The Leader - 26/05/2025

Learn Lead Inspire Award

Jason Dale, Simcoe Composite School

It is with great pride that we recognize Jason Dale of Simcoe Composite School’s Guidance and Student Services department for his commitment over the years to equity, inclusion and experiential learning through travel. For the past 15 years, Jason has played an instrumental role in organizing and leading immersive, safe and well-planned travel experiences for students, recognizing these out-of-classroom experiences as a powerful tool for education through exposure to diverse cultures, perspectives and opportunities beyond their rural communities. While travel can be an expensive privilege out of reach for many, Jason has worked to ensure that financial barriers do not get in the way of learners’ chances to participate, learn and grow from these journeys. His efforts have shaped a generation of students who not only understand the importance of equity and inclusion but who have lived it firsthand. Whether travelling to the birthplace of democracy, the battlefields of world wars or the stark places that remind us of our humanity, the impact of Jason’s work will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the lives of his students for years to come.

Student Showcase: Tech is Grand

The recent Tech Is Grand skills event offered a unique opportunity for Grand Erie students to demonstrate their exceptional abilities within specific skilled trades. To kick off the May board meeting, secondary students who had taken part in the event showcased work in the disciplines of culinary arts, floristry, welding, woodworking, aesthetics and hair design, transportation, graphic design, 2D design and 3D modeling. The event was not just a platform for showcasing talent; it emphasized the importance of skill development, creative problem-solving and collaboration while encouraging engagement in technical fields and supporting the growth of a strong and skilled workforce for the future.

Congratulations to Caleb Rogers, Josephine Crawford, Quinton Best, Ekovo Hall, Kohen Mann, Abigail Letendre, Katelyn O'Brien, Aislinn Burke, Brody Shaw-Stackhouse and Preston Hill for representing Grand Erie so well. We would also like to acknowledge Brooke-Lynn Criddle-Brown, Wishv Jitendrakumar Patel and Alexandra Ferriera from Pauline Johnson Collegiate & Vocational School in representing Grand Erie in culinary arts and restaurant service, placing top in the regional qualifiers at the Ontario Skills Competition. Finally, congratulations to Zachary Abell from Simcoe Composite who earned silver in floristry at the Ontario Skills Event on May 6. 

Construction Update: Elgin Avenue Public School

The transformation of Elgin Avenue Public School is one step closer following the contract awarded for a general contractor, well within the amount estimated for this project in the capital budget. The construction will transform the school as it gets set to welcome learners from West Lynn Public School. The renovation construction will expand the size of the existing school by 17,000 square feet that will encompass a four-classroom kindergarten addition, an accessible entrance with a new elevator, a new three-room childcare and EarlyON space and an expanded outdoor play area.