fluid and flexible so that we can be responsive to changing needs and priorities – whether that’s from the Ministry of Education or from students, parents and staff within our school communities.”

Roberto and the rest of the Senior Administration team provided an update to Trustees on Grand Erie’s back-to-school plans at a Special Board Meeting on Monday night. Find the presentation (pages 3-28) here.

Grand Erie’s 2020-21 school year calendar for secondary students was revised to implement the Ministry of Education’s preference for a ‘quadmester’ model due to COVID-19. This model departs from the traditional semester system. Grand Erie’s quadmesters begin in September, November, February, and April.

Grand Erie’s elementary and secondary calendars for the 2020-21 school year can be found on the board’s website here.

Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 18,000 students in 58 elementary schools and 7,700 students in 14 secondary schools within the City of Brantford and the Counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk as well as secondary students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. With a dedicated staff of more than 2,000, Grand Erie remains committed to its goal of Success for Every Student.

Blood, Sweat & Cheers!

Port Dover Health & Fitness Centre & Port Dover Chiropractic Centre hosted the third annual community fundraiser "Blood Sweat & Cheers Port Dover" on Saturday, June 17, 2017! This 5 km obstacle fun run resulted in all proceeds donated to Lakewood Elementary and St. Cecilia's for outdoor recreational equipment and refurbishments to the Todd Eaton Memorial track. Lakewood Elementary School staff, parents and students are truly grateful for this support. Thank YOU!

Running Club - Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:15pm

Our focus will be track training for sprints and long distance.

Students should have proper footwear - running shoes not board shoes. A light jacket or sweater is often needed and track pants, capris or soccer style shorts.

The Running Club maintains a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere which allows all levels of runners to develop their running.

Watch the newsletter for information and updates.