A Message from the Director of Education: Lead, Learn & Inspire Monthly Bulletin

Friday, Apr. 04, 2025

Grand Erie Families,

It’s officially spring and we’re looking forward to warmer weather. This is a final reminder to secondary school families that Thursday, April 10 will be the second and final Student Learning Support Day. These days are an opportunity for any student to catch up on work or redo assignments to improve marks. There will be no regularly scheduled classes on these days.

At the March 24 board meeting, three new student leaders were officially welcomed and will take their seats at the boardroom table next year. Members of the Student Senate recently elected Prabhsidak Singh to represent students in Brantford and Brant County, Harper Thompson to represent learners in Haldimand and Norfolk counties, and Ryleigh Staats, elected through a process of consensus-building to represent Indigenous students across Grand Erie. 

This month, I'd like to recognize a few staff and students:

Education in Simcoe is evolving. To better meet the community’s needs, renovations to Elgin Avenue Public School will transform the space into a vibrant hub and bring together learners from West Lynn and Elgin Avenue public schools. Now is your chance to submit your best ideas for a new school name.

Recently, School Mental Health Ontario announced a free expert-led webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours.

This time of year, also brings a focus to the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments for Grades 3, 6, and 9 students, and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) for Grade 10 students. Families can leverage EQAO practice materials to help students familiarize themselves with the assessment’s format. The Ministry of Education also recommends tutoring services such as TVO Mathify and Eurêka for extra support and practice.

In April, we celebrate EA Appreciation Day (April 2), School Librarian Day (April 4), and Administrative Professionals Day (April 23). The month also recognizes Earth Month, Financial Literacy Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Latin-America History Month, Sikh Heritage Month, and World Autism Month, along with many other days of significance.

At the end of the month, from April 27 to May 3, it’s National Volunteer Week. We thank all volunteers who enhance all aspects of school life to benefit students. There are many ways to contribute to your child’s education and school community, and volunteering is a great way to stay connected.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a strong finish for the 2024-25 school year!

Dr. JoAnna Roberto, Ph.D
Director of Education and Secretary of the Board
Grand Erie District School Board

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