Grand Erie Welcomes April Smith to the Role of Superintendent

Grand Erie District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of April Smith to the role of Superintendent of Education, effective February 1.

“I’m thrilled to welcome April to our Senior Administration team,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “April is a highly respected educator and administrator with a wide range of experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge in key areas to lead our board strategically, and to support Grand Erie’s students, families, staff and stakeholders.”

Smith joins Grand Erie from Avon Maitland District School Board where her leadership and mentorship experience spans 20 years, beginning as a secondary school teacher before moving into administrative roles. Most recently, she filled the position of System Principal with portfolio responsibilities that included Assessment and Evaluation, Literacy, Mathematics, Transferable Skills, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education, Outdoor Education, and the development of Teaching and Learning Support Coaches and Coordinators. 

“I’m honoured to be joining the Grand Erie team,” said Smith. “I am inspired by the Board’s Multi-Year Plan and its focus on building a culture of high expectations in the areas of achievement, well-being, equity, environment, technology and community. I look forward to making this my priority as we work towards these goals together.” 

In her role as System Principal, Smith led the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning initiative, which implemented global frameworks for fostering critical thinking, collaboration and connection among secondary school students. She was also responsible for Kindergarten to Grade 12 literacy learning, which included the integration of a leveled literacy intervention strategy for students in Grade 1, as well as the Closing the Gap in Adolescent Literacy initiative in targeted secondary schools. Smith fills the vacancy on Grand Erie’s Senior Administration team left by retiring Superintendent Linda De Vos.

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 students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

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.