We have reached the end of April, marking 65 days remaining in the 2025–2026 school year. I am pleased to present my seventh Inside Education report to the Board, highlighting the many exciting initiatives and achievements from the past month, as well as some to look forward to. As we enter this busy and rewarding time of year, I encourage all members of our school community to remain engaged in learning, continue to demonstrate kindness and respect toward one another and have fun!
Leamington Students Visit Legislative Assembly of Ontario
On April 1st, 2026 Grade 10 students from Leamington District Secondary School had the exciting opportunity to visit the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. During their visit, students learned about the history of the legislative building as well as the impact that current and former members of parliament have had on the province of Ontario. Students attended "Question Period" where they witnessed members debating on important issues.
Their visit was concluded by meeting with Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and a Leamington District Secondary School graduate.
Kennedy Captures WECSSAA, SWOSSAA, and OFSAA Basketball Championship
Congratulations to the Kennedy Clippers boys basketball team on an incredible season. The Clippers captured the WECSSAA, SWOSSAA, and OFSAA Basketball Championships, finishing with an outstanding 23–2 record. They dominated at OFSAA, winning every game by 10+ points. We are incredibly proud of this team and the way they have represented the Greater Essex County District School Board throughout the season.
Student Trustee Foster Featured in Essex Free Press
Student Trustee Foster was recently featured in the Essex Free Press following his re-election for the 2026–2027 school year. The article highlights Cole’s strong commitment to the role, including his focus on supporting students through the Grade 8 to 9 transition and promoting student mental health. Congratulations to Cole on this well-deserved recognition within his community.
Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. at Sandwich West Public School
The senior team had the pleasure of attending another outstanding musical performance at Sandwich West Public School. Produced and directed by retired GECDSB employee Lisa Campbell, this annual production continues to be a highlight of the school year. Congratulations to all students and staff involved in bringing the performance to life, and thank you for once again sharing your talents with us.
The Great Big Crunch
On March 26, McWilliam Public School hosted the Ontario Student Nutrition Program’s annual “Great Big Crunch,” in partnership with members of the Windsor Express Basketball team.
This engaging event provided an opportunity to promote healthy eating habits and raise awareness about the importance of student nutrition, while also recognizing the ongoing contributions of OSNP and its partners.
Students participated in a team-led warm-up session and had the opportunity to engage with Windsor Express players through a question-and-answer period. The event concluded with all participants sharing in a collective “crunch,” reinforcing key messages about healthy food choices in a fun and memorable way.
Robotics Teams Shining Across our Board
Robotics teams from across our system have been featured prominently in the news over the past month. Students from across Ontario gathered at the University of Windsor to compete in the 11th annual Windsor Essex Great Lakes FIRST Robotics Competition. Belle River District High School student Jackson Vickerd was highlighted in news coverage, sharing how participation in robotics helps students build teamwork, leadership, and valuable skills that can support future career pathways.
Looking ahead, the Hetherington RoboHawks will travel to Toronto on May 4 to compete in the Skills Ontario Competition. This year marks a new challenge for the team, as they will be manufacturing their robot on-site for the first time. Since forming in 2018, the RoboHawks have experienced tremendous success in competition, and this event will be another exciting opportunity to showcase their talent and innovation.
Congratulations to all of our robotics teams on their recent success, and best of luck to the RoboHawks as they prepare to compete in May.
*Photos are courtesy of The Windsor Star and CTV Windsor.
FNMI Skilled Trades Event at Riverside Secondary School
On April 14, 2026, 21 Indigenous secondary students participated in an experiential learning event focused on the skilled trades. Students engaged in hands-on activities in areas such as construction, automotive, sewing, and design technology. The event aimed to increase awareness of opportunities in the skilled trades and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), while promoting apprenticeship pathways as viable post-secondary options. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of these experiences in supporting engagement and future career exploration.
The Strings Project at Kiwanis Music Festival
Grades 4, 5 and 6 students from Marlborough and F.W. Begley who are involved in The Strings Project gathered to rehearse for the upcoming Kiwanis Music Festival. This group will take part in their competitive class on Wednesday, April 22nd at Riverside United Church. We wish them all the best on this exciting step in their musical journey!
First Annual Antonino’s Chess Challenge
Talbot Trail Public School recently hosted the First Annual Antonino’s Chess Challenge, an initiative led and organized by Grade 2 teacher Lou DiDonato with support from Grade 8 student volunteers. The tournament welcomed 30 students from Bellewood Public School and featured competition across Grades 2–8. Bellewood students demonstrated strong skill, winning four of seven grade-level championships and earning the Antonino’s Cup. Antonino's generously donated 14 large pizzas, the Antonino’s Cup trophy, embroidered Grade Champion Hoodies, and 70 free pizza slice coupons. Thank you to Mr. DiDonato for organizing this event and to Antonino's for supporting our students!
LaSalle Awards of Excellence - Youth Leadership Award
Angelo Lucier, a Grade 11 student at Sandwich Secondary School, has received the Town of LaSalle’s 2026 Youth Leadership Award. Angelo has been recognized for his strong academic achievement, demonstrated student leadership, and ongoing commitment to volunteerism. Notably, he is the founder of the Orange Bracelet Campaign, an initiative that supports Indigenous youth programs and promotes awareness and community engagement.
Bill 101, Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026
On April 13th, 2026 Minister Calandra introduced the Putting Student Achievement First Act. The Act puts forth significant changes to school board governance structure and responsibilities as well as measures regarding capital projects, communications, learning resources, assessment and bargaining. Currently, the Act is moving through the legislative process. We will share additional details as this process moves forward.
2026 Evening of Excellence
Recipients of the 2025-2026 Outstanding Service and Champions for Education awards will be celebrated alongside employees who have dedicated 30 years of service to the Greater Essex County District School Board on May 14th at Westview Freedom Academy. Doors open at 5:45 P.M. and the program will begin at 6:30 P.M.
2026-2027 School Year Calendars
School year calendars for the 2026-2027 school year have been shared on our website at publicboard.ca/calendars.
Other Significant Dates
- April 24th – Secondary PA Day
- April 29th – Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews
- May 4th - 8th – Staff Appreciation Week
- May 18th – Victoria Day