Grand Erie Honours Orange Shirt Day and Marks First Year of English Course Focused on Indigenous-Authored Works

There may not be the usual school-wide activities to mark Orange Shirt Day (September 30) this year, but Grand Erie District School Board is finding new ways to mark the day, which recognizes the trauma caused by Canada’s residential school system and its lasting intergenerational legacy.

“Providing opportunities to learn about our collective histories and develop understanding within our school communities is crucial to Grand Erie’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “Part of ensuring students feel a sense of belonging means making sure they see themselves reflected in the curriculum.”

To help meet that goal, the decision was made last year to implement an English course for Grade 11 students in each pathway, focused on Indigenous-authored works of literature. Following consultation with local Indigenous Education staff, Indigenous communities, secondary school administrators and the Student Success team, the course (Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices) is now being taught across Grand Erie. Part of that consultation created a list of texts, with each school choosing which works to study. Authors include Richard Wagamese, Drew Hayden Taylor, and Sara General, a local author from Six Nations of the Grand River.

While many English departments across Grand Erie had been including Indigenous-authored content in courses already, implementing the Grade 11 course ensures every student experiences an Indigenous point of view through the rich works of literature available before graduating. This year, the learning will be taking place both in the classroom and online, as teachers adjust Orange Shirt Day and the lessons it imparts to each mode of delivery.

Grand Erie’s Multi-Year Plan includes Equity as one of six indicators to guide the work of realizing Success for Every Student, and promotes practices that help students, families, and staff feel safe, welcomed, and included.

Healthy Bites Success for Graham Bell-Victoria Students

Graham Bell-Victoria School has been presented with a GOLD award of recognition and achievement in the Healthy Bites Program. The staff and students have worked hard and enjoyed the “fruits” of their labour as they have now been recognized with GOLD!

Throughout the year, Sonia Martin, school health nurse with the Brant County Health Unit, has lead our staff and students in a variety of healthy eating awareness activities. These included a Mystery Fruit and Vegetable contest, a trivia question in the monthly newsletter, and healthy fruit and vegetable snacks every Friday. These tasty treats, prepared by the grade 4-5 class were a big hit and helped us learn about the benefits of eating healthy.

Next year the program will be expanded to Healthy Steps and Healthy Bites, a program in which we will learn about and practice healthy eating and healthy activity. Congratulations, Graham Bell!

Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification

The Grand Erie District School Board recognizes the importance of school success for Aboriginal students. Our dedicated staff members are committed to improving services and programs for Aboriginal students attending school in the Board.

With a goal to improve the school experience for all Aboriginal students, the Board encourages the development of strong partnerships with Aboriginal families, communities and organizations, both on and off the reserve.

Through the Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification process, Aboriginal parents and students will have access to additional support services, including educational, social, and emotional supports that focus and foster Aboriginal identity, culture and values.

There are three categories of Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification – First Nation, Métis, or Inuit.

Your child may bring a GEDSB Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification form home or if not, you can contact your child’s school to receive a form. You can also, visit the Aboriginal Education section under the Program tab at www.granderie.ca for more information and a copy of the Voluntary Self-Identification form.