2023-24 Year in Review: Grandview School update
This year, the team at Grandview School is taking time to reflect on our history as we look forward to new opportunities. In January, our school authority officially changed its name from Campbell Children’s School to Grandview School. This exciting change comes in anticipation of a modernized location and projected growth as we move to the New Grandview Kids Ajax-based headquarters in September 2024. This shift in branding also allows us to align more closely with our therapeutic partner, Grandview Kids. The decision to change came with much consideration and input from stakeholders including a survey of our staff and families as well as input from our Board of Trustees.
As we transition to our new school, we would like to take the opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions the Campbell family have made to the establishment of our program. The late Mrs. Beatrice (Bea) Campbell and husband Ralph Campbell were well-known activists in Durham Region for children who were impacted by cerebral palsy and other communicative or physical disabilities. The following is an excerpt from a letter written by Ruth Althouse, former principal of Campbell Children’s School, describing the impact of Bea Campbell’s dedication to families in Durham Region.
“Mrs. Campbell is the mother of the late Allan Campbell, born with cerebral palsy in 1942. There were no therapy services in the area when Allan was pre-school and school-aged. Over the decades, Mrs. Campbell, along with a group of parents, initially worked out of need and in later years out of dedication, to organize and set up services for the disabled.”
Ruth Althouse, former principal, Campbell Children’s School
At a community level, Mrs. Campbell was involved in helping set up the Oshawa and District Cerebral Palsy Parent Council for Crippled Children in 1953. Initially there was no funding. Mrs. Campbell was involved in fundraising and community awareness by speaking to service organizations. In 1954, she was instrumental in starting a Play School program, which has grown over the years to become the children’s treatment centre and school for Durham Region. The Centre was re-named Grandview Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre, and the school was named Campbell Children’s School in 1987, honouring Mr. and Mrs. Campbell as founding parents.
The Campbell family name has been part of our school for decades, their commitment to students with disabilities in Durham Region will not be forgotten. The Campbell family will continue to be honoured at our new location with an exhibit of historical objects and pictures in our school display case. Our team will continue to follow in Bea’s footsteps and further establish our program as a leader in inclusive education in Durham Region for years to come.
