August 20th, 2025

Dear Students, Parents, Guardians and Caregivers, 

As the Principal of Grand River Collegiate Institute, I sincerely hope you all share my enthusiasm for the start of another school year.  After one year in the GRCI community, I can confidently say that this is an amazing, welcoming, and inclusive community to be a part of.  I spent a good part of my summer bragging about the phenomenal students, parents, community members, and staff, here at the home of the Renegades. 

We are looking forward to welcoming the returning students. We believe that this school represents the best that public education has to offer, with strong Academics, Athletics, and Activities for students to participate in.

A few tips and important pieces of information for Students, Parents, Guardians and Caregivers in our first weeks of school:

  • NEW! Early Timetable and School Year Information Pick Up.  Timetables and additional information about school start up will be available on August 26 and 27, between 8:00am-3:00pm in the foyer. Please enter through the main doors off of Indian Rd. We will also be accepting chromebook returns for any grade 12’s who have graduated or any students moving to a non WRDSB school.
  • Signing up for School Day and subscribing to the GRCI Website are critical to staying informed about your student’s important events and information about school.
  • Life happens. When you need to report an absence for your child, please email grc-attendance@wrdsb.ca with your student’s name, parent/guardian name, or call 519-576-5100 and press 1 for attendance. For time sensitive sign outs please call the office.  
  • You are a critical partner in the success and well being of your child, please reach out to your child’s teacher, guidance counsellor or Vice Principal if you have any questions or concerns. School Staff Lists are found here, or call our Main Office at 519-576-5100, and press 3 to connect to the office.
  • The GRCI School Calendar is found here and the WRDSB Calendar is found here. 
  • Transportation information for eligible students is available as of August 18th on stswr.ca. Parents or guardians will need to create an account using the email provided to the school in order to see their student’s transportation information. If your child is eligible for transportation but will not be riding please fill out the Decline or Reinstate Transportation Form.

As we embark on this new school year together, my priorities will be to ensure that every student feels safe at school, and experiences success in and out of the classroom. Thank you to the entire Grand River family for ensuring that vision becomes reality. Here’s to a successful and inspiring year ahead!

Best Regards, 

Jennifer Shortreed, GRCI Principal