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Corporate Communications is committed to promoting the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) as the school board of choice for students, parents and employees. The HWDSB is a diverse organization that is committed to respect, innovation and accountability and to helping all our students achieve their full potential Through example and education, Corporate Communications encourages pro-active, professional and consistent communication, providing best practices and defining expectations for communicating with the Board’s stakeholders.
What we do
Corporate Communications’ role is to promote the Board while protecting and enhancing its image. The Department promotes effective two–way communication with internal and external audiences; maintains an open, pro-active relationship with the media; manages issues and crisis situations; oversees development and maintenance of the corporate web site, and ensures a uniform visual identity.
We strive to:
- Promote HWDSB as a leader in education and the school board of choice
- Raise the profile of schools, teachers and students
- Encourage and enhance effective communication with our internal and external audiences
- Engender greater awareness, understanding and action in support of communication
- Promote HWDSB best practices and innovative initiatives
- Encourage and support parent and community involvement in the school system
- Advocate and support public education
Services at a Glance
Issues Management - Top
When issues or crises occur, the HWDSB must have a plan to accentuate the positive and minimize the negative. To manage these situations, Corporate Communications summarizes issues that arise, compiles information and works with staff to determine the best way to manage the situation.
Media Relations - Top
How the HWDSB is portrayed in the media is of critical importance to the Board’s image and integrity. Corporate Communications effectively manages communication with the media, providing guidance to staff on how to handle enquiries and respond to difficult situations. Our response is both reactive, respond to inquiries and crisis situations as they arise, and pro-active, promote interesting initiatives and good news stories.
Here's what we do:
- Identity opportunities to communicate
- Develop news releases, media advisories and other communications materials
- Arrange interviews and photo shoots
- Respond to media enquiries
- Provide media relations guidance and training
Internal and External Communications - Top
With the HWDSB’s values of respect, innovation and accountability in mind, Corporate Communications identifies opportunities to communicate with stakeholders and oversees the development and maintenance of publications designed for internal and external audiences. Let us know what your goals and expectations are in the planning stage and we will work with you to determine how we can help.
Design - Top
How we communicate is equally as important as what we say. With the assistance of graphic designers and consultants, Corporate Communications offers design, layout and production expertise. If you have something to communicate, we can help determine the best way to do it.
In addition, our Visual Identity Manual ensures all printed and electronic communications as well as promotional items share a common look, signifying unity and reinforcing the Board’s image.
Website- Top
A web site can be an organization’s most visible means of communicating. Corporate Communications manages the web site and is responsible for the maintenance and look of the site in addition to identifying new ways to display and access information.
In addition to providing a listing of schools and answers to frequently asked questions, the web site features news stories, photographs, details of upcoming events and Director’s Place where visitors can receive up-to-date information on the Director’s initiatives, school visits and other activities. If you have questions about your department or school’s web site or want to talk about developing a site, contact your Public Relations Officer.
Publications & Resources - Internal Communications - Top
- Visual Identity
- Board Highlights
- The Blackboard, The Virtual Blackboard, staff newsletter
- Principals ’ Communiqu é
- Quickfinder
- Principals ’ Communication Toolkit
- Public Consultation Toolkit
- CASE Brochure
Publications & Resources - External Communications - Top
Multi-Media - Top
The Multi-Media department is responsible for the production of multi-media projects, which support the Board’s strategic goals and operating plan. In addition to supplying photographs for the internal newsletter and corporate web site, the department provides video production and audio-visual presentation services.
Our Staff - Top
