September 4th, 2026

Dear Students, Parents, Guardians and Caregivers, 

I am privileged to introduce myself as the new Principal of Grand River Collegiate Institute. I am excited to be a part of the Renegade community. As your principal, I truly believe in the power of public education and its ability to bring our community together. My top priority is making sure every single student feels like they truly belong here, because when kids feel supported, safe, and valued for who they are, they can push themselves to reach their full potential. I’m eager to keep leading our school forward, by working side-by-side with our dedicated staff and families to make this an incredible year of learning and growth for every child.

My educational journey began over 27 years ago at Glenview Park Secondary School as a History teacher. Over the years, I held various roles including Student Success Teacher and Head of Special Education. I have been in administration for over 7 years, as a Vice Principal at JHSS, and a VP of Rosemount Family of Schools. I am incredibly excited to begin my first principalship at GRCI.

A few tips and important pieces of information for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers in our first weeks of 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, send an email to grc-attendance@wrdsb.ca stating the student’s name, date of absence, return date and reason for absence. 
  • 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 or press 1 to report attendance.
  • GRCI School Calendar is found here and the WRDSB Calendar is found here. 

As we start this school year, my main focus is making sure every student feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed. I remain dedicated to open dialogue and collaborative partnerships to address any obstacles and celebrate our collective achievements.

Thank you to the entire Grand River family for the warm welcome. Here’s to a successful and inspiring year ahead!

Best Regards, 

Debra Derman