We have arrived at the first Board meeting of the 2026–2027 school year! The first two months have flown by, with exciting stories, events and initiatives taking place across our schools.
The first day of school was particularly eventful this year, as an unexpected water main break required us to close Vincent Massey Secondary School for the day. Before I begin my report, I would like to thank the school administration, staff, students and families for their patience and understanding throughout the situation.
While it was certainly not the start to the school year we had imagined, we were grateful the issue was resolved quickly and that students were able to return the following day and officially begin their school year.
I hope students and staff across the GECDSB have had an enjoyable and engaging start to the 2026–2027 school year. I look forward to sharing some of the many highlights from across our system over the past two months.
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2026-2030 Multiyear Strategic Plan
I look forward to our new Multiyear Strategic Plan guiding our work over the next four years. The approval and implementation of this plan was a gargantuan effort by senior administration, Trustees and our partners at The Critical Thinking Consortium. Guided by our three strategic priorities,” Learning, Wellness, and Possibilities”, and our vision, “Building tomorrow together”, this plan reflects our shared commitment to creating inclusive environments, supporting student success, and preparing learners for a bright future. The high-level strategies will direct our work as we advance student achievement, foster well-being, create opportunities, and build stronger connections across our schools and communities.
Greater Essex County District School Board and Fanshawe College Sign Partnership with Caldwell First Nation
On July 7th, 2026, representatives from Caldwell First Nation, the Greater Essex County District School Board and Fanshawe College gathered to officially sign partnership agreements that will create new pathways for Caldwell First Nation members to earn their secondary school diploma and pursue post-secondary education. The Greater Essex County District School Board is proud to work alongside Caldwell First Nation and Fanshawe College to help remove barriers to education and create meaningful opportunities for learning. The board also looks forward to regularly meeting with Caldwell First Nation to assess the program’s effectiveness and ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community in an inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Daniel Joshua Lee Earns Prestigious FIDE Master Title
Congratulations to Daniel Joshua Lee, a Grade 9 student at Vincent Massey Secondary School, on an incredible international achievement! This summer, Daniel represented Team Canada at the 2026 Pan American Youth Chess Festival in Medellín, Colombia, competing in the U14 Open category against 142 players from 25 countries.
Daniel captured the U14 Open Gold Medal, becoming the 2026 Pan American Youth U14 Champion! With this victory, Daniel also earned the prestigious FIDE Master title at just 13 years old. He is believed to be the youngest player from Windsor, Ontario, to earn the FIDE Master (FM) title. Congratulations, Daniel! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
Newly Renovated Forest Glade Public School
We were pleased to visit the newly renovated Forest Glade Public School and see its beautiful transformation. Hardly recognizable, the school now features a refreshed front façade, enclosed classrooms, updated library and office spaces, new playground areas and equipment, a renovated gymnasium and touches of green tile throughout as a nod to the Forest Glade Gators community. Thank you to our outstanding Facility Services team, Archon, Alliance General Contracting and administration at Forest Glade for their leadership in bringing this transformation to life.
Roseland and Glenwood Additions
Thanks to investments of $3.9 million and $4.3 million from the Government of Ontario, Glenwood Public School and Roseland Public School began the school year with brand-new student spaces. Each school gained 184 additional pupil spaces, providing more room to learn and grow. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this significant investment in our schools and students.
Facility Services shared that both projects progressed smoothly, thanks in large part to the collaboration and hard work of school administrators, architects, general contractors and everyone involved in bringing these projects to completion. Thank you to all who helped make these new spaces possible for our students and school communities.
MusiCounts Band Aid Program Donates Brand New Instruments to Roseland Public School
Terry Fox Events
SHSM Health and Wellness Students and Student Senate at Sandwich Secondary
On September 17th SHSM Health and Wellness and Student Senate students representing 13 secondary schools gathered to celebrate Terry Fox’s enduring legacy and see the impact we can make when we work together toward a common goal.
We were honoured to welcome Fred Fox, Terry Fox’s older brother, Tyler McGregor, captain of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team and Dr. Caroline Hamm, a Windsor oncologist who works with the Terry Fox Research Institute as keynote speakers. Lisa Armstrong, Director of School Run Operations at the Terry Fox Foundation also shared remarks. Their remarks offered students unique perspectives on perseverance, leadership, cancer research and the lasting impact of Terry Fox’s legacy.
Thank you to Superintendent Joe Bell and Jon Pillon for sharing remarks and for their contributions to the planning and organization of this meaningful event. Thank you as well to every staff member and student who came together to make this day possible.
A Visit from Fred Fox at Centennial Central Public School
Fred Fox also visited Centennial Central Public School, where students shared the results of their fundraising efforts, heard an inspiring message from Mr. Fox and participated in their annual Terry Fox Walk. Mayor Tracey Bailey joined the event and presented Grade 6 student Lauren Meadows with a plaque recognizing her remarkable fundraising efforts. This year alone, Lauren raised more than $11,000, adding to the nearly $50,000 she has raised in previous years.
Mayor Bailey and Mr. Fox also recognized Centennial Central student Megan Patrick, a two-time cancer survivor.
Congratulations to Lauren and all of the students and staff at Centennial Central for their incredible commitment to the Terry Fox legacy. Your generosity and determination are truly inspiring!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
From September 22–30, schools and worksites across the Greater Essex County District School Board flew the Every Child Matters Flag in recognition of the National Week for Truth and Reconciliation, leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We are grateful to the students who spoke at the flag-raising ceremony at the Administration Building, as well as Open Minds staff and community members who joined us to honour this important and solemn occasion.
Schools across our system participated in classroom and school-wide learning activities, as well as local memorial walks. Each year, the National Week for Truth and Reconciliation serves as an important reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing commitment. Together, we remain dedicated to listening, learning and taking meaningful action throughout the year.
Jason Quinlan Honoured with Council of the Federation Literacy Award (COFLA)
In May 2026, Get SET staff nominated Jason Quinlan for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award (COFLA) after he successfully earned his Grade 12 diploma through the Get SET program.
Jason has demonstrated remarkable determination and perseverance, using education and hard work to create new opportunities for himself and his family. After earning his high school diploma, Jason continued on that path by pursuing pre-apprenticeship training and preparing for a career in the skilled trades through the Labourers’ Union.
I am delighted to share that Jason has been selected as the 2026 Ontario recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Please join me in congratulating Jason on this outstanding achievement and wishing him continued success as he takes the next steps in his journey.
Fighting Island Receives New Greenhouse
The outdoor learning space on Fighting Island has grown with the addition of a new greenhouse! The greenhouse was generously donated by BASF, with J & J Marine providing the labour to build both the greenhouse and the potting tables, as well as extending the gravel learning area surrounding it. This enhanced space will provide students with even more opportunities to learn about and connect with the environment through hands-on experiences.
In the fall, elementary and secondary students will collect native seeds from plants growing on the island and learn how to properly store them for overwintering in our new structure. In the spring, students will plant the seeds and care for the emerging seedlings in the greenhouse before transplanting the young native plants into the ground, contributing to ongoing naturalization efforts. We are incredibly grateful to BASF and J & J Marine for their generosity and for helping bring this vision to life. Contributions like these demonstrate the tremendous impact that community partnerships can have in creating meaningful opportunities for our students.
WCCA Honour Band
Twenty-six Grade 8 students from eight elementary schools are getting an early start on their secondary school experience through the Walkerville Centre for the Creative Arts (WCCA) Honour Band! Three mornings a week before school, students come to Walkerville Collegiate Institute to learn an instrument, play together as a band and work toward earning their first high school credit. They join the current Grade 9 WCCA class to form the Honour Band.
The WCCA Honour Band and Concert Band will showcase their progress at WCCA Band Blast Off! on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. in the WCI Auditorium.
Award Canada Experiential Education Showcase
On Friday, October 2nd, I was honoured to join Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) staff Justin St. Pierre, Trent Durocher and Aaron Martin, along with students from our Enhanced Construction Program (ECP), at The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Canada Showcase Event at Queen's Park in Toronto.
We were also joined by industry partner Logan Kane, Executive Director of Programs and Initiatives at the Carpenters' Regional Council. Distinguished guests included His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education Paul Calandra.
Three GECDSB Enhanced Construction Program graduates, who are also successful Bronze Award recipients, attended the event and hosted a booth showcasing their learning and accomplishments. Their display featured interactive demonstrations of projects completed through the program, including a three-way electrical circuit and scaffolding, as well as a news article highlighting their volunteer work at the John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Underground Railroad Museum.
Throughout the event, the graduates spoke enthusiastically about their experiences in both the Enhanced Construction Program and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, highlighting the valuable skills and opportunities they gained through their participation.
These students were outstanding ambassadors for the GECDSB, demonstrating the meaningful personal growth and community involvement taking place both inside and outside our classrooms. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and grateful to the dedicated staff and community partners who continue to create these opportunities for our students.
Pastabilities
The 4th Annual Pastabilities Luncheon took place on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Students from the Greater Essex County District School Board’s Community Kitchen Program were joined by community partners from Windsor Police Service and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens to help promote their dish at this year’s fundraiser.
The Community Kitchen Program competed alongside 24 local restaurants for the title of favourite dish, all while supporting an important cause. 100% of the proceeds from the event will go toward fighting hunger in our community through the Unemployed Help Centre’s Food Bank.
Thank you Trustees
While this is my first report of the 2026–2027 school year, it also marks the final meeting of the current Board of Trustees. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each of you for your years of service to the Greater Essex County District School Board.
Your dedication to public education and your commitment to the well-being and success of our students are evident in the work you do. This role is not an easy one, and your leadership and commitment through both challenging moments and times of celebration have been deeply appreciated by me and the entire senior leadership team.
It has also been a pleasure to see the enthusiasm and pride you bring to the many positive stories and accomplishments shared in this boardroom. Your support for our students, staff, schools and communities has made a meaningful contribution to our system.
To those who have chosen not to seek another term, we extend our sincere gratitude for your service and wish you all the very best in your future endeavours. On behalf of the senior leadership team, thank you for your service and your commitment to the Greater Essex County District School Board.
Important Dates and Events
November 11th, 2026 - Remembrance Day
November 17th, 2026 - Inaugural Meeting of the Board
November 19th, 2026 - Elementary Parent-Teacher Interviews
November 20th, 2026 - Elementary and Secondary P.A. Day