A Message from the Chief Executive Officer: Lead, Learn & Inspire Monthly Bulletin

Grand Erie Families,

As we conclude the school year, we are proud of the many successes achieved throughout the year. From academic achievements, acts of leadership and vibrant extracurricular success, the 2025-26 school year has been filled with moments that make Grand Erie a special place.

This month, I'd like to recognize a few students, employees and events:

• Pauline Johnson Collegiate Students get Hooked on Raising Trout in School's Science Lab
• Storytellers Recognized in Laurier Stedman Competition
• Cayuga Secondary Student Publishes Debut Fantasy Novel
• Thunderbird Festival Celebrates Culture, Community and Student Leadership
• Experiencing Lacrosse Through Culture and Community Partnership
• Brantford Students, Alum Recognized by Brantford Sports Council
• Three Grand Erie Students Heading to Shad Summer Program
• Cayuga Secondary's Relay for Life a Record-Breaking Success

And there are many more! Please look back at the highlights from the Fall and Winter.

Last month, we recognized Hiram Pitawanakwat-Miller, a Grade 10 student at Hagersville Secondary School, and Morgan Smyth, an alum of Mount Pleasant School and Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School, with Learn Lead Inspire awards. Hiram has made a meaningful impact within the school community through his involvement in the Land-Based Learning program and the values it upholds. Smyth helped develop the world’s first personal computer, the MCM/70, in 1974.

Learning Updates and Reminders:

• Registration for Kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year continues. As parents/caregivers prepare for a major transition, our caring educators and staff are ready to welcome your child to Kindergarten.
• Whether it’s Reach Ahead credits for Grade 7 and 8 students or eLearning courses for secondary students, students can now register and participate in summer learning.
• Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations students can also complete a Reach Ahead credit in one of three Indigenous language courses.
• The Indigenous Education Team is offering in-person support for summer secondary e-learning courses.
• Students may begin to accumulate volunteer hours in the summer between Grade 8 and Grade 9 as part of their high school graduation requirement.
• Starting in 2026-27, students must complete a Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students will complete this requirement as part of their compulsory Grade 10 Career Studies course.
• On June 19, to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, students will explore The Path Forward at the annual Sharing Our Voices event with presentations and performances.

New Initiatives

• June 12: Deadline to nominate Grad Erie alumni for the Hall of Distinction
• June 13: Strides for Students event. Each stride will help remove barriers to ensure all learners have the support, resources, and opportunities to succeed in school.
• August 5: The Grand Erie Learning Open at MontHill Golf and Country Club. 

Resources:

• Pride Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
• Transition Resource Guide to support students with disabilities as they explore different pathways for life after high school. 
• 5 everyday tips for a mentally healthy summer break
• FIFA World Cup 2026 Soccer Activity Booklet
  

Finally, a reminder that Grand Erie’s 2026-27 School Year Calendars are available.

I hope students, employees and families enjoy the remaining weeks of the school year. I wish you a safe and enjoyable summer. We look forward to reconnecting in September for a new school year.

Dr. JoAnna Roberto
Chief Executive Officer
Grand Erie District School Board

Important Upcoming Dates

View a full list of days of significance and Grand Erie events.