Inside Education: December 2025

We have arrived at the final Board meeting of 2025, and I am pleased to present the third edition of Inside Education. This edition highlights many exciting developments from the past month, as well as the work and initiatives we look forward to in 2026. As always, I share this report with sincere gratitude and appreciation for the staff and students of the Greater Essex County District School Board, whose dedication and efforts make all of this possible.

2024-2025 Director's Annual Report

I am pleased to share the 2024–2025 Director’s Annual Report, which has been included in this evening’s Board package. This report reflects the significant work undertaken throughout the school year, much of which occurs behind the scenes and in classrooms across the system, directly supporting the success and well-being of students and staff throughout the Greater Essex County District School Board. As always, I am immensely proud of this work and appreciate the opportunity to share it with you this evening.

Trustee Christie Nelson Named One of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Honourees for 2026

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Trustee Christie Nelson, who has been named one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women honourees for 2026. Christie is a passionate advocate in our community, dedicated to making a positive impact as the co-founder of Family Fuse and through her many other contributions, including her role as a Trustee with the Greater Essex County District School Board.

Each year, the honourees are recognized through the publication of their stories in the book 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women. Please join me in congratulating Christie on this well-deserved recognition.

Travel for Credit

Travel for Credit is a partnership between the Greater Essex County District School Board and EF Educational Tours Canada. Last year, students travelled to the United Kingdom where they explored various locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and more, earning their Grade 12 English credit. 

This year, students have the opportunity to sign up for the United Kingdom trip or they may consider earning a French credit in France. Visit publicboard.ca/travelforcredit to learn more.

CO-OP Event with the Windsor Express Basketball Team

Update on the New Elementary School in Lakeshore

The Board has entered into an agreement with Alliance General Contracting of Windsor to begin construction on the new elementary school in Lakeshore. Additional details regarding the construction timeline, as well as plans for a Celebration of Construction, will be brought forward in the near future. We look forward to moving ahead with this exciting project and welcoming a new school for students and staff in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

Continuing to Visit Grade 8 Classrooms 

On November 28th, I visited four additional elementary schools to meet with their Grade 8 classes: LaSalle, Talbot Trail, Southwood and Bellewood. I was honoured to speak with and listen to the incredibly articulate and respectful students at each of these schools. Their questions were thoughtful and their hopes and fears were consistent with what we have heard at the other schools we have visited.

This exercise has been tremendously valuable for me and for our senior team. We now have a deeper understanding of the thought process students use when selecting the secondary school they will attend and we will use this information as we plan for Grade 8 registration next year.

We have two more Grade 8 Information Nights in 2026 -  January 14th at Erie Migration District School and January 15th at Essex District High School. 

School Board's Co-operative Inc. Southwest Tour

I was pleased to welcome Sari Taha, CEO of the School Board Co-operative Inc. (SBCI), along with members of his team, to our office on December 1, 2025. During their visit, they met with members of our Human Resources and Health and Safety teams, as well as Superintendent of Business, Shelley Armstrong.

SBCI partners with Ontario school boards to support positive employee relationships and workplace experiences, including attendance management, health and safety, and workers’ compensation. During the visit, the SBCI team commended the work being done by our staff and shared that our Board is often cited as an example of effective practice when they meet with other school boards across the province.

Chef Adelina DeBlasis Accepts the 2025 Culinary Federation Windsor's Hospitality Award of Excellence

The Culinary Federation Windsor hosted its 2025 President’s Ball and Awards Gala on December 1, celebrating excellence in the local culinary and hospitality industry. The Hospitality Award of Excellence was presented to the Greater Essex County District School Board’s Community Kitchen Enhanced Cooking Program, led by educator Adelina DeBlasis.

Students attended the event alongside Ms. DeBlasis, enjoying fine dining, connecting with local chefs and industry leaders, and celebrating the achievement together. Adelina shared, “My students inspire me every day. They make me laugh, they make me proud, and they remind me that learning can be delicious, messy, and meaningful all at once.”

Massey Children's Holiday Party

On Saturday, December 6, Massey hosted its Annual Children’s Holiday Party. A total of 245 volunteers and 52 student executives welcomed hundreds of students from Prince Edward, Queen Victoria, Frank W. Begley, General Brock, and West Gate Public Schools to a fun-filled event featuring crafts, cookie decorating, physical activities, and more. 

In advance of the event, Massey students organized a fundraiser, with all proceeds dedicated to planning the celebration and purchasing a gift for every student who attended. This truly heartwarming event was made possible by an extraordinary group of students, whose hard work and dedication were evident in every detail of the experience.

Tecumseh Family of Schools Afterschool Event