Dear HWDSB families and community, 

February is often called the month of love, and in public education, love shows up every day in ways that are quiet, powerful, and deeply human. 

Love in public education is not abstract; it is active. It lives in classrooms, hallways, offices, school yards, extracurricular activities and in our many learning spaces across HWDSB. It is expressed through high expectations for our students paired with deep care.  It is apparent through inclusive practices that honour identity, and through daily efforts to expand opportunity so every student can thrive. 

February also brings moments of reflection and celebration that centre kindness, belonging, and community, including Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Family Day, Random Acts of Kindness Week, Pink Shirt Day, and the beginning of Ramadan for many in our community. Each reminds us of our shared responsibility to one another. 

Black History Month calls us to remember that love is courageous. It invites us to honour histories, recognize contributions, and continue the work of ensuring HWDSB’s schools are places where Black students, families, and staff experience dignity, affirmation, and joy every day of the year. 

Love is also embodied by the school staff who are often a first point of comfort and connection, building relationships that matter. They notice, they respond, and they care, often in ways that are unseen, but never unfelt.  

This was beautifully captured in our recent Be You. Be Excellent. photography, when HWDSB Glenwood student Ameer burst into joy as his favourite caretaker, Otiel, joined the photo shoot. That unscripted moment reflected the deep trust and care that exists between students and staff, and how meaningful relationships help young people feel safe, valued, and confident to be themselves.

Love in public education also means creating safe and caring schools. Through our Safe, Compassionate and Caring Schools work, we continue to strengthen systems and structures that address bullying, harm, and exclusion. These actions matter. 

Our values, dignity, compassion, trust and joy, are found in our daily actions.  Kindness and love are ever present in how we treat one another.  They also live in our commitment to Indigenous ways of knowing and being which emphasize peace, love and friendship.  

As the late Honourable Jack Layton once reminded us:  

“Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic and we’ll change the world.” 

Public education is one of the strongest expressions of that belief. When we lead with love, grounded in justice and care, we build not only strong schools, but a stronger community. 

Thank you for the care and love you pour into your children; it is felt every day in our classrooms and learning spaces. 

Sheryl  

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini 

Director of Education, HWDSB