I am pleased to welcome everyone back from what I hope was a relaxing and enjoyable March Break. This time of year often feels like the final stretch as we work toward the conclusion of another successful school year. As we look ahead to warmer weather and a busy season filled with graduations, proms, exams, scholarship awards and more, I encourage everyone to take a moment to pause and set a positive intention for the months ahead.
I look forward to sharing updates from February and March with you today and I am confident there will be many more exciting milestones to celebrate in the coming months.
VON's Ontario Student Nutrition Program: Fueling our Future Breakfast
On March 5th, 2026 I was pleased to attend Fueling Our Future, a community breakfast hosted by VON’s Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP). The event brought together community partners to celebrate the important role school nutrition programs play in supporting student well-being and success.
Through meaningful conversations, attendees explored opportunities to strengthen leadership, respond to community priorities for children and youth, and promote inclusivity through food. The event highlighted the power of collaboration and the impact that shared commitment can have in building a healthier, more supportive future for students.
Celebration of Construction for the New School in Lakeshore
On March 5th 2026 we hosted a Celebration of Construction to mark an important milestone in the development of the new school being built in the Municipality of Lakeshore. The Province of Ontario has generously provided over $22M in funding for the new school.
I was joined by Trustee Connie Buckler, Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt, members of senior administration, principals from Lakeshore Discovery School and Belle River Public School, as well as dedicated staff from Facilities Services who will lead this project.
Representatives from Alliance General Contracting and Architecttura also joined the celebration and generously provided refreshments.
We are sincerely appreciative of the Government of Ontario, the Municipality of Lakeshore, and all partners whose collaboration will help bring this new school to life. Once opened, the school will stand as a lasting investment in public education and a source of pride for the Lakeshore community for generations to come. The target date for occupancy is September 2027.
Enbridge Cheque Presentation
This month we were pleased to welcome our partners from Enbridge to the Administration building. The board received a cheque for over $142,000.00 in recognition of incentives earned through the board’s energy conservation projects in 2025.
This achievement reflects the dedication of our outstanding Facility Services team, especially our Energy and Environmental Officer, Carly Jacobs, and the strong partnership we share with Enbridge. We remain committed to advancing energy conservation efforts across all of our schools and work sites, while promoting environmental stewardship among our staff and students. Thank you to Enbridge for the visit and for recognizing this important work.
Student Trustees
After an election held at the Administration Office, we are pleased to introduce the Greater Essex County District School Board’s 2026–2027 Student Trustees!
I am pleased to share that Cole Foster has been re-elected to represent the Board’s county secondary school population! Mira Tayeh, a Grade 10 student from Walkerville Collegiate Institute, has been elected to represent the Board’s city secondary school population. Their term begins August 1st, 2026. Congratulations, Mira and Cole!
WindsorEssex Community Foundation KidStart Grant
On behalf of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, I am pleased to inform you that the Greater Essex County District School Board has been awarded a grant of $1,200 for KidStart.
KidStart Grants provide the opportunity for elementary classes to create projects that positively impact their community. The program offers hands-on, real-world learning, helping students build skills in planning, teamwork, and problem-solving while making a meaningful difference beyond the classroom.
New Outdoor Space at Eastview Horizon Public School
I am pleased to share that a generous donation of $42,000 from a member of our community has supported the creation of a new outdoor learning and play space within the Kindergarten wing at Eastview Horizon Public School. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution, which will enrich the learning experiences of students today and for years to come.
St. Clair College’s GET SKILLED Skills Competition
It is with great excitement that we share the success of Greater Essex County District School Board students at St. Clair College’s GET SKILLED Skills Competition. Once again, our technological education programs have demonstrated their ability to develop exceptional skills and provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents. We are proud to announce that 12 GECDSB students earned medals in the competitions.
Congratulations to all 37 GECDSB competitors for their outstanding effort and impressive display of skills. Each participating student received a certificate of recognition and $500 in potential scholarship funding, with SHSM students eligible for up to $1,500 in scholarships if they choose to enroll in a program at St. Clair College in fall 2026.
Vincent Massey Secondary School Roof Construction
During the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 summer months, the roof at Vincent Massey will undergo construction. Currently, the roof at Vincent Massey is comprised of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a lightweight form of concrete commonly used in roof, floor, cladding, and wall construction from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. This material has been used in many other school boards across Ontario.
Due to age and other factors, certain areas of the school’s roof need to be replaced. Similar work is being carried out at other schools across the province.
Phase 1 will begin in July 2026 and is expected to be completed by September 2026. Phase 2 will begin in July 2027 and is expected to extend into the 2027-2028 school year. Staff have been informed at an all-staff meeting and the community has been informed via letter. Facility services also hosted a community information session at the school on March 12th, 2026.
It is safe to be in schools with RAAC roofs. If at any time a potential safety concern is identified, our Facility Services and Health and Safety departments will promptly assess the situation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Staff Twinning!
As the Director of Education it is always my goal to ensure our teams are aligned and collaborative in their day-to-day work, but Superintendent Mills and Superintendent Bell are taking this direction to the next level. I wish I could say this is an isolated incident but "twin days" happen fairly regularly at the Administration office!
Olympic Enthusiasm
Across the system, schools and staff embraced the excitement of the Olympics with enthusiasm. Classrooms brought the Games to life through lessons connected to math, literacy, science, physical education and more. From watch parties to lively discussions, students and staff came together to cheer on Team Canada, proudly showing their red and white spirit and building a strong sense of community across our schools.
Revisions to Grades 7, 8 and 10 History Curriculum (2026)
The Minister of Education has approved updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum, taking effect in the 2026-27 school year. The updated curriculum is now available to parents, educators, and students on the Curriculum and Resources website.
The intention of issuing the curriculum now is to give educators as much time as possible to familiarize themselves with the new learning in advance of implementation in the 2026-27 school year. Parent overviews are available for Grades 7 and 8, as well as for Grade 10.
Significant Events and Cultural Observances
Passover - From April 1st to 9th, the Jewish community will celebrate Passover. Passover is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Israelites in ancient Egypt. Happy Passover to all those who will celebrate!
Good Friday and Easter - From Friday, April 3rd to Monday, April 6th many Christians will celebrate Easter, marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Happy Easter to all those who will celebrate! All schools and facilities will be closed during this time.