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

Friday, Oct 10, 2025

Grand Erie Families,

As we head into the long weekend, I want to reflect on the power of gratitude. At Grand Erie, we are grateful for students, staff and families for your partnership, your trust, and the many ways you contribute to creating caring, supportive school communities. 

This weekend, I hope you find meaningful time with the people who matter most. In her book What Does it Mean to be Present?, Rana DiOrio shares, “Unplug, relax and live in the moment.”

We have officially entered commencement season. Many Grand Erie secondary schools are hosting their graduations in the next few and we look forward to celebrating your success.

Each month, the Learn Lead Inspire Recognition Awards honour the students, staff members and community members whose daily efforts contribute to Grand Erie’s collective goals and priorities in building a culture of learning, well-being and belonging. On September 22, Lisa-Marie Monteiro and Janetta Rogers from Walter Gretzky Elementary School were recognized for fostering a responsive, inclusive school community. A group of volunteers from École Confédération were also recognized for coming together to support literacy learning for more than 70 students.

In Grand Erie, our focus is to support and enhance literacy learning in the classroom and at home through a variety of engaging and interactive tools. We have compiled literacy resources to foster your child’s learning and support their growth.

Did you know that 19 absences equal 10 per cent of the school year? Research shows that academic success in school is directly related to student attendance. The Grand Erie Attendance Strategy will increase parent and caregiver awareness and engagement in supporting and promoting attendance, and support robust, inclusive and collaborative strategies to address complex barriers to student attendance.

If you’re nearby the Norfolk Fair this weekend, check out the Learning Services team who are hosting a You Belong Here booth to promote all Grand Erie secondary schools. On Tuesday at Young Canada Day, Delhi District Secondary School reclaimed the winner’s circle.

Grand Erie secondary schools are moving from board-wide Student Learning Support Days to Flex Days, which are scheduled by individual teachers. These will take place for all secondary classes between preliminary reports (October 14 and 17) and mid-term reports (November 13 and 17). Flex Days offer students an additional opportunity to demonstrate their learning based on the course material covered to date. Students can use this time to complete or submit assigned work or to plan with teachers for credit recovery in current courses. Teachers will share specific dates directly with students. If you have questions, please contact your school.

On October 23, we will host a School Council Orientation to help new and returning members perform their duties effectively and empower parents/caregivers to make a difference for the students in their schools. Following the orientation, the Grand Erie Parent Involvement Committee (GEPIC) and Indigenous Education Advisory Committee will host a virtual event featuring Chandra Maracle and James Whetung as they explore food as a living expression of relationship with land, community, and treaty responsibilities. GEPIC will also host its first meeting, beginning at 7:30 p.m., with in-person and virtual options available.

On October 29, join us for the book launch of Beneath the Surface by Gimaa (Chief) R. Stacy Laforme. The event will be an invitation to look deeper, listen differently and understand one another better. This collection isn’t just poetry, it carries the stories behind the words, and some thoughts on leadership and the world we live in.

As today is World Mental Health Day, I want to highlight a webinar from School Mental Health Ontario focused on technology overuse and problematic gaming. Together, we can support the mental health of every student.

Wishing you a restful, and thankful long weekend.

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Dr. JoAnna Roberto, PhD

Director of Education-CEO and Secretary of the Board
Grand Erie District School Board

Important Upcoming Dates

  • October 10: World Mental Health Day
  • October 11: International Day of the Girl Child
  • October 13: Thanksgiving Day (No school)
  • October 14 to 20: Local Government Week
  • October 19 to 25: Invisible Disabilities Week
  • October 21: Child Care Worker and ECE Day
  • October 22: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
  • October 25: Dress Purple Day
  • October 29: Digital Citizen Day

View a full list of days of significance and Grand Erie events.

More News

BCI Mustangs win AABHN baseball championship
Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025
Conestoga, Grand Erie celebrate Tollgate grand opening
Monday, Oct 27, 2025
Cayuga Secondary hosts Special Olympics Ontario bocce tournament
Friday, Oct 24, 2025