Government of Ontario Lockdown Impacts for Grand Erie Students, Staff and Families

Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced province-wide lockdown restrictions beginning December 26. These restrictions will impact Grand Erie students, staff and families following the holiday break, which ends January 3. 

During the week of January 4-8, all Grand Erie elementary and secondary students will move to remote learning. During this time, Grand Erie educators will provide synchronous and asynchronous learning to students throughout the school day. 

For students and families moving to remote learning for the first time this school year, information regarding the safe pick-up of devices and/or learning materials will come from their school Principal in the new year. The province also announced that lockdown restrictions will close before and after-school programming from January 4-8. 

Beginning January 11, Grand Erie elementary students will return to in-class instruction. Students and families who previously selected online learning will continue in the Virtual Learning Academy. 

Beginning January 25, Grand Erie secondary students will return to in-class instruction. Students and families who previously selected online learning will continue in the Virtual Learning Academy. 

Grand Erie elementary and secondary staff will have access to their schools throughout the lockdown in order to ensure they have the resources needed to deliver effective instruction and learning for students. 

For the latest COVID-19 information, visit: www.granderie.ca or follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB). Families can also contact Grand Erie via email (info@granderie.ca) or phone (519-756-6301 or Toll Free: 1-888-548-8878).

Grand Erie District School Board represents nearly 18,000 students in 58 elementary schools and more than 7,500 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.

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.