Investing in Educational Technology to Optimize Learning 

THURSDAY, JAN. 19, 2023

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lot of laptops – 2,500 to be exact – have been optimized for learning and are now making the journey across the region and into Grand Erie classrooms. From there, the possibilities are endless in terms of how they’ll be put to use to unlock imagination, inspiration and connection for learners and educators. 

The purchase of additional laptops was made possible by the board’s recently revised budget for the 2022-23 school year, and the commitment to up-to-date technology aligns with strategic priorities related to learning and accessibility. It also closes the gap in terms of student-to-device ratios, ensuring students can use tech more often to personalize learning, explore interests and gain skills they’ll use throughout their school years, and beyond. 

Lots of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure classrooms are ready for the future and supported in their use of tech; the Information Technology Services team had the task of imaging, tagging and adding the Grand Erie asset management system to each of the HP ProBooks with touchscreen technology before they were deployed. The team is also instrumental in keeping learning with technology safe, secure and accessible to all. 

Grand Erie is in the second year of its multi-year strategic plan, and the additional investments in technology, as well as hands-on resources including books to refresh library collections, math manipulatives and literacy materials, goes a long way to realizing the vision to learn, lead and inspire.

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.