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From the Director’s Desk: January Edition

Dear HWDSB Community,

Happy New Year! I often say this twice each year—once in September and again in January—because in education we’re fortunate to experience these two moments of renewal. The start of a new school year and the start of a new calendar year both offer us opportunities to celebrate new beginnings.  

As we begin 2026, HWDSB is committed to providing new opportunities to strengthen student learning, well-being, and belonging. From my visits to schools and community events, I am continually reminded of how much we value the partnership with our communities. Whether you’re volunteering with the Student Nutrition Program, coaching a team, attending school events or School Council meetings, supporting learning at home, or advocating for public education in the broader community—your efforts make a meaningful difference.  

To our elementary students, you are entering this new calendar year in the heart of rich and meaningful learning.  It is important that you use the feedback shared on your progress reports and from all your educators to ensure that you are your building on your knowledge and skills and will realize the goals you have set for yourselves. We are grateful to caregivers and families for continuously supporting our youngest learners. 

For our secondary students, January can often feel like an especially demanding time of year—with the end of the semester on the horizon, final culminating activities and projects coming due, and the start of a new semester just around the corner. This stretch of the school year asks a great deal of you, and we recognize the effort, resilience, and commitment you bring to your learning each day.  As you move through this busy season, remember that you’re not alone—your teachers, school staff, and families are here to support you. Take things one step at a time, reach out when you need help, and give yourself credit for everything you’ve already accomplished!  We look forward to all secondary students participating in our first ever Future Preparedness Day on Thursday, January 29, 2026, prior to the start of semester two on Friday, January 30, 2026. 

In January, we celebrate International Day of Education. This is a day that calls us to reflect on the profound impact that education has on students and their wider communities. Education is truly the foundation for opportunity, empowerment, and progress. It equips students not only with skills for the future but with the confidence and curiosity to imagine new possibilities.  

Education is so much more than reading and writing. It’s also the vibrant clubs, diverse student affinity groups, athletics, innovative classrooms and experiential learning that ignites curiosity. I am so proud of the work we do within our schools, learning spaces and departments which is all made possible by HWDSB’s incredible staff. Guided by our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan, we are not only responding to the rapidly changing world around us but working to actively shape it by preparing students for a dynamic future.  

At HWDSB, we are modernizing teaching practices, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance learning, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. AI is changing education, and at HWDSB we’re making sure it’s done thoughtfully—with student voice and diverse perspectives and experiences at the centre. Just this past year, nineteen of our elementary and secondary schools took part in I-Think’s AI Challenge, asking: How can AI enrich learning for all students? Our students’ insights will help to shape HWDSB’s path forward.  

Through dynamic learning and inclusive spaces, we are creating quality education for every student. We continue to prioritize creating spaces where every student feels a sense of pride and can grow in their accomplishments.    

We deeply value the partnership with families and caregivers as we know this connection between home and school helps to support every child’s success.  If you have any questions about your child’s learning or progress, please connect with your child’s educators and school.  

Wishing you a healthy and inspiring start to the New Year! 

Warm regards,

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education