PRO Grant Initiatives Strengthen Family Engagement

Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025

Students at Grandview hosting an Anti-Bullying Campaign

Above: Students and staff at Grandview Public School host an Anti-Bullying Campaign


Each year, Ontario's Ministry of Education provides support to families in removing barriers to engagement through the Parents Reaching Out Grant (PRO Grant). With this funding, school councils lead local initiatives to build strong relationships between their schools and families to promote a culture of learning, well-being and belonging.

"Parent councils are a vital bridge between the needs of families and our school leaders. When parents are engaged, students thrive academically, socially and emotionally," said Dr. JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "These projects enhance inclusion and inform parents about relevant issues and strategies that can improve their family's education experience."

 

Here is how Grand Erie schools applied their PRO Grant funding in the 2024-25 school year.

 

North Ward School

Community Supporting Community

At the end of April, North Ward's School Council hosted an event showcasing family businesses in the school community. Attendees were invited to connect with one another, have dinner, check out the book fair and vendor displays, drop by the craft area, dance in the gym or use some sports equipment.

 

Walpole North Elementary School, Hagersville Secondary School, Hagersville Elementary School and Jarvis Public School

Dinner With Your Teacher

Families connected with their teachers over a spaghetti dinner hosted by Hagersville Secondary School. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 embarked on a "Reading Adventure" hosted by local author, Trisha Keesmaat, while Grade 4 to 8 students rolled up their sleeves in the greenhouse, auto shop, woodshop, cosmetology, drama and physical education classes. It was a night to remember building relationships, sparking curiosity and showcasing all of the amazing opportunities that await in Grand Erie.

 

Cedarland Public School
Education Week Math Challenge

In May, Cedarland hosted a math evening for families in Kindergarten to Grade 8. Families spent the evening participating in fun and interactive math games, giving parents the opportunity to explore the math curriculum and discover hands-on ways to support their child's learning at home and school. Families who completed each station entered a draw for family-fun prizes.

 

Walter Gretzky Elementary School

Celebrating All Cultures

At Walter Gretzky Elementary School, students took the lead on cultural presentations and dances. Learning about different cultures, the languages spoken and traditions help students feel respected, valued and empowered to be who they are. Cultural celebrations inspire students to celebrate their differences and commonalities, building a community where everyone belongs.

 

Valley Heights Secondary School and Port Rowan Public School

Social Media and Online Safety

School councils at Valley Heights and Port Rowan joined forces for an evening presentation around social media and online safety. Open to the public, the keynote event was led by speaker Paul Davis who spoke with attendees about smartphones, cyberbullying, sexting, online grooming, privacy, digital footprints and more. Families left feeling well-informed about how to keep their children, and themselves, safer in an increasingly online world.

 

Simcoe Composite School and Lynndale Heights

Deep Dive Into ADHD Brain

On May 14, 2025, Simcoe Composite School, in partnership with Lynndale Heights Public School, invited educators and families to dive deep into the ADHD brain with Aaron Bailey. Diagnosed at a young age with ADHD and a learning disability, Aaron devotes his life to helping youth and adults understand brain function and provides effective learning and teaching strategies for individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

 

Caledonia Centennial Public School

Movie Night

The families of Caledonia Centennial Public School gathered together on Thursday, June 5 at the school to enjoy a movie. Families enjoyed games, popcorn, and cooling desserts from a local food truck. This event brought together the hardworking Parent Advisory Council, volunteers, staff and most importantly families.

 

Banbury Heights

Empowering Parents

 

Burford Elementary School

Co-Regulation to Self-Regulation

 

École Dufferin Public School

The Digital Age: Navigating Technology's Impact on Youth

 

Grandview Public School

Anti-Bullying Campaign

 

Greenbrier Public School

Education Week Open House

 

J.L. Mitchener Public School

Education Week Showcase

 

Lakewood Elementary School

Parent Engagement Workshop Series

 

Mount Pleasant School

Dangers of Social Media

 

Oakland-Scotland Public School

Family Game Night

 

To learn more about parent council opportunities, contact your school or read about the Grand Erie Parent Involvement Committee.


More News

PRO Grant Initiatives Strengthen Family Engagement
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
Breaking Ground on Expansion of West Elgin Public School
Thursday, Jun 26, 2025
$100,000 Scholarship Launches Tomorrow's Leaders
Thursday, Jun 26, 2025