Marnie Van Esbroeck, Dietitian

08/20/2026

When a student needs extra support, families shouldn’t have to wonder whether that support will actually be there.

AMDSB’s 2026–27 Special Education Plan outlines the programs and services available to students with special education needs. It also makes clear that many of those supports depend on provincial funding.

But plans and policies only tell part of the story.

I want to hear about the real experience inside our schools.

💬 Are supports easy to access?
💬 Are families kept informed?
💬 Are educators getting what they need to support students well?
💬 Where are things working—and where are the gaps?

If you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, student, or community member, I’d love to hear your perspective.

You can comment below or send me a private message if you’d rather share your experience privately.

I’m listening. Because the best decisions start with understanding what is actually happening in our classrooms.

📌 Source: Avon Maitland District School Board, 2026–27 Special Education Plan

08/20/2026

South Huron Votes 2026 – Still time to run!

Nomination day is tomorrow, August 21st. Candidates may file their nomination papers with the Clerk until 2:00 p.m. on Nomination Day, August 21, 2026. To see who has already filed their papers view the unofficial list of candidates on the municipal elections page on SouthHuron.ca. https://www.southhuron.ca/government/municipal-election/
Candidates packages are available for pickup at town hall (322 Main Street South, Exeter) or for download off the website.

08/19/2026

Today, I was saddened to learn that the before and after school program at Goderich Public School has had to make the difficult decision to temporarily close operations until more staff can be recruited.

First of all, third party child care operators are really struggling right now. Recruiting and filling split-shift roles is very difficult, and while I've never worked in early education myself, based on my experience with having children in licensed child care, there is high turnover as staff seek roles with full-time hours in school boards.

There is a solution that could work in Huron-Perth: school board operated before and after school care. Offering better wages, hours, benefits and working conditions to ECE's and better access to school age child care for families. School boards that do this have better staff retention and less turnover.

It has been implemented successfully across several school boards in Ontario, and we could certainly do that here. But we need trustees who are aligned with this vision and willing to make it happen.

This is your chance to run for school board trustee and make a difference. The deadline to register is Friday, Aug 21 at 2pm. You don't need any nomination signatures, and you can run in any riding across Huron Perth. Message me if you have questions!

07/08/2026

‘For context, WRDSB has been able to increase its board-operated extended day programming to 100 per cent of its elementary schools since 2009, through participation in the Federal and Provincial Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) plan.’
….

‘Trustee Robert Hunking, who represents Exeter PS, Bluewater Coast ES, Huron Centennial PS, Stephen Central PS, South Huron District HS in Southwest Huron County, said he was slightly torn on this topic.

“It seems as though it’s not going to be any difference if it’s board-run,” he said. “It’s getting harder and harder to find the staff for before and after programs, so whether it’s board run or third party, I don’t see that issue going away, until we get more ECEs.”’

I’m not torn on the topic at all. You don’t “get more ECEs”. You make the job attractive. You offer wages, benefits and better working conditions. You find creative solutions. You don’t abandon all of the parents you’re supposed to represent.

06/30/2026

I’ve thought about filing an Ombudsman complaint about the lack of before and after school care (as is a requirement in the education act). Worthwhile?

BREAKING: The Ford government’s school board takeovers resulted in a record 1,346 school board complaints to the ombudsman. The complaints highlighted concerns about government-appointed supervisors, the changing role of trustees and a lack of transparency.

This is the chaos Ford Nation and Paul Calandra have brought to our schools, students, and classrooms. Parents, teachers, community members, and students are fighting back!

Go to FundOurSchools.ca to stand up to Ford

06/28/2026

Opportunity to step forward and put your name in to run in several Huron-Perth ridings!

06/25/2026

☀️ Looking for summer plans? We still have spots available in select weeks of Bluewater Summer Camp! 🏕️🎨⚽

Join us for a week full of games, outdoor adventures, crafts, new friendships, and unforgettable summer memories.

📍 Bayfield
• July 6–10 - 6 spots

📍 Hensall
• July 20–24 - 1 spot
• July 27–31 ⭐ Includes a trip! - 2 spots
• August 17–21 - 3 spots
• August 24–28 - 1 spot

📍 Varna
• August 10–14 ⭐ Includes a trip! - 1 spot
• August 24–28 - 1 spot

🕗 Camp hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
👧 Ages: 4–12 (campers must be 4–12 by the start of camp)
💲 Cost: $150–$170/week depending on the week (trip weeks are $170)

Register today: https://www.municipalityofbluewater.ca/parks-recreation-and-culture/recreation-programming/camps/

Spaces are limited — register now to secure your spot for summer fun! ☀️

03/31/2023

This is such a lovely story!

A woman from Chilliwack is going to extraordinary lengths to help feed low-income seniors and those who are unhoused in her community. The retired nurse is u...

02/16/2022

I love these tips to cook more at home!

1. Keep ingredients in your pantry simple and minimal
2. Make meals that don't require you to look up a recipe
3. Keep it simple at first until you've built the habit, then start adding in new recipes

We often think that if we can just find the right meal planning system, app or printable, THEN we'll be able to stick with it. But what if there is no magic ...

11/03/2021

😂

I'm gonna try this one! 🤣🤣🤣