First Day of School Message from the Director of Education
Please see the following message to students and families from Director of Education Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini on the first day of the 2023-24 school year.
Dear Students and Families,
I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2023-24 school year at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB)! I hope you had an enjoyable summer, found time to rest and recharge and are looking forward to the year ahead.
For those of you returning to your schools, we look forward to seeing you again. For those of you who are new to your school or new to our school board, we hope you feel welcome and know you are a valued part of the HWDSB family.
On this the first day of school of the school year, I cannot help but think about the thousands of students entering HWDSB classrooms. We know this day comes with a wide range of emotions for students and families as we begin the year ahead.
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.
To students, your education serves as the foundation for a lifelong journey of learning and success. We hope you feel supported as you enter schools that foster a culture of acceptance and well-being so you can be your authentic selves.
To parents, guardians, caregivers and families, we respect and appreciate your role as your child’s first teacher. Caring and dedicated HWDSB staff are here to serve students, families and communities in the pursuit of high-quality education.
If you have questions or need any assistance as the year progresses, know that the classroom teachers and the school Principal are here to help. Please email or phone your school or school staff if you need support.
As we embark on a new school year, I want to sincerely thank you all for helping to contribute to a safe and successful school year. Let us continue to find our joy so we can co-create a system where we are all… Proud to be HWDSB!
Have a great first day and a wonderful school year.
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education
Updated on Wednesday, September 06, 2023.