Be.Connected@HWDSB: October Edition
Welcome to the October Edition of Be.Connected! This month, we are reflecting on the significance of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, with a special co-authored message from Director of Education, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini and Gerry Smith, Superintendent of Safe, Compassionate and Equitable Schools. Read below!
Message from the Director of Education
Dear HWDSB Community,
At the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, our commitment to safe, inclusive, and caring schools is rooted in our belief that public
education is an equalizer in our society. When every child has access to learning environments where they feel valued, respected, and seen, we move closer to a world where opportunity is not a privilege — but a right.
November 16 marks the beginning of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, and this year, we continue to build on our collective work by deepening our understanding, strengthening our relationships, and affirming our shared responsibility to one another.
We approach this work through the lens of Human Rights, Equity, Inclusion and Indigeneity, recognizing that dismantling barriers benefits every student. When we honour Indigenous Education, Ancestral Knowledges, histories, complex contemporary realities, when we confront bias and discrimination, and when we teach our students to lead with empathy and courage, we are shaping communities that uphold the dignity of all people. This is how we nurture both safety and justice in our schools.
Every day, our educators and leaders take intentional steps to support student voice, belonging, and well-being. Resources such as Reimagining Wellness, Responding to Bias, Prejudice and Hate, Creating Conditions, Identity-Affirming Practices and Responding to Student Needs, and We Help – Emotion Coaching give our students and staff tools to listen, reflect, and take action. These conversations teach young people to not only understand one another, but to stand up for one another.
This is the heart of our work, creating schools where every student feels they have a place, a purpose, and a voice. We are committed to responding with compassion and accountability when harm occurs and to ensuring that communication with students, staff, and families remains open and transparent.
Together, we are reimagining what safety truly means: not just the absence of harm, but the presence of dignity, trust, compassion, and joy. And when those values live in our classrooms and hallways, every student can thrive—academically, socially, and as a human being with limitless potential.
Sincerely,
CARING AND SAFE SCHOOLS ACTION PLAN
As we mark Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week starting November 16, HWDSB continues to strengthen our Safe and Caring Schools Action Plan.
Through listening, collab
oration, and proactive support, we’re building school communities rooted in safety, inclusion, and belonging — where every student feels heard, valued, and supported.
Learn more: 2024-2027 Caring and Safe Schools Action Plan
FOCUS PROGRAMS: APPLICATIONS OPEN!
Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Elementary Focus Programs!
Starting October 27, 2025, families can apply for exciting opportunities such as the Hockey Program at Tapleytown, Mandarin Transitional Language at Cootes Paradise, the Scholastic Arts and Global Education (SAGE) Program at Strathcona, SAGE Quest at Kanétskare, and the Sports Academy (Basketball & High Performance) at R.A. Riddell.
The deadline to submit applications is November 28, 2025. Apply here!
To learn more, visit: 2026-27 Elementary Focus Programs Application Process | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
FRENCH IMMERSION: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Elementary French Immersion program!
Families of Senior Kindergarten students born in 2020 can now apply for the Grade 1 French Immersion program. Applications close on November 28, 2025. Apply here!
To learn more, visit: French Immersion | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
CONNECT WITH A FAMILY DOCTOR THROUGH THE HAMILTON FAMILY HEALTH TEAM
Looking for a family doctor in Hamilton, Haldimand, or Niagara Northwest? The Hamilton Family Health Team (HFHT) can help through their Patient Attachment Program.
Visit HFHT at the Hamilton Public Library (Central Branch, 55 York Blvd)
Every Wednesday, 10 AM – 2 PM
Meet healthcare professionals, ask questions, and learn how to connect with a family doctor.
Learn more in our blog post: Finding a Family Doctor with HFHT
CLOCKS MOVE BACK – NOVEMBER 3
It’s that time of year again! Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 3. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night and enjoy an extra hour of sleep.
This is also a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to help keep your home safe.
PROGRAM STRATEGY REVIEW
Communication continues to be important to us as we are nearing the end of the ongoing review of our Elementary Program Strategy, Secondary Program Strategy, and French Immersion Location and Application process. Since April 2025, the research consultant has been hard at work conducting focus groups, school visits, and one-on-one interviews to gather valuable insights, feedback and information from the HWDSB Community. We are so thankful over 4,500 educators, parents, guardians, caregiver, students and community participated in the public consultations.
As we prepare for the final few weeks of the review, the consultant will host a series of validation sessions with various groups and community.
Please watch for the opportunity to provide feedback on what we heard this past year using the Engage platform. Stay tuned for dates and details coming soon.
Our HWDSB mission continues to drive this work. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we are looking forward to sharing continued updates as we prepare the start the final consultant report with the Board of Trustees in December.
Please continue to visit this page to receive additional updates about the Program Strategy: 2025 Program Strategy Review | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
TRUSTEE NEWSLETTERS
Have you had the chance to read your Trustee Newsletter yet? These newsletters are packed with valuable updates for each Ward, are easy to read, and can be translated into the language that works best for you.
Stay up-to-date with your Trustee by visiting: Trustees | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Important upcoming dates:
Friday, November 21, 2025: P.A. Day
Monday, December 22, 2025: Winter Break Begins
Updated on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.