Ready, set, Kindergarten! Grand Erie prepares to welcome the future class of 2036 with registration now open

THURSDAY, JAN. 6, 2022

Elementary schools across Grand Erie are ready to welcome the newest class of young learners next September, with Kindergarten registration now open. Parents of children who will be four years old by the end of 2022 will want to note timelines and required information to ensure a seamless start to their child’s schooling in September.

"Kindergarten lays the foundation for future success by building literacy and numeracy skills, promoting social and emotional development, and allowing children to explore, work together and contribute," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "As a result, children become confident, involved learners with a strong sense of who they are in the world."

Parents of soon-to-be Kindergarten students can visit Grand Erie’s Kindergarten Registration page for more details about the process. This includes finding their child’s home school, which documents are required for registration, transportation information, community resources, and before-and-after-school programs.

“We are ready and excited to welcome the next generation of students to experience the culture of learning, well-being and belonging we are striving to create across all of our schools," said Susan Gibson, Chair of Grand Erie District School Board. "Grand Erie is a great place to start your child’s educational adventure.”

Parents interested in Grand Erie’s French Immersion program have until Friday, February 4 to apply to be eligible for a spot through a randomized selection process. New students who currently have a sibling in the program are guaranteed a spot, however, registration is still required.

Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 25,000 students in 58 elementary schools and 14 secondary schools within the City of Brantford and the counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk as well as students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. With a dedicated staff of more than 2,500, Grand Erie is committed to learning, leading and inspiring. 

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.