Grand Erie Finalizes Transition Deadlines for Elementary and Secondary Students Planning to Switch Modes of Learning
The next and final opportunity for parents/guardians and students to make a change to their current mode of learning amid the pandemic will be February 2021, a decision made to best support the continuity of learning for students and staff.
“This has been a very unpredictable time, but after reviewing the timelines for the remainder of the school year, the hope is that this offers families a chance to switch from either in-class or online learning if they wish, while ensuring as much stability as possible,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “Despite the challenges this year has presented, our educators’ efforts – both in the classroom and in the virtual space – have continued to focus on students’ safety, achievement and well-being, and we commend them for that.”
Families wishing to make the change from in-class to online, or vice versa, can expect communication from their child’s school, with a link shared in order to provide a final declaration. The deadline for secondary students is January 6, to begin classes in the new mode of learning for the start of Quadmester 3 on February 2. The deadline for elementary students is January 13, with a February 16 start date in the new mode of learning.
There are currently more than 4,500 students in Grand Erie’s Virtual Academy. The Board represents nearly 18,000 students in 58 elementary schools and more than 7,300 students in 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.
Director JoAnna Roberto shared this message with Grand Erie students, families and staff on December 1, 2020.
Grand Opening of the Snoezelen Room
Elgin Avenue Public School welcomed staff, students and community to the Grand Opening of the Snoezelen Room on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
On hand for this special occasion was Chair of the Board Carol Ann Sloat, Trustee Rita Collver and Superintendent Liana Thompson as well as several members of the community that contributed to the fundraising, and Elgin staff members.
Allie Richardson (teacher of students with autism), Lori Minarik (EA working with students with autism) and Samantha Nicholson (Principal) worked together for over three and a half years to fundraise for this $30,000 project. The Elgin community, parents, local charities and the Grand Erie District School Board all came together to make this project a huge success.
A Snoezelen Room is a multi-sensory environment that provides a controlled, safe, relaxing space for individuals with a variety of sensory needs. The room is set up to give individuals a positive space where they can meet their specific needs in a calming atmosphere. This atmosphere helps in reducing fear, anxieties, repetitive behaviour, self-abusive behaviour and aggressive behaviour so that students are better able to learn. Students at Elgin in both self-contained classes and in the regular classes will be able to access the room to help meet their sensory needs.
According to Seth, a student who accesses the room daily, “It is the best room ever!!!”
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