Happy Last Day of School from the Director!
Dear Students and Families,
Happy last day of school! It feels like it was only last week that I was welcoming you in September 2024. Now, we say goodbye to a successful school year highlighted by literacy and numeracy achievements, future preparedness opportunities and well-being and engagement experiences for every student.
When I welcomed students, staff, families and community members to the school year back in September, I shared the following words:
“No matter who you are, the start of the school year is a chance – a once-a-year opportunity – for you to write a first-day story you can be proud of. My ambition for all of us this year – on the first day and beyond – is that we practice kindness and compassion, and – as you have all heard me say many times – find our joy.”
On this final day, I hope you found your joy in HWDSB schools this year. Having visited dozens of elementary and secondary classrooms, I can attest to the kindness and compassion that has been on full display. There have been countless examples through arts and athletic showcases, experiential learning opportunities, school council events and community celebrations. What I have seen time and time again is that HWDSB students are capable leaders who exemplify Be You. Be Excellent.
In addition to a time of reflection, the end of the school year is also a time to share some summer updates and plans for the 2024-25 school year.
Ministry of Education and HWDSB Code of Conduct Updates
In May, I shared a message to families in response to Ministry of Education changes to the provincial Code of Conduct. HWDSB will share our updated DRAFT school board Code of Conduct in August before the first day of school. Ahead of September 2024, all families can expect to receive an email message that clearly outlines expectations found in the following HWDSB policies and procedures:
| Code of Conduct Policy | Code of Conduct Procedure |
| Modern Learning Policy | Responsible Use of Electronic Devices Procedure |
| Student Behaviour and Discipline Policy | Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour Procedure |
All documents listed above will continue to be reviewed this fall. Students and families can expect changes to current DRAFT guidelines surrounding cellphones, vaping, social media and more. We will also be communicating new resources related to Caring and Safe Schools and Student Dress Guidelines before the start of the year.
For now, all members of the HWDSB community are invited to provide feedback on two DRAFT documents that will be shared again before the back-to-school season. Click the links to visit Engage HWDSB where you can share your thoughts on HWDSB’s Code of Conduct Policy and Responsible Use of Electronic Devices Procedure.
2024-25 Executive Council Update
As we close the doors on 2023-24, it is exciting to share plans that will poise HWDSB for continued success in 2024-25. To achieve the goals outlined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan, we must continue to change and evolve as needed, including the Executive Council.
Our organizational structure is strengthening learning and achievement outcomes at a time when we are intentionally shifting our focus to a culture of improvement. Read this week’s message to families to explore changes that will begin on August 12.
Office Hours, Registration and 2024-25 Start-Up
Schools might be closed for students in the summer, but many HWDSB staff members are working hard over July and August to help plan for the year ahead. Please explore our Summer 2024 Office Hours and Registration post to learn how you can register a new student for September.
On Monday, August 26, a SchoolMessenger email will be sent to all HWDSB families to let you know the Parent Portal is officially open for 2024-25. At that time, families can view their child’s classroom teacher for elementary and student timetables for secondary. All HWDSB school offices will be open on this date to support questions.
If you have questions about registering your child or need assistance over the summer, please contact the HWDSB Education Centre. The Board office remains open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through July and August. Contact the Education Centre by phone at 905-527-5092 or email at [email protected] for general inquiries and [email protected] for registration inquiries.
Find Your SUMMER JOY
I am going to close this school year the same way we started it: by focusing on finding our JOY. As the students and families of HWDSB head out on their summer adventures, I hope you keep learning and growing into your next chapters.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and commitment to public education! It would not be another successful school year without your energy, support and enthusiasm.
Please enjoy our 2023-24 school year highlight video to remember some special moments from this school year at HWDSB.
We look forward to welcoming students and families back to school for the first day on Tuesday, September 3.
Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy summer,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education
Updated on Thursday, June 27, 2024.