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From the Director’s Desk: March Edition

Dear HWDSB Community,

The weeks seem to move quickly this time of year, filled with learning, growth, and many accomplishments across our schools. It is hard to believe we are already nearing the mid-point of the second half of the school year, and March Break is just around the corner! Like many of you, I am looking forward to the opportunity March Break provides for rest and reflection. March is meaningful for many reasons. The days grow a little longer; early signs of spring begin to appear, and a sense of renewal emerges. It is also the month when we honour International Women’s Day, a moment that holds deep significance for me, particularly as HWDSB’s first female Director of Education. It is a time to recognize the resilience, leadership, and contributions of women past and present, and to acknowledge the important ways women strengthen our schools, workplaces, and communities every day.

At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge that not all women have been afforded the same civil liberties, freedoms, and opportunities to thrive. For many Black, Indigenous, and other equity-deserving groups, systemic barriers continue to shape lived experiences and can limit access to the very choices and Human Rights others have historically benefitted from. As we celebrate the progress made, we must also acknowledge these inequities and commit to uplifting and amplifying the voices of women whose stories have too often been overlooked or unheard.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, resonates strongly. Through the lens of our shared values (dignity, compassion, trust, and joy),I am proud of the work we are doing together to uplift women, foster a diverse and inclusive workforce, challenge discrimination, question biases, and empower both students and staff to strive for excellence.

To the female-identifying students in HWDSB classrooms today, I want to share this: continue to be unapologetically yourselves. Honour the vision you hold for your future, whether it is still taking shape or already shining brightly, and trust in your own voice and path. And as you rise, remember to uplift the women and girls around you. When we support one another, strengthen one another, and celebrate one another, we become stronger together.

Every day, I am inspired by the many women across HWDSB who lead with competence, innovation, compassion, and dedication. Their example serves as a powerful model for our students. Our school board’s Mission is to ensure every student experiences a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning. Guided by our Multi‑Year Strategic Plan and our Mission, we  continue to make meaningful progress as a system. I see the time, care, and heart you give each day in service of our work , and I am deeply grateful.

As we move through the remainder of the school year, I encourage all of us to continue supporting one another and celebrating the achievements that make our HWDSB community strong.

Thank you for your continued engagement with HWDSB and for your ongoing partnership and support. We are grateful that you have chosen HWDSB to support your child’s learning, achievement and success.

Sheryl 

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board