Simcoe Composite Secondary School
A natural feature that traverses the region and a local trailblazer in the history of education will inspire learners for generations to come as the Grand Erie District School Board announced the names for two new elementary schools currently under construction. During the board meeting on Monday, April 28, Trustees made Grand River Public School and Blanche E. Williams Public School official.
“Each of these names reflects Grand Erie’s commitment to learning, well-being and belonging, and serves to remind us of our collective identity and aspirations as a community,” said Susan Gibson, Board Chair, of the school names selected following a process of public consultation. “We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their ideas as part of this process and know these names will serve as symbols of our commitment to inclusivity and excellence in education.”
“A name is the first chapter in the story of a school and the rest of that story will be reflected in the aspirations and bright futures of the students who pass through those doors,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “Thank you to the dedicated staff members who led this process including Mark Fraser, future principal of Grand River Public School, and Dina Atanas, future principal of Blanche E. Williams Public School, and to the school communities for their enthusiastic participation.”
The Grand River was a popular source of inspiration for students, families, staff and community members in Caledonia who helped select the moniker for the school set to open its doors this coming September. The Grand River holds cultural, historical and environmental importance in the community, and is part of the Haldimand Tract granted to the Six Nations of the Grand River under the Haldimand Proclamation of 1784.
“By naming the school after the Grand River, the board aligns with these rich educational opportunities and encourages students to explore and appreciate this important watershed,” said Julie White, Superintendent of Education, whose role supports elementary schools in Haldimand County. “The river holds tremendous ecological and cultural significance in this region, and many feel a strong sense of pride and personal connection to it.”
In the West Brant neighbourhood of Brantford, the new elementary school, slated to welcome students in September 2026, will honour the legacy of Blanche E. Williams. The Brantford resident made headlines in the 1880s for being one of the first Black women in Canada to attend university with the same privileges as white students. She studied in Brantford at the educational institution now known as Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School before being accepted to the University of Toronto.
“With education as the path to transformation, Blanche Williams interrupted racial barriers and showed us what’s possible,” said Liana Thompson, Superintendent of Education, whose role supports elementary schools in the Brantford area. “Naming our school after her is a celebration not only of her groundbreaking achievements, but her story inspires all of us to be courageous, strong and to persevere to achieve our dreams.”
The process of determining a name for each school began last year, with suggestions – and an accompanying rationale – gathered from community members this winter. Submissions for each school were then taken to a naming committee. The committee members reviewed submissions and sought input from staff, students and community members to narrow the list, and provided a recommendation to the superintendent overseeing each school, followed by the Board of Trustees’ approval.
A natural feature that traverses the region and a local trailblazer in the history of education will inspire learners for generations to come as the Grand Erie District School Board announced the names for two new elementary schools currently under construction. During the board meeting on Monday, April 28, Trustees made Grand River Public School and Blanche E. Williams Public School official.
“Each of these names reflects Grand Erie’s commitment to learning, well-being and belonging, and serves to remind us of our collective identity and aspirations as a community,” said Susan Gibson, Board Chair, of the school names selected following a process of public consultation. “We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their ideas as part of this process and know these names will serve as symbols of our commitment to inclusivity and excellence in education.”
“A name is the first chapter in the story of a school and the rest of that story will be reflected in the aspirations and bright futures of the students who pass through those doors,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “Thank you to the dedicated staff members who led this process including Mark Fraser, future principal of Grand River Public School, and Dina Atanas, future principal of Blanche E. Williams Public School, and to the school communities for their enthusiastic participation.”
The Grand River was a popular source of inspiration for students, families, staff and community members in Caledonia who helped select the moniker for the school set to open its doors this coming September. The Grand River holds cultural, historical and environmental importance in the community, and is part of the Haldimand Tract granted to the Six Nations of the Grand River under the Haldimand Proclamation of 1784.
“By naming the school after the Grand River, the board aligns with these rich educational opportunities and encourages students to explore and appreciate this important watershed,” said Julie White, Superintendent of Education, whose role supports elementary schools in Haldimand County. “The river holds tremendous ecological and cultural significance in this region, and many feel a strong sense of pride and personal connection to it.”
In the West Brant neighbourhood of Brantford, the new elementary school, slated to welcome students in September 2026, will honour the legacy of Blanche E. Williams. The Brantford resident made headlines in the 1880s for being one of the first Black women in Canada to attend university with the same privileges as white students. She studied in Brantford at the educational institution now known as Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School before being accepted to the University of Toronto.
“With education as the path to transformation, Blanche Williams interrupted racial barriers and showed us what’s possible,” said Liana Thompson, Superintendent of Education, whose role supports elementary schools in the Brantford area. “Naming our school after her is a celebration not only of her groundbreaking achievements, but her story inspires all of us to be courageous, strong and to persevere to achieve our dreams.”
The process of determining a name for each school began last year, with suggestions – and an accompanying rationale – gathered from community members this winter. Submissions for each school were then taken to a naming committee. The committee members reviewed submissions and sought input from staff, students and community members to narrow the list, and provided a recommendation to the superintendent overseeing each school, followed by the Board of Trustees’ approval.
