Excellence in Service Awards
OCTE Conference
From May 7th to 9th, the Ontario Council for Technology Education held its Spring 2026 Technological Education Conference in Windsor. The conference featured over 100 workshops, sessions and tours, including contributions from GECDSB educators Justin St. Pierre, Bill Fetter, Trent Durocher, and Chris Gosselin.
I was honoured to speak at the event and to welcome colleagues from across the province to Windsor-Essex.
Congratulations to Trent Durocher, recipient of the 2026 OCTE Technological Education Leadership Award, and to Logan Kane, who accepted an OCTE Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Carpenters’ Regional Council. We are incredibly proud of them for this recognition and the meaningful partnership we continue to build with UBC Local 494.
In keeping with its tradition of supporting host communities, OCTE selected Fight Like Mason and John McGivney as local organizations to receive charitable donations.
Health and Safety Week
Health, Wellness and Safety Week took place from April 28th to May 5th, 2026. Ceremonies were held at schools and workplaces on May 5th to commemorate the Workers Day of Mourning, with flags lowered and a moment of silence observed. All Grade 10 students completed the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development’s Workers Health and Safety Awareness Training, and staff were invited to attend a Health, Wellness and Safety Symposium on April 30th. Grade 11 and 12 students at Essex District High School participated in a Health and Safety Awareness presentation on May 5th to mark Occupational Health and Safety Day. All board First Aiders also received Certificates of Appreciation.
Education Week and Staff Appreciation
Education Week and Staff Appreciation Week were celebrated from May 4th to 8th. Centered on the theme “A Great Place to Learn, A Great Place to Grow, A Great Place to Be,” the week showcased what these values mean across our system, with a focus on the outstanding learning and working happening in our schools and workplaces every day.
Bellewood Multicultural Night
On May 7th, 2026, Bellewood Public School hosted their annual Multicultural Family Event. This event is truly impressive and highlights the incredible diversity in the Bellewood school community. Families hosted booths and generously shared their traditions, culture and delicious food, providing opportunities for learning and connection. Students and family members also shared their talents through traditional dances, songs and instrumental performances. Thank you to the students, families and staff who come together each year to make this event possible.
Herman Secondary also hosted a Multicultural Night on May 14th, with over 35 cultures represented. Principal Greg Levack shared that it was glorious evening of food, music and dance as well as a celebration of uniqueness and diversity.
Level Up!
On April 28th the senior team was honoured to attend the Level Up! Know Your Brain. Own Your Game event. Designed for Grade 7 and 8 students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, the full-day experience brought together students, families and educators to build confidence and prepare for the transition to secondary school. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities and family sessions, participants explored strategies for learning, organization and self-advocacy, while gaining a deeper understanding of individual learning styles. Funded through the Ministry of Education’s Breaking Barriers Grant, the event reinforced the Board’s ongoing commitment to inclusive supports, student well-being and successful transitions.
University of Windsor Science Olympiad
On April 30th, the annual Science Olympiad was hosted by the University of Windsor, bringing together Grade 11 and 12 students from across Windsor-Essex to compete in a series of hands-on science challenges. Designed by the UWindsor Science Olympiad student organizing committee, the events tested students’ scientific knowledge, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
This year, Vincent Massey Secondary School proudly earned the Science Olympiad Cup and Tecumseh Vista Academy came in second place overall. Congratulations to all participants on this outstanding achievement!
The Strings Project Wins First Place
On Wednesday, April 22nd, Grades 4 and 5 students from Marlborough and F.W. Begley Public Schools participating in The Strings Project competed in the Kiwanis Music Festival at Riverside United Church. This talented group earned first place in the School Ensemble category. We are incredibly proud to see their dedication and musicality recognized. It is always a joy to watch them perform!
Remembrance Day Award Recipient
We are proud to recognize Anderdon Grade 7 student Gwen Beaudoin, who earned first place nationally in the National Youth Remembrance Video Contest. After first winning at the provincial level, Gwen’s work was selected as the top submission in Canada.
We extend our congratulations to Gwen and her school community on this outstanding achievement, which will be further recognized at the Canadian War Museum later this year.
Day of Champions
The elementary and secondary Day of Champions Special Olympics, held May 7th and 8th, were once again among the most joyful events of the school year. Hundreds of students from across our school board participated in track and field activities, beginning with the annual parade led by Anderdon’s marching band.
Participants were encouraged to make new friends, compete and have fun, creating an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere for all. Thank you to Superintendent Awender and the organizing committee for their leadership in making this event a success.
Gender and Sexuality Alliance Conference
I was honoured to speak at the 14th annual Gender and Sexuality Alliance Conference on May 14th at Ciociaro Club. It was an exciting year for this event, as it marked the largest attendance since its inception. As I shared in my remarks on that day, GSAs play an important role in fostering empathy, understanding and courage, reminding us that acceptance and allyship are essential values in our schools and in our community.
Thank you to the community partners, workshop leaders, and dedicated staff volunteers for their contributions, especially Walter Cassidy who always leads this work with passion and dedication.
Multicultural Council Awards
I was honoured to attend the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County Awards Gala on May 1st, 2026, where my colleague and Director of Education at the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, Emelda Byrne, was recognized with The Herb Gray Harmony Award. It was an honour to be there to support her as she received this well-deserved recognition for her work toward building a more welcoming and inclusive community. Congratulations, Emelda!
United Way Luncheon
On May 6th I, along with my colleagues, attended United Way’s “Women United: Celebrating Women Who Inspire Us” signature luncheon. This event highlights local change-makers who support United Way’s On Track to Success program and featured a keynote address from Lynn McLaughlin, an award-winning educator, author and speaker. Thank you to the United Way for inviting us to attend!
Youth Diversion
On May 8th we were invited to attend an announcement at Youth Diversion regarding funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This funding will support the launch of the RESET program. RESET is designed to support youth aged 8-12 with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and mild intellectual disabilities who are experiencing behavioural challenges at school and at home. The program includes after-school sessions, structured support during suspension periods and integrated caregiver engagement. The program is being piloted in collaboration with community partners and our board. Congratulations to Joanna Conrad and Youth Diversion on securing this funding and for inviting us to attend this exciting announcement.
Marlborough Arts Night
On May 7th I was joined by Trustee McKinley at Marlborough Public School’s 4th Annual Night of the Arts. This year’s theme, “The Flavour of Imagination” brought out some truly creative pieces of art and might have made attendees feel rather hungry. We also enjoyed dance routines and a fantastic performance by students from The String Project. Thank you to the Marlborough school community for inviting us and for making this night such a success.
Matilda The Musical Jr. at Glenwood
Take your MPP to School Week
Take Your MPP to School Week is an annual initiative led by the Ontario Public School Boards' Association that invites Members of Provincial Parliament to visit local schools across Ontario. This afternoon, MPP Lisa Gretzky visited Grade 5 classes from Northwood Public School to speak about her role as MPP and what different levels of government are responsible for in Canada. She also spoke about resilience and never giving up on your goals, sharing her personal story of struggle and how she became an MPP.
Skills Ontario
We are proud to share that seven students from the Greater Essex County District School Board placed in Ontario’s top ten in their respective competitions at Skills Ontario. Among them, Xavier Parent, a Grade 12 student from Riverside Secondary School, earned a bronze medal in Auto Body Collision Repair. Xavier’s teachers highlighted his dedication and commitment, noting the many hours he spent after school refining his skills. He is currently completing a co-operative education placement at CSN Midtown as an auto body technician.
We also recognize Jack Chausse, a Grade 8 student from Tecumseh Vista Academy, who showcased his business, Jack’s Wax, at the Skills Ontario Entrepreneurship Showcase. His product is a line of scented hockey wax, packaged in a convenient tin. Jack’s venture was supported through his participation in the Entrepreneurship Grant, which helped bring his idea to life.
Congratulations to Xavier, Jack, and all of our students who participated in Skills Ontario. Your hard work and achievements reflect the strength of skilled trades and entrepreneurship education across our board.
Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to Walkerville Centre for the Creative Arts student Jamieson MacNeil on receiving a $60,000 USD scholarship to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). Jamieson’s exceptional talent and dedication to the arts have earned him this significant opportunity to further his studies in New York and Los Angeles.
We are proud of Jamieson’s accomplishment and wish him continued success as he pursues his artistic journey.
Grade 12 North Star High School Manufacturing student Jeremy Grimaldi has been named a recipient of the 2026 Canadian Tooling and Machining Association (CTMA) Bursary.
Jeremy is one of only ten students across Ontario to receive this prestigious recognition, highlighting his skill and commitment to the trades. An official award presentation will take place at North Star High School in early June to celebrate Jeremy and his achievement.
GECPIC Application
Applications for the 2026-2027 Greater Essex County Parent Involvement Committee are now open. Parents or guardians who are interested can apply through our website by Friday, May 29th.
Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement
Starting in the 2026-27 school year, students who entered Grade 9 in the 2025-26 school year and onwards must complete a Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students will complete this requirement as part of their compulsory Grade 10 Career Studies course.
Updates on Bill 101
Bill 101 received Royal Assent on May 7th, 2026. We have received some directions from the Ministry of Education and expect to receive more in the coming months. Most of the amendments to the Education Act came into effect upon Royal Assent, however we have been told that the Minister will be creating additional policies and regulations to support implementation ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
Other Significant Dates
- Spring EQAO for Grade 9 Math will take place from May 28th – June 4th
- June 5th is an elementary PA Day Elementary