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• Senior Team
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• Human Rights and Equity
• Labour Update
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• School Renewal
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• Wifi in HWDSB Schools

Director’s Desk: December Edition

Dear HWDSB Community, 

As the days grow shorter and winter settles in, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful journey we’ve shared since September. These past few months have been filled with learning, growth, fulfilling experiences for students and staff, and countless moments that remind us why public education matters so deeply. From classrooms buzzing with curiosity to school events that bring us together, it is clear that our strength lies in the connections we build and the care we show for one another. 

From our caretaking teams and office administrators to our teachers, early childhood educators, and educational assistants— I am grateful for the dedication they bring to our students each day. To our Principals and Vice-Principals, we thank them for their steady leadership in our schools and communities. And to our central Business Services and Learning Services teams, I am grateful for the collaborative ways they centre students and families in all that work they do, often behind the scenes.  

As we move through December, Human Rights Day will be recognized on December 10—a day that reminds us that every person deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. It’s an important moment for us to reflect on what we value as a school community and how these values guide the work we do every day.   To highlight this year’s Human Rights Day theme- Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials, the HWDSB Human Rights Office (HRO) is hosting two virtual human rights information sessions on December 10 and December 11 for Parents/ guardians (Register Here ) and students (Register Here ) respectively.   

For HWDSB, honouring human rights means making sure every student and staff member feels welcomed, supported, and able to do their best. It also means recognizing and respecting the rights, histories, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. This work is supported by our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and strengthens HWDSB’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous Education and well-being. These priorities remain at the heart of our efforts to build schools where every person—students, families, and staff—can learn, grow, and thrive.  

As we close out the 2025 calendar year, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you—to HWDSB students for your energy and resilience, to families for your critical and unwavering support, and to all staff for your dedication and creativity. Each of you plays a vital role in making HWDSB a place where every student feels valued, safe, and supported. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and I know that they make a real difference in helping students experience a sense of belonging every day. 

Students will be on break beginning on Monday, December 22 and will return on Monday, January 5, 2026. Winter Break is more than just a time away from school. It is a chance to pause, recharge, and nurture what matters most. Whether you’re bundling up for a snowy walk, diving into a good book, or simply enjoying quiet moments with loved ones, I hope you find time to rest and recharge. These moments of renewal are essential for our well-being, and they help students return ready to embrace new opportunities.   

As we look ahead to 2026, we are so excited about what’s to come. A new year brings fresh possibilities, new learning experiences, new goals, and new ways to strengthen our commitment to safety, inclusion, belonging, and excellence. Guided by our shared focus on Dignity, Compassion, Trust, and Joy, we will continue working together to create spaces where every student can thrive. This is not just our Mission statement—it is the heart of who we are as a community. 

Thank you for being an integral part of HWDSB. Your dedication and partnership make our schools, learning and working spaces stronger, and our Vision—of Growing Together—possible. 

Wishing you a safe and restorative Winter Break. We look forward to welcoming you back in January, ready for all that the new year will bring!