February 28, 2025 • Issue #63

Learning opportunities and initiatives demonstrating commitment to Thames Valley's Multi-Year Strategic Plan.

Black History Month at

Thames Valley District School Board

This year, Thames Valley District School Board joined community leaders in celebrating Black resistance throughout history and today with the theme, “Black Resistance Is…” This series highlights the many forms that Black resistance can take, and what it means to students, staff and community in Thames Valley. 



Learn more at https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/our-board/black-history-month.aspx  

Toonie Tuesday

The Thames Valley Education Foundation (TVEF) kicked off their annual Toonie Tuesday fundraiser on Tuesday, February 11.

This powerful initiative benefits the Caring Fund, a vital TVEF program that provides emergency support to students facing urgent financial need. 

Schools across the district have been participating in amazing fundraising activities all month long.

Together, the community has raised more than $30,000 for the Caring Fund! 

100% of funds raised will directly support students in Thames Valley schools with essentials that are out of reach, like food, clothing and school supplies.



When students have the essentials they need, they can focus on what truly matters: learning, growing, and building a brighter future. Your donation can make an immediate impact – putting food on the table, providing warm winter clothing and ensuring every child has the tools they need to thrive in the classroom.

Your donation can make an immediate impact in a student's life.

Supporting Toonie Tuesday is a simple but powerful way to make a tangible difference in a student's life; every Toonie adds up to create lasting change in our community. 

Show you care. Share a Toonie. Let’s make a difference together! 

Eagle Heights Public School Re-Dedication

On February 11, Eagles Height Public School hosted their official re-dedication ceremony.

A two-year $9.2 million renovation project recently wrapped up at the school. The renovation added space for 300 more students as well as refreshing the school’s library and administration areas.

Senior Administration team members attended the event along with Board Chair Beth Mai and Trustees Sherri Moore and Lori-Ann Pizzolato.



Congratulations to the Eagle Heights students, staff, and school community.   

Black Student Leadership Conference

On February 27, Thames Valley was excited to hold our fourth annual Black Student Leadership Conference here at the Education Centre.

Black-identifying secondary students from all Thames Valley secondary schools were invited to participate in a day of learning, celebration, community building and engaging workshops.

Topics this year included Black History, Leadership, Public Speaking, Mental Health, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship and more.



Students also had the opportunity to visit booths run by post-secondary, municipal and community partners.



We are proud to once again host this event for the incredible student leaders across Thames Valley who are already becoming the next generation of history-makers.  

Online Awards and Scholarships Applications

The Thames Valley Education Foundation (TVEF) manages more than 600 awards and scholarships that help countless students pursue their post-secondary goals.

Last year, over $814,000 was distributed in Awards & Scholarships. Now, TVEF is launching a new online application tool for awards and scholarships, making it easier than ever for students to apply.

The online application tool has been shared with Award Contacts at Thames Valley schools to help them build awareness in the school community and support students who are planning their post-secondary journey.

Students are invited to apply from March 1st to April 1st.

Visit tvdsb.ca/TVEF for more information. 

Wilfrid Jury Public School

Cultural Celebration Night  

Wilfrid Jury Public School hosted a Cultural Celebration Night on January 30. The evening brought students, parents and community members together at the school for a night designed to highlight the traditions and customs of more than 15 distinct cultures from around the world.  

Event attendees enjoyed displays, food and dress highlighting the cultural diversity at Wilfrid Jury Public School. Thank you to the staff at Wilfrid Jury for creating this wonderful event, and all who contributed to sharing their culture and experiences.

School Climate Survey

On February 24, Thames Valley launched the School Climate Survey for students, staff, parents and caregivers.

This voluntary and anonymous survey asks questions about your experiences and feelings related to school life, such as safety, connection, belonging, and the learning environment.

Hearing from students, families and staff is key to developing plans that will help to make our school communities and workplaces safer and more welcoming.



To learn more and fill out your survey, visit tvdsb.ca/YourSchoolYourVoice today! 

Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is an annual day to stand against bullying and promote kindness and inclusivity. It originated in 2007 when two Nova Scotia high school students bought pink shirts to give to their classmates after a fellow student was bullied for wearing pink.  

On #PinkShirtDay, we wear pink to show our commitment to stopping bullying in our schools and community. The theme for 2025 is "Let Kindness Grow". 

Please enjoy these photos from Eastdale Public School in Woodstock, showing off their hallway displays and specially designed spirt wear for Pink Shirt Day.  

Winter is almost at an end here in Thames Valley, and we’re already looking ahead to the coming school year with Student Trustee Debates and Elections. 

Held on February 19 (Indigenous Student Trustee Debate and Election) and February 20 (Student Trustee Debates and Elections), local secondary students elected their student trustees for the 2025-2026 school year.

Hailee-Rose Hill from Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School was elected as the Indigenous student trustee on February 19.

Anushka Bist, a student at Oakridge Secondary School was elected as the City of London Student Trustee and Emily Gyurki, student from Huron Park Secondary School, was elected County Student Trustee. 

In all, 21 students vied for either the Indigenous Student Trustee or Student Trustee positions. 

Congratulations to all the candidates who put their name forward to be part of the election!

Meet Indigenous Trustee Gina McGahey

Boozhoo, my name is Gina McGahey. I’m the First Nations Trustee for the Thames Valley District School Board.

I was appointed Indigenous Trustee in November 2024 to represent three First Nations: Oneida of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation.

My life-long learning journey began when I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Western University, followed by a Native Counselor Certification from Laurentian University and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University. 

For the last 40 years, I’ve dedicated my career to First Nations education, serving as a counsellor, a teacher, and an Education Director for First Nations communities. I’ve also worked as an Education Policy Analyst for a First Nations political organization and, most recently, as the Anishinaabe'aadziwin (Our Way of Life) Coordinator for the Chippewas of the Thames community. I firmly believe in lifelong learning and am dedicated to ensuring the holistic well-being of students.



I strive to incorporate Western educational methods while preserving and transferring our traditional knowledge, ensuring that future generations can live a good life.