Be.Connected@HWDSB: February Edition
A Message from the Director of Education
Dear HWDSB Community,
In every school across HWDSB, relationships are at the heart of learning. The way we speak to one another, include one another, and show up for one another shapes the kind of community we choose to build together.
On Wednesday, February 25, HWDSB will recognize Pink Shirt Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear pink as a visible sign of our collective commitment to kindness, empathy, and healthy relationships in our schools.
Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when two Nova Scotia students took action to support a peer who had experienced bullying. Their leadership sparked a national movement grounded in a simple but powerful idea that small acts of care can shift the way we experience learning together.
This day aligns closely with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, particularly our focus on ensuring students and staff feel safe, secure, and a true sense of belonging to our school communities, essential conditions for learning and well-being. Our values of Dignity, Compassion, Trust and Joy guide how we show up for students and for one another. They inform not only our policies, but also the everyday decisions we make, the conversations we have, the ways we respond when challenges arise, and how we celebrate the strength of our achievements.
Through our Safe, Compassionate and Caring Schools efforts, we continue to strengthen prevention, response, and relationship-building across HWDSB. Pink Shirt Day reinforces that creating and protecting safe, welcoming environments to learn is a shared commitment, where belonging and safety are not passive outcomes; but are built through intentional actions, accountability and care from us all.
Creating spaces where every student experiences belonging requires intention and ongoing partnership. It calls on caring adults to model empathy and accountability, and it encourages students to be active contributors to the individual culture of their classrooms and schools. Kindness is not simply a moment or gesture–but of guiding the ways we make choices that have an impact on each other.
I encourage our community to participate in Pink Shirt Day and to carry its message forward throughout the year. When kindness and caring consistently are at work together to inform our actions, choices, and learning, we strengthen the foundation for students and staff to be themselves and as a result, be excellent.
Thank you for the care you demonstrate each day in support of our students and our shared commitment to inclusive, safe, and caring schools.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education
Gerry Smith
Superintendent, Safe, Compassionate and Equitable Schools, K-12
FEBRUARY EDITION: FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
We encourage you to read the latest edition of From the Director’s Desk, featuring a reflection from HWDSB’s Director of Education, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini on the role of Love in Public Education.
You can find that message here: hwdsb.info/ftddfeb
CELEBRATING STUDENT EXCELLENCE: JOHN C. HOLLAND AWARDS
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Reverend John C. Holland Awards – three decades of recognizing leadership, advocacy, and commitment to community. We are proud to share that 81 HWDSB students were nominated this year (24 from elementary and 57 from secondary), reflecting the depth of talent, character, and service of students across our schools. These awards honour excellence measured not only by achievement, but by compassion, integrity, and a commitment to uplifting others.
Congratulations to our Sankofa Pearl Scholarship recipients: Daunte James Hillen (Sherwood), Aya Adam (Westdale), and Israela Ngatched Ngania (Ancaster High), to our Sankofa Pearl Bursary recipients: Elijah Sterling King (Orchard Park), Zachariah Adjodia Persaud (Bernie Custis), Israela Ngatched Ngania (Ancaster High), Aya Adam (Westdale), Nasra Bain (Westmount), Jayden Miller Edwards (Bernie Custis), Nina Borcea-Richardson (Westdale), and Alyvea Riley (Sir Winston Churchill), and to our Ainara Alleyne “Rising Star” Award Winner, Nasteho Mohammed (Prince of Wales). Your leadership, scholarship, and service reflect Black Excellence not as an exception, but as a tradition.
Guided by this year’s theme, Sankofa, we are reminded that progress is rooted in remembrance – carrying forward the resilience, wisdom, and scarifies of those who paved the way, including Reverend John C. Holland himself, whose legacy affirms that Black brilliance should never be overlooked. We extend our sincere thanks to the Reverend John C. Holland Awards Selection Committee, the Hamilton Black History Month Council, and our HWDSB Graduation Coaches for Black Students for their partnership and tremendous efforts to working with Hamilton’s Black youth to both define and celebrate their excellence.
To all our nominees and recipients, your success strengthens families, neighbourhoods, and our city. You are already shaping for a future defined by dignity, opportunity, and excellence, and we are honoured to celebrate with you.
CELEBRATING HEALTHY EATING: THE GREAT BIG CRUNCH RETURNS MARCH 26!
As national momentum grows around Canada’s developing National School Food Policy, HWDSB continues to champion strong nutrition programs and food literacy for students. In 2024, Trustees affirmed this commitment by passing a motion to enhance access to high‑quality, universal student nutrition programs across HWDSB.
We’re excited to share that the Great Big Crunch, organized by Tastebuds, returns to Hamilton schools on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Since 2008, thousands of Hamilton students, staff, and community members have taken part in this joyful event, coming together for a synchronized apple “crunch” while learning about healthy eating and the importance of local food. Schools celebrate in their own way: gathering students in schools, counting down together, and biting into fresh apples at the same moment.
It’s a simple tradition, but one that creates a memorable shared experience—connecting students to their food, their community, and each other. Stay tuned for more details on how our schools plan to be involved.
RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AT HWDSB
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping how we learn – and at HWDSB, we are approaching this moment with curiosity and care. Over the past several months, HWDSB leaders have been actively engaged in professional learning to better understand how AI can responsibly enhance teaching and learning across our schools.
In January, HWDSB leaders participated in a keynote address by Dr. Rhonda McEwen, President and Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University and faculty member at the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology. Dr. McEwen challenged us to thoughtfully embrace AI as a tool that can strengthen learning experiences and better prepare students for a future where critical thinking, communication, creativity, and problem-solving will be more important than ever. At the same time, she emphasized the importance of clear guidance, ethnical awareness, and responsible use.
Since then, leaders across our system have been deepening their understanding of AI’s opportunities and implications, exploring questions of authorship, academic integrity, privacy, equity, and digital citizenship. This learning will continue at our upcoming March P.A. Day, when all HWDSB staff will engage in system-wide professional learning focused on AI in education. Together, we are building a shared understanding and practical approaches that ensure AI supports, rather than replaces, high quality instruction, people connection, and student voice. As this work evolves, our focus remains clear: to prepare students not just to use AI tools, but to think critically about them, engage with them responsibility, and lead confidently in a technology-rich world.
PLANNING FOR MARCH BREAK
As we look ahead to March Break (March 16-20), we invite families to explore what’s happening in our community to discover new experiences, build connections, and enjoy meaningful time together. This pause in the school year offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with family and friends and to continue to learn and grow beyond the classroom, whether by exploring our local community, building friendships at camp, or discovering a new hobby.
There’s a lot happening in Hamilton during March Break and we invite you to explore and plan ahead where needed. Here are just a few of the places to explore over the break:
- Your local Hamilton Public Library: https://hwdsb.info/hpl
- Your local Community Recreation Centre: https://hwdsb.info/hamiltonrec
- Camp Kidaca: https://hwdsb.info/campkidaca
- Art Gallery of Hamilton – FREE on Thursdays: https://hwdsb.info/agh
- Hamilton Conservation Areas: https://hwdsb.info/hca
- Discover Hamilton’s newly renovated Children’s Museum: https://hwdsb.info/civicmuseums
Exploring the city as a family this March Break? Don’t forget – children ages 6 to 12 travel for free on HSR transit with a valid PRESTO card, available from your local Hamilton Public Library.
Learn more: https://hwdsb.info/presto
SAVE THE DATE: 2026 PROM PROJECT
Join us at Prom Project Hamilton on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School (Gymnasium), 1715 Main St. E.
Prom Project Hamilton is “pop‑up shop” where Hamilton students can choose formal wear for prom, graduation, banquets, and other special events. On‑site alterations will be available as volunteer capacity allows. Students may select one complete outfit free of charge. Additional outfits will be made available with the donation of $20 per outfit to Prom Project Hamilton.
Students must register for an appointment and may bring one guest. Inventory is donation‑based, so sizes and styles may vary. Registration closes March 25, 2026. To learn more and to register, please visit: https://hwdsb.info/pph
2026-2027 OUT-OF-CATCHMENT PROCESS
Students are expected to attend their in-catchment school based on their home address. Families wishing to attend an out-of-catchment school may apply if the school is open to out-of-catchment requests.
Elementary Schools (Open to Out-of-Catchment)
- Application Deadline: Friday, March 6 at 4 p.m.
- Decision Notification: Friday, March 13 at 4 p.m.
- Applications submitted after March 6 will be reviewed starting the week of September 14
Secondary Schools (Open to Out-of-Catchment)
- Application Deadline: Friday, March 6 at 4 p.m.
- Decision Notification: Friday, March 13 at 4 p.m.
- Late applications will not be accepted
French Immersion, SHSM and Specialized Programs
Some programs have expanded catchment areas. An out-of-catchment form is not required unless the student residents outside the program’s designated boundaries. Application requirements vary by program.
For full details and applications, please visit: https://hwdsb.info/catchmentapplications
STUDENT TRUSTEE ELECTION
It’s time for Grade 7-12 students to elect our 2026-2027 term Student Trustees!
Student Trustees are members of HWDSB’s Board of Trustees and participate in Board decision-making. They represent student voice during discussions and help communicate Board decisions back to students across HWDSB. This role provides meaningful leadership and learning opportunities while ensuring student perspectives inform the way we grow as a school board.
Voting is open to all HWDSB students in Grades 7-12 from February 17-20, 2026.
Be sure to sign in using your HWDSB account to cast your ballot.
Two Student Trustees will be elected through this election process. As in previous years, the Shakowennakara:tats (Indigenous Student Trustee) will be selected through CC:ROSE, a student-led community that connects Indigenous learners across HWDSB through cultural opportunities and shared student voice. Elected Student Trustees will collaborate respectfully with the Shakowennakara:tats in peace, friendship and syncretism.
Learn more about your HWDSB Student Trustee candidates and prepare to cast your vote!
https://hwdsb.info/studentrustees
Important upcoming dates:
March 6: P.A Day
March 16-20: March Break
Click here to view the 2025-2026 school year calendar: hwdsb.info/calendar.
Updated on Thursday, February 19, 2026.