• COVID-19
• Commencement at HWDSB
• Senior Team
• Trustees
• Accessibility
• Indigenous Education
• Budget and Finance
• Human Rights Office
• Human Rights and Equity
• Labour Update
• Media and Communications
• Policies
• Public Consultation
• Purchasing
• Research and Privacy
• School Renewal
• Severe Weather
• School Year Calendar
• Multi-Year Strategic Plan
• Transportation
• Wifi in HWDSB Schools

Director’s Desk: December Edition

Dear HWDSB Staff, 

As the days grow shorter and winter settles in, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work you’ve done since the return for the 2025-2026 school year. These past few months have been filled with learning, growth, and countless moments that remind us why public education matters so deeply.

From our caretaking teams, office administrators, and early childhood educators who create welcoming and engaging environments for students. To our front-line educators such as teachers, and educational assistants in classrooms and learning spaces, thank you for the daily work you do to ensure every child thrives, belongs, and reaches their potential. To our Principals and Vice Principals who support the front lines and partner with parents and caregivers day in and day out—thank you for your steady, solutions-focused leadership. And to our centralized Business Services and Learning Services staff who maintain critical systems, lead major projects, and uphold the essential structures without which public education simply could not operate—your valuable work is often done behind the scenes. The responsibility that all HWDSB staff carry is significant—rich with opportunity and, at times, complexity—and we see the care, professionalism, and skill you bring to this work each day.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, resilience, and commitment to creating spaces where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. The work you do every day—inside and outside the classroom—builds the foundation for student success and strengthens our entire HWDSB community.

As we move through December, Human Rights Day will be recognized on December 10—a day that reminds us that every person deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. It’s an important moment for us to reflect on what we value as a school community and how these values guide the work we do every day.

For HWDSB, honouring human rights means making sure every student and staff member feels welcomed, supported, and able to do their best. It also means recognizing and respecting the rights, histories, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. This work is supported by our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and strengthens HWDSB’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous Education and well-being. These priorities remain at the heart of our efforts to build schools where every person—students, families, and staff—can learn, grow, and thrive.

Students will be on break beginning on Monday, December 22 and will return on Monday, January 5, 2026. Winter Break is more than just a time away from school. It is a chance to pause, recharge, and nurture what matters most. Whether you’re bundling up for a snowy walk, diving into a good book, or simply enjoying quiet moments with loved ones, I hope you find time to rest and recharge. These moments of renewal are essential for our well-being, and they help students return ready to embrace new opportunities.

Winter Break is more than just a time away from school and departments. It’s a chance to pause, recharge, and nurture what matters most. Whether you’re bundling up for a snowy walk, spending time with loved ones, diving into a good book, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet, I hope you find time to rest and restore. You deserve it.

As we look ahead to 2026, I’m excited about what is to come. The work before us includes continuing to go deeper in numeracy, literacy, well-being, and nurturing a culture of improvement across all learning and working environments. A new year brings fresh possibilities, new professional learning, and new ways to strengthen our commitment to inclusion, belonging, and excellence. Guided by our shared focus on Dignity, Compassion, Trust, and Joy, we will continue working together to ensure every student has the tools and supports they need to thrive. Your role in bringing our Mission to life—ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning to reach their potential—is essential, and I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated and skilled team.

Thank you for bringing such passion and professionalism to your work each day. You truly make HWDSB a place where everyone can Be You. Be Excellent.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and restorative Winter Break. I look forward to welcoming you back in January, ready for all the exciting things the new year will bring!

Warmest regards,