Labour Update

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

On Wednesday, we advised you that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), issued a strike notice that means, if an agreement is not reached between the Province and CUPE, CUPE will go on strike beginning Monday, November 21.

If this strike occurs, all Grand Erie schools will be closed to students, and we will move to full (synchronous) remote learning for all students.

We know this is not welcome news, and we understand the impact this will have on families. Without CUPE workers in our schools, we could not ensure safe conditions for students. The decision to close schools to students is a difficult one but required for overall student safety and security.

Negotiations will continue through the weekend between CUPE and the Province, and our hope is that they reach an agreement and disruption for students and families is avoided. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available. We will also provide updates on the Grand Erie website (www.granderie.ca), and social channels (Facebook: Grand Erie District School Board, Twitter: @GEDSB)
 

Why are you closing schools if teachers are not on strike?

CUPE represents more than 920 school board staff, including Educational Assistants, Communicative Disorder Assistants, Food Technicians, Clerical (school and central board staff), Library technicians, Information Technology staff, Custodial and Maintenance. They play a vital, daily role supporting student success, safety and the effective operations of our schools and facilities.
 

If there is a strike

All Grand Erie schools will move to full (synchronous) remote learning. Educators will reach out to their students with information on access and timing to participate in remote learning.

A strike will not impact ongoing virtual or elearning instruction, or programs that are run out of facilities other than Grand Erie schools, including students who participate in off-site learning programs through GELA, NATIONS/New Start programs, or employer-based co-op programs.

Prior to the move to remote learning, please make sure any necessary items your child(ren) may have at school (personal items, medication, etc.) are taken home.
 

If you/your child needs a device for online learning

We have the results of a survey recently shared with families to understand technology needs. Staff are working to get that information and devices to our schools. Families will be able to pick up needed devices at their school on Friday afternoon, November 18. Please note, at this time we are able to provide one device (if needed) per family. For students that require SEA technology, these will also be sent home. Families who requested a device for internet connectivity will be contacted by the school when they arrive mid next week.

Your school will reach out to you directly with more details about distribution of devices.
 

What about childcare or before/after care?

The closing of our schools also means that before and aftercare at school facilities will be closed as well, along with EarlyON centres. Childcare centres will likely remain open; however, parents/caregivers should contact their childcare centre directly for more up-to-date information.
 

Why are some of my friends’/relatives’ children still attending school?

Some school boards have few or no CUPE staff. Grand Erie has 920, and without CUPE workers in our schools, we could not ensure safe conditions for students. We could not be sure of supervision and support for all students, safe operation of water and sanitation systems, or clean conditions in our schools. The decision to close schools to students is a difficult one but required for overall student safety and security.

Get Out / Get Active - Colour House Event at Mohawk Park

The whole school participated in our Get Out/Get Active day on Monday, April 24th at Mohawk Park. Students played together in multi-grade Colour House groups as they rotated through 6 stations (scavenger hunt, parachute games, obstacle course, mural painting, play structure and snack). The weather was perfect for some exercise, team building, and co-operative learning.

Pink Shirt Day - February 22, 2017

The students of Echo Place School participated in several activities last month to educate and inspire our students to stand up against bullying and create a welcome, inclusive and safe school environment. Classes worked together to create posters that are now proudly displayed in our hallways.

They also worked in Colour House groups to create a welcome tree at our front entrance. Each student traced their handprint on coloured paper and wrote how they make this school a safe and kind place for everyone. On February 22, our school participated in Pink Shirt Day and classes presented stories and pledges at our school assembly, to share their understanding of the impact that bullying has, and why we will stand up against it.

The Amazing Math Race

On Tuesday, November 29th several families gathered in the gym to participate in our first Amazing Math Race.

Each family was given a passport and travelled from room to room solving fun math challenges. Each page of the passport was given a stamp when the challenge in that room was completed. When the passports were filled, the families returned to the gym for their prizes.

Everyone enjoyed cake, juice and coffee and all families received valuable resources to support their child's math learning at home. It was a great event.

Echo Place News for October 28, 2016

By Mr. Roberts Grade 6/7 class

Click to View the Echo Place News Report

Missing – Sound system

The sound system we use at assemblies for our microphone and to amplify our slide shows has gone missing from the stage area in our gym. The last time it was used was at our last assembly, on Sept. 30th. We have looked high and low, but have be unable to locate our system. It consists of a large amplifier, with multiple knobs and two large speakers. It is a Fender Passport 150 Pro. We are hopeful that if this system has been take out of the school, someone will spot it and let us know. The staff and students are all very sad that our only system has gone missing.

If you have any information about our sound system, please call 905-753-2931

Let's Chalk!

Echo Place Students participate in Let's Chalk Event

Friendship Bench

Our Friendship Bench is created in memory of Mrs. Linington and Mrs. Kauk, who were friends to everyone at Echo Place. This bench will be placed outside in our school yard, and will be used as a place for children to go when they need a friend. Several students from each classroom helped decorate the bench by supplying their painted handprints.

Golden Dustpan Award

At the end of each month, Ms. Reading (Custodian) will award the cleanest classroom with the Golden Dustpan Award. This month, Ms. Mancini and Mrs. Grandpre's JK/SK class was the winner. They will proudly display their trophy in the classroom for the following month.

At the end of the school year, the classroom that won the Golden Dustpan the most times will win a special surprise.

"We Believe In Clean"

September 2016 Golden Dustpan Award Winner: Mrs. Wainwright's Grade 4/5 Class (below)

February 2016 Golden Dustpan Award Winners: Ms Mancini (in for Mrs. Springett) and Mrs. Grandpre's JK/SK Class (below)

January 2016 Golden Dustpan Award Winners: Mrs. Mussi's Grade 1 class (below)

December 2015 Golden Dustpan Award Winners: Mrs. Woodley's Grade 2 class (below)

November 2015 Golden Dustpan Award Winners: Mrs. Springett and Mrs. Grandpre's JK/SK class (below)

October 2015 Golden Dustpan Award Winners: Ms. Barrett's JK/SK class (below)

September 2015 Golden Dustpan Award Winners: Mrs. Mussi's Grade 1 class (below)