Be.Connected@HWDSB: January
As we begin 2026, we enter the second half of the school year with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. Much like September, this moment offers a fresh start—a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and to build on the learning, relationships, and momentum of the past months. With the year ahead, we look forward to continuing this important work together with our community and creating new opportunities for every student.
Read below a special message from the Director of Education as we begin 2026 by honouring the right to education for every student.’
A Message from the Director of Education
Celebrating International Day of Education and Family Literacy Day: Learning as Love and a Human Right
As we recognize International Day of Education on January 24, we affirm a truth that guides our work every day: education is not a privilege—it is a human right. It is a promise we make to children and families. It is an expression of care. And it is one of the most powerful ways we build opportunity, dignity, and belonging in our communities.
At HWDSB, this belief lives in action. It shows up in how dedicated HWDSB staff welcome families through Kindergarten registration and Entry to School supports, how pathways are accelerated through Continuing Education and summer learning, and how doors are opened through Future Preparedness Days, career coaching, and experiential opportunities like Lego Robotics—inviting students to see themselves as capable, curious, and full of possibility.
It also lives in our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by fully implementing English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices (NBE3), so that students see themselves reflected in their learning and experience classrooms rooted in respect, dignity, and high expectations.
This week, we also celebrate Family Literacy Dayon January 27, a reminder that some of the most important learning does not begin with a bell.
It begins at home.
It begins with story time after a long day. With a book read on the bus or in the back seat between practices and appointments. With conversations over dinner, homework at the kitchen table, notes tucked into backpacks, and encouragement offered in the early morning rush. It begins in the quiet consistency of caregivers who are balancing work schedules, family responsibilities, and countless daily demands—yet still make space for curiosity, language, and learning.
Families are a child’s first teachers, and their most enduring champions.
When schools and families move together, students are strengthened. Literacy deepens. Confidence grows. A sense of belonging takes root. Education becomes not just something that happens in classrooms, but a shared journey—built on partnership, trust, and mutual respect.
Educators, families, caregivers, and communities each hold an essential role in upholding every student’s right to learn in environments where they feel safe, valued, and inspired to imagine what is possible.
Across HWDSB, we remain committed to ensuring that the right to a quality education is not only promised, but experienced—every day, in every school, and in every interaction.
I hope you enjoy this edition of Be.Connected and feel connected to the programs, services, and information that support your involvement in a student’s educational journey. Together, we are building strong learners, strong families, and strong communities.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education
JANUARY EDITION: FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
We encourage you to read the latest edition of From the Director’s Desk, featuring a heartfelt New Year message from HWDSB’s Director of Education, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini. In this edition, the Director reflects on renewal and new beginnings, celebrates the strength of our community, and shares gratitude for the students, families, staff, and volunteers who make a meaningful difference every day across HWDSB.
You can find that message here: hwdsb.info/directorsdesk.
COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN – REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 2
HWDSB schools are welcoming, enriching places where children learn to explore, solve problems, and build friendships. Kindergarten is a two-year, full-day program that gives children the best possible start in school through caring educators and play-based learning. Children are eligible in the year they turn four or five, and attendance is required if they are six by September 1. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year opens on Monday, February 2, 2026. Families can find their home school, explore resources, and learn what to expect as they prepare for this exciting milestone.
Learn more: hwdsb.info/kindergarten
Entry to School – Special Education Services Information Session
For families of HWDSB children entering Kindergarten who may require Special Education services. HWDSB is excited to welcome your child to school in September 2026! We know this is a big step and you likely have questions. Please join us virtually on January 27 to learn about HWDSB’s Special Education team and the support services available for your child.
To join the session: hwdsb.info/entry-to-school-2026
To learn more: hwdsb.info/special-ed
SUMMER CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION
Open February 2 for Grade 8 Students and March 2 for Secondary Students
Continuing Education offers a wide range of programs to engage students in learning throughout the year, including summer. As summer approaches, consider registering for one of HWDSB’s engaging opportunities—designed to support learning, exploration, and growth. From activity-based literacy and math programs, to learning another language, earning summer credits, or preparing for secondary school, there’s something for everyone.
Registration for many Summer 2026 programs is opening soon!
- February 2: International languages, summer ESL and skill building, Reach Ahead programs (online careers and civics, in-person construction and cosmetology), and High School Headstart.
- March 2: Secondary summer credits and co-op registration
For more information on program eligibility and registration, please visit: hwdsb.info/ccesummer
SECONDARY EXAMS
As we near the completion of first semester, there are many opportunities for secondary students to prepare and get ahead for exams and Semester Two. Board-wide, exams will take place between January 21 and January 27.
Students are encouraged to connect with their teachers, Student Services, and other school staff for support with exam preparation and completing final course assignments before the semester ends. We wish our secondary students the best as they complete another excellent semester of learning.
The first day of second semester is Friday, January 30, 2026.
FUTURE PREPARDNESS DAYS (New for Secondary Students) January 29, 2026
Focused on YOU, the last day of each semester is now called a Future Preparedness Day. This is a full instructional day where secondary students follow their timetable one final time, review culminating activities, reflect on final grades, and connect with their Guidance Counsellor and school staff such as Student Success and Learning Resource Teachers to make adjustments for second semester, if necessary. School transportation will be running and attendance will be taken.
Who is it for?
All HWDSB secondary students. Whether you’re in Grade 9 or preparing to graduate, these days are designed to support your success.
When & where?
Our first Future Preparedness Day takes place at all HWDSB secondary schools on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
VACCINE RECORDS DUE BY MARCH 9, 2026
As a reminder, up-to-date vaccine records are soon due to Public Health.
Students with incomplete vaccine records will have received screening letters on November 14, 2025 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.
| ELEMENTARY:
Letters Sent: November 14, 2025 |
SECONDARY:
Letters Sent: November 14, 2025 |
Visit hwdsb.info/vaccines to learn more!
If you have any questions, please contact Public Health:
Phone: 905-540-5250
Email: [email protected]
VOLUNTEER AS A CAREER COACH
Ready to inspire the next generation? HWDSB is inviting parents, caregivers, and community members to share their career journeys with Grades 9 and 10 students. In partnership with HIEC and IEC Hamilton, students will take part in engaging, small-group career coaching sessions that explore high-demand careers, pathways into different industries, and practical, transferable job skills—including opportunities in the skilled trades.
This is a one-day volunteer commitment during school hours between February and June 2026. A Sterling Background Check is required. By sharing your experiences, you can help students discover possibilities and begin shaping their own paths forward. Our students look forward to learning with you!
IEC Hamilton manages all applications.
Learn more and sign up at hwdsb.info/careercoach
HWDSB CELEBRATES FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF NBE3 AS GRADE 11 GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
HWDSB is proud to announce the full implementation of English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices (NBE3E/C/U) as the compulsory Grade 11 English credit, replacing ENG3E/C/U beginning September 2026. This milestone reflects our commitment to Reinforcing Indigenous Educational Wellness and Reconciliation and places Indigenous voices and perspectives at the heart of student learning. More than a curriculum change, NBE3 supports critical thinking, cultural understanding, and future preparedness across all pathways—apprenticeship, college, university, and the workforce—while aligning with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through this work, HWDSB affirms its responsibility to ensure every learner feels seen, valued, and empowered. Families are encouraged to stay connected with their child’s school as course selection approaches.
Project SEARCH PROGRAM RECRUITMENT – APPLY BEFORE FEBRUARY 19
Project SEARCH is a business-led, school-to-work program designed to prepare young people with intellectual or communication disabilities for meaningful, competitive employment. Through a unique blend of classroom learning and hands-on workplace training, students build confidence, independence, and marketable job skills while completing internships at a host business site.
Discover how Project SEARCH supports pathways to paid, integrated employment and lifelong success. Apply before February 19.
Learn more at hwdsb.info/projectsearch
NOURISHING TODAY, THRIVING TOMORROW – STRENGTHENING NUTRITION AT HWDSB
HWDSB is committed to strengthening access to nutrition in schools for every student to ensure that hunger is not a barrier to learning. Student nutrition programs offer daily nutritious snacks and meals to students in HWDSB schools, offering the resources students require to learn. Led by the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success, a new fundraising campaign has launched to inspire community investment in our work towards access to consistent and quality student nutrition programs in HWDSB schools.
Know someone or a group who may be interested in supporting this work? Your donation will make a difference for HWDSB students. Please visit and share:
Nourishing Today. Thriving Tomorrow Campaign: hwdsb.info/nutrition
SHARE YOUR VOICE TO SHAPE HWDSB INITIATIVES
Student, family, and community voices are essential to shaping HWDSB programs, services, and initiatives that support student learning and achievement. EngageHWDSB is our online platform for sharing ideas and feedback.
Your perspective helps guide meaningful change—join the conversation and help shape the future of HWDSB: hwdsb.info/engage
Important upcoming dates:
Friday, January 23: P.A Day (Elementary)
Wednesday, January 28: P.A Day (Secondary)
Wednesday, January 21 to Tuesday, January 27: Secondary Exam Period
Thursday, January 29: Future Preparedness Day (Secondary)
Friday, January 30: First Day of Semester 2 (Secondary)
Click here to view the 2025-2026 school year calendar: hwdsb.info/calendar.
Updated on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.