At Grand Erie District School Board, our vision is to learn, lead and inspire as we build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging.
The Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 28,000 students in 58 elementary schools and 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. Our skilled, dedicated team includes more than 2,700 educators and support staff.
At the elementary level, from Grades 1–8, students develop literacy and numeracy skills for success in school and throughout their lives.
These early school years build a solid foundation for lifelong learning. As well, elementary students experience all the other benefits schools can provide – many of them outside the classroom. Students get involved in sports and creative pursuits, develop their problem-solving abilities, and learn important social and emotional skills.
In secondary school, from Grades 9–12, Grand Erie students can explore interests, develop skills and work toward goals – with a range of learning options.
The secondary school years are exciting and challenging, as young people – with the support of parents and teachers — begin making choices about what and how they want to learn. For many, it’s also when they start thinking ahead to post-secondary education and careers.
Learning doesn’t stop at 18. We’re here to support adults who want to continue their education.
No matter what your reason for restarting or continuing your secondary school education as an adult, we know it can be challenging – and the educators at Grand Erie can help.
The programs and services we offer in Grand Erie schools are designed to make them exceptional places of learning, growth, and belonging for all of our students. Our goal is to create enriching environments where our students can thrive.
Schools have always gathering places and vibrant hubs in their local communities. We’re committed to nurturing connections with our communities, recognizing that strong communities enrich and empower our students as much as classroom learning does.
The Youth Impact Centre has partnered with Dunnville Secondary School on a hands-on program, providing students with the opportunity to learn practical, real-world skills by working directly on bicycles. In partnership with Haldimand County and Dunnville Secondary School's Reach-Ahead Transportation Technology course, the program diverts bikes from landfills and brings them to the school, where students work to refurbish them or responsibly strip them for usable parts. Equipped with workstations, tools and educators' guidance, students gain valuable technical skills, problem-solving experience and a sense of environmental stewardship. Broken Spokes is a unique partnership that continues to make a positive contribution to the community and to students' experiences.
Words Matter Campaign, River Heights School and Russell Reid Public School
Broken Spokes Program, Dunnville Secondary School
Spearheaded by Harmony Movement, the Words Matter campaign Grand Erie schools involved in Words Matter have taken the learning opportunity further to explore how language can build inclusive, identity-affirming cultures of belonging. Two students – Adele from River Heights School and Joel from Russell Reid Public School shared their poetry as part of Words Matter.
Learn Lead Inspire Award
The Learn Lead Inspire award celebrates students, staff members and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions and shown steadfast commitment to their school communities, aligning with the Board’s mission to build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging to inspire each learner.
Terry Osborne, School Crossing Guard
The Banbury Heights community describes crossing guard Terry Osborne as a superstar. Terry’s dedication in this role has made a lasting impact on the lives of students, families and neighbours. Each day, Terry is stationed at the cross walk at the front of the school. Through her warm presence, attentiveness and unwavering commitment to safety, she creates a space where children feel seen and supported, and are greeted by name. More than guiding traffic, she builds trust and reassurance, turning the streetscape into a place of care and connection. As a community partner, she carries out Grand Erie’s goals of creating safe, welcoming environments that set the tone for the rest of the school day. The Learn Lead Inspire award recognizes Terry’s exceptional ability to foster both safety and community, and the positive difference she makes with every smile, wave and watchful eye.
Violet Lamont, Paris District High School
Over the course of her secondary school career, Violet Lamont has contributed more than 1,100 hours of community service throughout the Paris community, generously supporting organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, the Salvation Army and a variety of local food initiatives. Her commitment to service reflects both compassion and an unwavering sense of civic responsibility. She has balanced this commitment with valuable contributions to her school community; Violet has been an integral member of the music program, performing with the symphonic band for three years and representing the school at national competitions and sharing her musical talents with schools and local retirement homes. This fall, Violet will continue her educational journey at Trent University, pursuing a degree in Conservation Biology, undoubtedly carrying forward the same spirit of leadership and service that has distinguished her thus far. Her commitment and leadership are testament to the values of the Learn Lead Inspire award.
Meghan Daley, Educator, Jarvis Public School
At Jarvis Public School, Meghan Daley has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children and families. As an educator, she ensures each student is supported academically, socially and emotionally within a responsive learning environment. The results of her intentional strategies help students see themselves as capable, valuable members of the wider school community. Her ability to support families facing complex and often challenging circumstances speaks to both her professional expertise and her inspiring leadership. Meghan creates safe and nurturing environments where children leave school knowing they are part of something special. Particularly for families whose paths have not been easy, her attentiveness, patience, and unwavering support have been a source of strength and stability. Jarvis Public School is truly fortunate for the positive influence she has, reflecting the values of the Learn Lead Inspire award.
Board of Trustees Approves Grand Erie Learning Foundation
The Grand Erie Learning Foundation is an organization dedicated to enhancing fundraising capacity, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding opportunities for students and schools across the district. Through donations, the Foundation provides direct support to students, creating meaningful and lasting impacts for learners in Grand Erie.
The Foundation is committed to ensuring every student has equitable, enriching experiences that support their learning journey. By collaborating with community partners, it enhances existing programs and develops innovative, accessible opportunities that help students grow.
It advances a wide range of charitable initiatives and strengthens donor engagement to expand access to nutrition programs, emergency assistance, extracurricular activities, specialty equipment, field trips, experiential learning, and scholarships. The Foundation works to remove systemic barriers and broaden opportunities for all students.
Information about the Foundation, including donation opportunities and events, will be available on all school websites.
Student Trustee Elected for 2026-27
Ruby Sanghera, a student at Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School, has been elected as Student Trustee for the north region of Grand Erie, representing learners in Brantford/Brant for the next school year. Current Student Trustees Harper Thompson, a student at Simcoe Composite School, and Ryleigh Staats, a student at Delhi District Secondary School will serve a second term, representing their areas of the district. Best wishes to Prabhsidak Singh as he continues to post secondary.
Learn Lead Inspire: Strategic Plan Update 2026-30
Director Roberto introduced a plan to focus strategic work on a refresh of Learning, Well-Being and Belonging as the core pillars of Grand Erie’s vision, while modernizing language with an emphasis to reflect future-ready learning, innovation and evolving societal contexts. The work will take place over the coming months to lead the district into a new school year, with guiding principles focused on the launch of the renewed Strategic Plan that ensures input from all stakeholders in the spirit of collaboration.
Appointments to the OPSBA Board of Directors
Trustees John Bradford was named as the Ontario Public School Board Association’s (OPSBA) Board of Directors Member and Voting Delegate during Monday’s Board meeting. Trustee Tom Waldschmidt was named Grand Erie’s OPSBA Alternate Voting Delegate, and Trustee Vanevery-Albert continues to represent the OPSBA’s Indigenous Council.
Moment of Silence for Tumbler Ridge Community
Brian Doyle, Chair of the Board of Trustees, solemnly led a moment of silence in honor of the Tumbler Ridge school community, inviting Trustees, the senior team and attendees to pause in collective reflection and support during Monday’s meeting.
Director’s Report Highlights
Black History Month Honours Black Brilliance Across Generations
This year’s theme honours 30 years of celebrating Black brilliance across generations, highlighting the nation builders, visionaries, experiences, and legacies of Black communities in Canada. It acknowledges the foundational role of nation builders—those who fought for civil rights, advanced social justice, and shaped Canada’s cultural and political landscape. At the same time, it looks forward to tomorrow’s visionaries, the emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are redefining excellence in every field. We acknowledge the ongoing impact of those who help shape Canada’s social, cultural, and political landscape, while also celebrating the emerging leaders and changemakers shaping the future of this country. Together, we want to recognize the exceptional work in this district as we continue to work on addressing barriers and anti-racism empowering learning voice.
Schools in the Grand Erie District School Board have initiatives in schools exploring, engaging, and celebrating Black Joy and Excellence. Students are learning about, celebrating, and honouring the lives, contributions, achievements, and brilliance of Black Canadians, past and present. We recognize notable Canadian figures and most recently the charismatic leader and champion of civil rights the late Jesse Jackson.
Leading the Way in Anti-Racism Education
Atala Andratis, System Leader for International Education, Equity and MLL, is this year’s recipient of the Leadership in Education award, presented by Harmony Movement. The award recognizes individuals in administrative and academic roles who demonstrate exemplary leadership in promoting inclusion and equity in education, and for fostering a deep sense of belonging for students and staff alike.
STEAM Exploration for Littlest Learners
On January 29, Kindergarten to Grade 3 families were welcomed at the Innovation Hub for a night of STEAM exploration! From the green‑screen Photo Booth to little‑engineer building stations and the music sound lab, students and families explored, created and played together. Thanks to everyone who joined us for an evening celebrating curiosity, imagination, and joyful learning!
Innovation Hub Event Invites Families to Explore, Create and Play
Families with students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 took part in hands-on event at the Innovation Hub recently, with activities aimed at introducing young students to STEAM learning. The Explore, Create, Play! event included a green-screen photo booth, engineering building stations, a music sound lab and other opportunities to foster curiosity, imagination and a love of learning.
Mohawk Chapel Tours Invite Staff to Learn, Reflect and Connect
Grand Erie is hosting professional development opportunities at St. Paul’s H. M. Royal Chapel of the Mohawk, as part of a half-day session led by Six Nations Tourism. The session provides a unique chance to connect with the National History Site and supports site-based learning to broader themes including treaties, the role of the church in colonization, and the ongoing contributions of the Haudenosaunee people.
Multi-Year Plan Stories
The following stories showcase some of the most recent stories related to the Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
