Centre for Excellence Opening Event Celebrates Learning, Well-Being and Belonging

Friday, Jan. 17, 2025
Centre for Excellence Grand Opening

Above: Grand Erie's senior leadership team, educators, learners and presenters were on hand to mark the official opening of the Centre for Excellence

A vibrant event encouraging participation and reflection took place this week as educators and learners gathered for the official opening of the Centre for Excellence: Teaching, Learning and Belonging, a unique space designed to foster inclusion, engagement and community connection.

"This event marks the beginning of a purposeful journey towards cultivating an inclusive, intentional and flexible learning space accessible to everyone in Grand Erie," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "The Centre aims to align with the strategic priorities of learning, well-being and belonging, engaging in educational experiences grounded in the curriculum that promote understanding through a variety of modalities, while driving leadership, research and professional learning opportunities." 

The theme of the event was Black Joy, celebrat​ing strength within the Black community, and providing resources and inspiration ahead of Black History Month. The event featured a keynote by Ellen Ocran, a community engager and advocate for Black youth, who got participants thinking about the connections between music, movement, resistance and collective strength. The evening also included a workshop virtually connecting participants to the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History in Dresden, Ont. 

"Black Joy is not a denial of struggles but a refusal to be defined and limited by them, instead centering joy to change the narrative," said Atala Andratis, teacher consultant in Grand Erie, and part of the team behind the Centre's development and its opening event. "Community plays a crucial role, offering support and reinforcing cultural identity through communal activities like music, dance and storytelling, and educators are vital in this community, providing students with opportunities to develop a sense of belonging and collective strength."

Getting the Centre for Excellence to this stage has been the result of the dedicated efforts and expertise of educators and staff members who have passionately championed the project from its inception, reflected in the opening event. 

"The components of the opening event highlight the interactivity and dynamic potential – and indeed, the intention – behind this learning space," said Lisa Munro, Superintendent of Curriculum and Student Achievement. "It's exciting  to continue this important work together as an educational community that celebrates our differences and harnesses them as a strength."

Look for more programming and events this year, as the Centre for Excellence is animated with the intentions of teaching, learning and belonging, in line with Grand Erie's collective priorities. 

More News

Ford Donation Gives DSS Students Hands-on Experience
Friday, Jan. 17, 2025
Centre for Excellence Opening Event Celebrates Learning, Well-Being and Belonging
Friday, Jan. 17, 2025
News Release: Grand Erie District School Board, Conestoga College announce groundbreaking partnership
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025