Board News

On June 13, the Grand Erie District School Board welcomed the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, to the Innovation Hub @ Grand Erie, located in North Park Collegiate and Vocational School, for a first-hand look at the Police Resource Outreach Supporting Education (PROSE™) program in action.

From an evidence-based review and shaped by students, staff, police and community feedback, PROSE™ represents a partnership among Grand Erie schools, the Brantford Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police in Brant, Norfolk and Haldimand counties. The program is grounded in relationship-building, trust, and a shared commitment to student well-being and belonging.

“In Grand Erie, we've intentionally moved to ensure this program is grounded in learning,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education with Grand Erie. “This refreshed approach is about officers not just being in schools—but being in classrooms: co-planning and co-teaching. It’s about sharing expertise and helping students engage deeply in topics ranging from law and justice to community safety.”

During the visit, Minister Calandra participated in a co-taught lesson facilitated by Constable Kelsie Annaert and Jason Hall, program consultant and lead PROSE™ curriculum writer, with focus on modern policing. Eight Grade 9 to 12 courses were identified in the Ontario curriculum as having expectations connected to PROSE™. Currently, five modules have been released:

• Internet Safety, Online Behaviour and Consequences (Grade 9 Health and Physical Education)
• Consent (Grade 9 Health and Physical Education)
• Types of Violence, Strategies and Consequences (Grade 10 Civics and Grade 10 Careers)
• Human Trafficking (Grade 9 Health and Physical Education)
• Modern Policing (Grade 11 Understanding Canadian Law) 
  

“The presence of dedicated officers in our schools helps lay the foundation for safer spaces, stronger relationships, and meaningful mentorship. PROSE is about more than safety — it’s about being present, building trust, and working together to support student success. We sincerely thank the Minister of Education for visiting the school and seeing firsthand the positive impact this program is making,” said Jason Saunders, Chief of Police with Brantford Police Services.

Notes Roberto, “The PROSE™ program is about lasting relationships and real-world relevance from the classroom to the community.”