Education Week and Mental Health Week 2024
Dear Families,
From May 6 to 10, we recognize two important weeks at HWDSB and beyond. We join students, staff, families and communities across Ontario and Canada in celebration of Education Week and Mental Health Week 2024.
This Education Week, and every week, students and staff will partake in dynamic educational opportunities in support of student engagement, learning and achievement for future-readiness. It is exciting to think about the young minds of HWDSB who might use this week’s learning to inspire change!
Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” There have been countless changes to public education since Mandela shared these words over 20 years ago. One welcomed evolution has been the strengthened relationship between learning and well-being that we highlight this Mental Health Week.
Our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) and Board Improvement Plan (BIP) are perfect examples of this union. With the two pillars of Upholding Human Rights, Safety & Well-Being and Providing Equitable Quality Education, Education Week and Mental Health Week have a firm place in our plan. For the Board Improvement Plan, there is no limit to this link. Improvements in literacy, numeracy, preparedness, well-being and engagement are only possible through goals grounded in education and mental health.
Investments in Education and Mental Health
Students in Waterdown and Mount Hope will soon have new schools and spaces to celebrate learning and well-being. Last month, we were thrilled to be a part of Ontario’s announcement of a new elementary school in Waterdown and an addition at Mount Hope Elementary School. The province also recently shared an update on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) that allows secondary students to participate in additional apprenticeship learning through co-operative education credits.
At the national level, government partners are displaying their commitments to education and well-being through a new National School Food Program. This announcement was made at schools across the country, including one in Hamilton at Chedoke Elementary School. The local nutrition conversation has since grown thanks to a school campaign led by Westdale student Tomi Olagunju and a Board Motion from Student Trustee Thomas Lin that aims to study the history of nutrition programs at HWDSB. It is no secret that when students have nutritious foods and drinks, learning and well-being improves.
Education Week and Mental Health Week at HWDSB
Thank you for marking Education Week and Mental Health Week with HWDSB! At the bottom of this message, you will find a list of events taking place across the system. Please note that this list is only a small sample of the wonderful offerings taking place. All elementary and secondary schools have organized unique activities, initiatives and events of their own.
As we look beyond Education Week and Mental Health Week, engaging learning and well-being opportunities continue at HWDSB. Later this month, elementary schools will open their doors for Kindergarten Orientation events. For secondary students, the Focus on Youth program has just shared applications for summer work placements in the community. If you are looking for summer learning, Continuing Education has you covered with an extensive list of programs.
I look forward to connecting with many students and staff during this celebration of learning and well-being. You never know who is going to change the world!
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
HWDSB Director of Education
Education Week and Mental Health Week at HWDSB
- Prayer Breakfast – May 7
- Forge FC School Day Game – May 7
- Emotion Coaching Webinar – May 7
- Staff Wellness Fair – May 7
- ChoirFest – May 7 to 10
- CMHA Talking About Mental Illness – May 8
- Dress Loud Day for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kids – May 9
- Hamilton Cardinals School Day Game – May 9
- Westdale Nutrition Rally – May 9
- HWDSB Art Exhibit – May 1 to 31
Updated on Monday, May 06, 2024.