NOW @ HWDSB – Summer 2025
BE YOU. BE EXCELLENT. HWDSB.
Thank you for reading NOW @ HWDSB, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s official newsletter! In this update, you can click the following images and links to read about:
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| Director of Education Video Message |
Opt-Out of Student Transportation | Roots of Empathy Recruitment |
| Program Strategy Review | Board Improvement Check-In |
Important Dates at HWDSB |
We value effective communication with families. This newsletter is one more way keeping you informed. Families can also stay connected for the school year by subscribing to your child’s school website or the board website or following HWDSB on social media.
Questions or comments? Please email [email protected].
Message from the Director @ HWDSB
Dear HWDSB Families and Caregivers,
As we close out the remarkable 2024-2025 school year at HWDSB, I want to take a moment to reflect on the learning, growth, and development we’ve experienced together.
This year has been guided by our core values—dignity, compassion, trust, and joy—which continue to shape how we show up for our students, each other, and our community. These values are not just aspirational; they are evident in the relationships, the care, and the unwavering commitment seen in our classrooms and schools across the school board each day.
It has been a privilege to partner with families and caregivers, who are our students’ first and most important teachers. Your engagement, insights, and trust have strengthened our shared work to create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for all learners.
To our students moving on from HWDSB—whether you are heading into the workforce, college, university, apprenticeships, or new adventures—we are proud of you. Your journey is uniquely your own, and wherever it leads, remember what we believe in at HWDSB:
Be You. Be Excellent.
And to the students we look forward to welcoming back next school year—have a restful, enjoyable, and fun summer with friends, family, and your community.
Take time to recharge, reconnect, and ready yourself for another great year of learning at HWDSB. We can’t wait to see all you’ll do next!
To our incredible staff—whether your contributions happen inside the classroom or beyond, whether your work pauses for the summer or continues—thank you.
Your dedication makes all the difference. You create the warm, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where every student knows they belong and can do great things.
I encourage you to read this edition of NOW@HWDSB, as it is filled with helpful information to navigate these last few weeks of school and prepare for the summer ahead.
Congratulations on a meaningful year. I wish you rest, reflection, and moments of joy in the weeks ahead.
Warmly,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education, HWDSB
Now @ HWDSB
Opt-Out of Student Transportation
If you do not require bus transportation for your child(ren), please complete the Opt-out Transportation Form to have them removed from the bus list. This opt-out will remain in place until we receive further notice from you.
Should your transportation needs change, parents/guardians may opt back in:
- During the school year: Contact your child(ren)’s school directly.
- During the summer months: Email HWSTS at [email protected].
We appreciate you taking the time to inform us of your transportation plans. This information is essential for HWSTS and the school board as we prepare for the upcoming school year.
*Important: If you are submitting this form during the school year, please also notify your child’s school to ensure they are aware of any changes to after-school arrangements.
Continuing Education – 2025 Summer Programs
As summer inches closer, consider registering for one of HWDSB’s Continuing Education programs before time runs out!
With a wide variety of summer programs, students can continue learning throughout the summer. From activity-based literacy and math programs, learning another language, taking a summer credit course, preparing for secondary school or upgrading for university, there is something for everyone!
Reminder About Heat Warnings
Hamilton Public Health Services monitors weather forecasts closely and notifies the media and community partners, like HWDSB, of a heat event. During Heat Warnings and Extended Heat Warnings, principals will monitor indoor temperatures in degrees Celsius with Humidex in all classrooms and learning spaces without cooling as measured by a board provided and installed device in each learning space. Once HWDSB has been notified of a heat event, information will be posted on our website and the following precautionary steps will be taken for students. Click here to learn more about Heat Warnings at HWDSB.
City of Hamilton Summer Programming
There is a wide selection of registered and free options for families who are interested in programming this summer, for all ages and skill levels. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. on June 11 until June 13. Click here for more information.
Elementary @ HWDSB
Grade 8 Commencement Events
Commencement events offer school communities the opportunity to celebrate each student’s learning journey, achievement and progression to the next phase of their education or career. Elementary Grade 8 commencements will take place between June 19 to 25, 2025. Families can contact their elementary school office if they are looking for more information about their school’s celebration.
2025-26 Kindergarten First Days
HWDSB schools are looking forward to welcoming new Kindergarten students and families in September 2025! Here is an overview of how the first days will look:
| Tuesday September 2, 2025 | Wednesday September 3, 2025 |
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Families will receive additional information from their school closer to the start of the school year. For more information about Kindergarten, click here to visit the Kindergarten page on the HWDSB website.
Roots of Empathy Recruitment
Roots of Empathy is a program for elementary school children that is currently searching for Family and Instructor volunteers. The program’s aim is to increase empathy – the ability to understand how another person feels. Children learn to care for and respect each other, and there is less bullying and aggression.
Are you a proud parent with a new baby? Will your baby be between two and four months old in October? If so, you and your baby could be a Roots of Empathy Family! The Roots of Empathy Instructor role is ideal for retired educators or existing school volunteers looking for a new opportunity. All candidates are encouraged to apply, however, experience with children is an asset.
Click here to see our previous post for more information about both opportunities, or contact Lisa Kiriakopoulos at [email protected] to get involved.
Secondary @ HWDSB
Grade 12 Commencement Events
Commencement events offer school communities the opportunity to celebrate each student’s learning journey, achievement and progression to the next phase of their education or career. Secondary Grade 12 commencements will take place between June 23 to 26, 2025. Families can contact their secondary school office if they are looking for more information about their school’s celebration.
Hamilton Public Library Opportunities for Secondary Students
Calling all teens! Hamilton Public Library is hosting some fantastic opportunities to get involved within the community. Activities and programs include Knit for a Cause, Teen Tech Tutors and Summer Reading and Steam Buddies. Click here to read the full post.
Engage @ HWDSB
Engage HWDSB
Engage HWDSB is an online space where students, families, staff and communities can learn more about work at HWDSB, share their voice, and follow processes as they happen. Visit www.engagehwdsb.ca/ to share your feedback on projects, policy consultations and initiatives at HWDSB.
Board Improvement Check-In
We launched our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan in January 2024. Since then, we have been implementing strategies to meet our Pillars and achieve our Mission. We know it has been just four months, but we want to check in with you at the end of every school year and at the start of the next one. We feel it is important to describe our progress and direction as well as provide an opportunity to hear your thoughts on how we are doing. Click here to share your thoughts on Engage HWDSB.
Program Strategy Review
The 2025 Program Strategy Review is underway. For updated information throughout the summer, visit 2025 Program Strategy Review | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
Trustee Newsletters – Summer 2025
Last week, the summer 2025 Trustee newsletters were distributed to families and communities. In these newsletters, you will find important information about Board and community happenings and updates, a list of upcoming dates at HWDSB, and summer programming happening throughout local communities. To read your Trustee Newsletter online, find the link on the “Our Trustee” webpage on your school website.
Important Dates @ HWDSB
Thursday, June 19 – Exams Begin (secondary schools)
Saturday, June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day
Monday, June 23 – National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
Thursday, June 26 – Last Day of School (elementary schools)
Thursday, June 26 – P.A Day (secondary schools)
Friday, June 27 – P.A Day (elementary and secondary schools)
We hope you have a wonderful summer! The first day of school for the 2025-26 school year is Tuesday, September 2.
Click here to visit the 2025-26 School Year Calendar webpage.
Updated on Thursday, June 26, 2025.