Be.Connected@HWDSB: September Edition
Welcome to the first official 2025-2026 Be.Connected newsletter where we share all of the important updates for HWDSB families.
September is always a time of new beginnings—fresh routines, renewed goals, and opportunities for growth. This month, we are reflecting on the significance of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with a special co-authored message from Director of Education, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini and Jolene John, Indigenous Education Lead. Read below!
Message from the Director of Education
Dear HWDSB Community,
Tomorrow, we come together to recognize Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This Orange Shirt Day honours Survivors of Residential Schools, remembers the children who never returned home, and acknowledges the ongoing impact these schools continue to have on families, communities, and generations.
June 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action—a milestone that reminds us of the important steps taken and the continued work required from all of us. At HWDSB, we approach this work with humility and responsibility, reflecting one of the objectives of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan: Reinforcing Indigenous Educational Wellness & Reconciliation.
Through the guidance of the Indigenous Education Circle, we have deepened our learning, strengthened our relationships, and committed to centring Indigenous voices, knowledge, and leadership. This ongoing partnership reflects our understanding that reconciliation is not a single act or event, but a lifelong journey that we must walk together.
The Two Row Wampum, one of the oldest treaty agreements, teaches us that we travel side by side, in parallel paths, distinct but equal, honouring each other’s ways of being while moving forward in peace, friendship, and mutual respect. These teachings remind us of the importance of reciprocal relationships: when we listen, learn, and support one another, we create the conditions for every child to feel seen, safe, and valued.
Orange Shirt Day calls us to somber reflection and also to restorative hope. Reconciliation is built through daily actions, through the partnerships we nurture, and through the courage we show in addressing injustice. Together, with honesty, compassion, and shared responsibility, we can create schools—and a community—where truth is acknowledged, relationships are restored, and futures are filled with possibility.
In this work, we are all called to walk together. May we do so with dignity, respect, and the belief that, in partnership, we are stronger, wiser, and walking together in reconciliation.
To learn more about the progress made on the 94 Calls to Action, click here.
Sincerely,
Indigenous Education Resources
We are excited to share with you some of the thought-provoking readings we have encouraged HWDSB staff to read. These reads help us deepen our understanding, strengthen our practices, and remain committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all.
We invite you to take a look and reflect alongside us. We look forward to walking together on this learning journey!
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY: RECLAIMING OUR SPACES IN EDUCATION (CC:ROSE)
CC:ROSE is a student-driven leadership and learning community, welcoming self-identified Indigenous learners from Grades 7-12 to come together and build a sense of community. This year, we are expanding on this concept by creating meaningful space for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers to likewise, cultivate community and reclaim your spaces in education! We refer to this as, CC:ROSE PGE – Parent, Guardian Edition.
Join us for an information night and opportunity to learn more.
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 4:30 – 7:00pm
Location: Bernie Custis Secondary School – Cafeteria
1055 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1E2
For more information contact: [email protected]
MEET YOUR 2025-2025 STUDENT TRUSTEES AND SHAKOWENNAKARA:TATS!
We are pleased to welcome HWDSB’s Student Trustees and Shakowennakara:tats, Evelyn Watson, Daunte Hillen and Sanad Bizanti. Learn more about each of them below:
Evelyn Watson
Hey everyone! I’m really excited to see what this year has in store for us. I’m truly grateful to be stepping into this role and look forward to working alongside this amazing team.
My main focus will be on enhancing STEM learning and education, as well as supporting mental health and improving the overall student experience. I’m passionate about making a positive impact in these areas, and I’m eager to get started.
Let’s make it a great year together!
Daunte Hillen
Hey HWDSB! My name is Daunte Hillen, and I’m honoured to be serving my second term as the Shakowennakará:tats (Indigenous Student Trustee) for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, raising the voices of over 50,000+ students.
This year, I was elected Chair of the Indigenous Student Trustees’ Council by my peers of The Ontario Student Trustees Association, OSTA-AECO, where I collaborate with student leaders from across Ontario to strengthen Indigenous student voice and advance reconciliation in education. I’m also proud to be part of CC:ROSE (Cultivating community reclaiming our spaces in education) and to serve as a Sherwood Student Leader, while entering Grade 12 at Sherwood Secondary School as a French Immersion student. At Sherwood, I’m an active musician in both jazz and repertoire bands, where I play bass clarinet and trumpet.
Beyond leadership and music, I love exploring the intersections of my African and Indigenous roots and staying active through my passion for baseball. I am always open to chatting about anything so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
Sanad Bizanti
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be your Student Trustee this year. I’m involved throughout the Hamilton community so if you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hi!
I believe in doing good for the sake of doing good, and you can count on me to always put students first in every project, plan, and discussion. I’ve had experience as a Student Senator and this year I’m also starting as VP of Operations with OSTA. Outside of school I’m an athlete, a cadet, and most importantly a student just like you.
I can’t wait to start this journey alongside all of you!
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
As we enter cold and flu season, it is important to understand how we can help reduce the spread of infections.
Respiratory illnesses, like the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19, share many similar symptoms.
Starting October 27, free flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines will be available for those eligible in Ontario:
- Flu & COVID-19: 6 months+
- RSV: infants (born after Apr 1, 2025), adults 75+, and some adults 60+
Protect yourself, your family, and your community.
👉 Learn more: Protect Yourself and Others | City of Hamilton
REPORT YOUR CHILD’S VACCINATION TO HAMILTON PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Each time your child receives a vaccine, you must report it to Hamilton Public Health Services in one of the following ways:
- Online Reporting: https://hph.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome or scan the QR code below.
- Please upload a scan or image of the vaccine history document(s).
- Mail: City of Hamilton, Public Health Services, Vaccine Program: P.O. Box 897, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3P6
- Phone Reporting: Call Vaccine Records at 905-540-5250
WELCOME BACK TO ATHLETICS!
We are excited to begin another great season of Fall sports. From Elementary 3-Pitch to Secondary Flag Football and many activities in between, our student athletes are ready to showcase their skills, teamwork, and school spirit.
We encourage all families to support their athletes in a positive and encouraging way as they compete, learn, and grow throughout the season. Thank you for being such an important part of our athletics community.
Check our website for the spectator code of conduct, schedules and more: https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/athletics/
Here’s to a safe, fun, and successful season ahead!
WISMER AWARD FOR HIGH SCHOOL COACHING EXCELLENCE 2024-2025
Save the date! Join HWDSB and HCDSB October 8, 2025 at the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton. Created by the Wismer Family, this prestigious award shines a spotlight on coaches who go above and beyond. This is a great opportunity for recognition and gratitude to our volunteer coaches. Learn more by clicking here.
BARRIER-FREE PHYSICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS POLICY CONSULTATION
HWDSB is reviewing its Barrier-Free Physical Learning Environments policy—and you can help shape it. If you are passionate about accessibility, inclusivity, respect, and equity for students with disabilities, here is an opportunity to have a say!
Get Involved Today: Review the draft policy, explore the resources, and submit your thoughts. Your input will make a difference.
Find more information here. LEVEL UP CAREER FAIRS
The Level Up! career fairs will showcase dozens of Ontario’s 144 skilled trades – from electricians and boilermakers to heavy equipment operators and automotive service technicians. Students in grades 7 to 12, their parents and jobseekers will be able to explore these careers through dynamic exhibits, hands-on demonstrations and direct conversations with tradespeople and employers. Career fairs are taking place across 12 communities for a total of 29 days between September 17 and December 12, 2025: \
- Hamilton: November 5–6
- Mississauga: November 25–28
For more information, click here.
HAMILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY: PROGRAMS & LIBRARY CARD
We are pleased to share that HWDSB has partnered with Hamilton Public Library (HPL) to make it easier for all elementary students to get a free public library card!
Families can participate by visiting the HWDSB Parent Portal and providing consent for the school board to share basic student information with HPL. With just a simple click, your child(ren) will be registered for a free library card. A confirmation email with details on how to pick up the card at a local HPL branch will be sent within two weeks of opting in. We’re pleased to share that nearly 900 families opted into this opportunity during the first week of school!
When students have a library card and access to library resources, this supports HWDSB’s Reading Strategy by fostering early literacy skills that help children build a lifelong love of reading. Strengthening the connection between home and school literacy experiences is linked to overall student achievement and well-being.
An HPL card gives children access to a wide range of free resources, including books, movies, music, games, and educational and recreational programs. It also includes a free PRESTO Card for students 6-12, free entry to Hamilton Civic Museums, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Royal Ontario Museum, local and provincial parks and access to Makerspaces equipped with creative, high-tech tools.
To learn more about the Hamilton Public Library Card initiative, visit hwdsb.on.ca/library-card-opt-in or contact your school principal.
Important Upcoming Dates:
- September 30, 2025 – Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- October 4, 2025 – National Day for Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- October 5, 2025 – World Teachers’ Day
- October 10, 2025 – World Mental Health Day
- October 13, 2025 – Thanksgiving Day (No School)
- October 24, 2025 – PA Day
Other Important Links:
Updated on Monday, September 29, 2025.