Be.Connected@HWDSB: December
It is hard to believe we are already approaching the end of 2025! With the final weeks of the year ahead, we look forward to continuing the momentum we built in these first few months of the school year and preparing for an exciting new chapter together.
Read below a special message from the Director of Education as we head into the winter break!
A Message from the Director of Education
As we approach the Winter Break, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to HWDSB students, families and staff for their dedication and support throughout the first few months of the school year.
Together, we have celebrated great achievements, seized big opportunities, and continued to foster inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Your continued commitment and partnership in your child’s educational journey help HWDSB school communities, learning and working spaces thrive. Thank you for continuing to choose HWDSB.
Winter Break offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and spend meaningful time with loved ones, your community, or in activities that bring you peace and joy. I encourage everyone to take this time to rest and recharge.
These moments of renewal are essential to our well-being and to our ongoing growth and success. Equally important is having clear, accessible information that supports you in connecting your child(ren) with HWDSB programs, services, and the exciting initiatives ahead. I encourage you to explore the details below in this edition of Be.Connected@HWDSB.
As we look ahead to the new year, we will go deeper with the implementation of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and remain focused on creating diverse and enriching opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and succeed. This work is especially important as we honour Human Rights Day on December 10 across HWDSB. As an organization rooted in upholding and protecting the human rights of students, staff, families and communities we serve, we look forward to two upcoming information nights for parents, guardians, and students. Details can be found below.
Wishing you a successful remainder of December and restorative upcoming winter break.
We look forward to welcoming you back in January, ready for all the wonderful learning and experiences that 2026 will bring!
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education
HUMAN RIGHTS
In honour of Human Rights Day on December 10, HWDSB’s Human Rights Office (HRO) is hosting two virtual information sessions: One for HWDSB students and one for HWDSB parents/guardians.
These sessions will provide an opportunity for attendees to familiarize themselves with their Hu
man rights as well as their responsibilities in HWDSB schools, learning, and workspaces.
Topics will include:
- Human Rights as Everyday Essentials
- The Ontario Human Rights Code and how it applies in upholding students’ rights in schools
- What the HWDSB Human Rights Office is and how it operates
- The Board’s Human Right Policy, Complaint Resolution Procedure and reporting
- What constitutes discrimination and how to report and address human rights concerns in schools
- System navigation supports for students and families
Register here:
Parents/Guardians Session: December 10, 2025
Student Session: December 11, 2025
SNOW DAYS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
As the snow starts piling up, we want everyone to be informed with up-to-date information about any potential impacts to the school day!
As a reminder, if Environment Canada issues a proactive winter weather advisory and indicates a potential significant weather event (snow and/or ice accumulation) is on the way, we will let families know that we are monitoring the situation. The next day beginning at 6 a.m., we will let you know about the status of the school day.
How we Decide
- Our team is up bright and early (around 4:00 a.m.) checking the weather and road conditions.
- If buses cannot run safely, schools and administrative offices will CLOSE.
General Rule: Bus Cancellation = No school.
Beginning at 6 a.m., we share updates through:
- HWDSB Website
- Social media
If you wish to learn more, visit: hwdsb.info/snowday
EQAO RESULTS AT HWDSB
HWDSB’s 2024-2025 EQAO results are in, and we are seeing continued gains across multiple platforms! Across the system, students demonstrated measurable growth compared to last year, with notable improvements in Grade 3 and 6 Reading and Writing, Grade 6 Math, Grade 9 Math, and the Grade 10 OSSLT. These results reflect strong, evidence-informed instruction and the supportive, inclusive environments we work to create, aligned with our Board Improvement Plan.
Thank you to all families and caregivers for your ongoing partnership in supporting your child(ren)’s learning journey at HWDSB.
If you wish to read more about this progress, please visit: hwdsb.info/eqao
SUBMIT VACCINE RECORDS TO PUBLIC HEALTH
As a reminder, up-to-date vaccine records are due to Public Health.
Students with incomplete vaccine records will have received screening letters on November 14 outlining what is missing and the deadline for compliance. If records or exemptions are not submitted by the specified date, students will receive a suspension notice.
Visit hwdsb.info/vaccines to learn more!
If you have any questions, please contact Public Health:
Phone: 905-540-5250
Email: [email protected]
SECONDARY STUDENTS: FUTURE PREPAREDNESS DAYS ARE COMING!
Join us for the upcoming Future Preparedness Days designed to help students reflect on their progress, receive meaningful feedback, and set themselves up for success in the next stage of their learning journey. These days will be full instructional days.
All HWDSB secondary students are expected to attend. Whether you’re in Grade 9 or preparing for graduation, these days are built to support you!
Future Preparedness Days will take place in all HWDSB secondary schools on:
• Thursday, January 29, 2026
• Thursday, June 25, 2026
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: HWDSB WEBSITE REDESIGN
We are thrilled to launch a new, more user-friendly HWDSB website along with all of our school sites! But we can’t do it without you.
We’ve been working behind the scenes to make it easier for families, students, and staff to find what they need quickly and efficiently. Your feedback is essential to help us make these sites the best they can be. Join the conversation and help shape the direction of our new website!
If you wish to engage in the discussion, please visit: engagehwdsb.ca/reimagining-websites
DECEMBER EDITION: FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
We encourage you to read the latest edition of From the Director’s Desk which offers a heartfelt message of gratitude and connection from HWDSB Director of Education, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini.
You can find that message here: hwdsb.info/ftdd
ACKNOWLEDGING HOLY DAYS ON SOCIAL MEDIA AT HWDSB
You may have noticed a change in how we share Holy Days on HWDSB Social Media. Starting December 1, 2025, we began sharing one monthly reel featuring upcoming observances, instead of individual posts.
It’s important to know that we’ll still post important school-year updates like P.A. Days, weather closures, and key notices. Honouring our community’s many traditions, together!
To learn more, visit: hwdsb.info/holydays
Important upcoming dates:
Monday, December 22, 2025: Winter Break Begins
Monday, January 5, 2026: First Day of Classes After Winter Break
Friday, January 23, 2026: P.A. Day
Updated on Tuesday, December 09, 2025.