HWDSB Summer Learning Shines at Bernie Custis Secondary School
As we see the final days of summer vacation slip away, the countdown to a new school year begins. While we know our staff and students have enjoyed a much-earned summer break, learning at HWDSB never truly stops!
For some students, September marks a new beginning – a new school or the transition from elementary to secondary. For others, the transition began this summer through programs designed to accelerate learning. Incoming Grade 9 students at Bernie Custis Secondary School had the opportunity to engage with these programs firsthand.
HWDSB Skill Builder Program in Action
The Skill Builder program is designed to help students become stronger, more independent learners. Throughout the summer, they develop and apply literacy, numeracy, personal management, and teamwork skills aimed at closing learning gaps. Ultimately, the program supports improved achievement in school, the workplace, and the community.
Summer Reach Ahead: Getting a Head Start
HWDSB’s Summer Reach Ahead program, offered to students the summer after Grade 8, and before the start of Grade 9, provides a chance to complete some compulsory courses early. Courses include Civics and Careers, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Construction Technology, and more!
Recently, students at Bernie Custis Secondary School welcomed Principal Timothy Powell and Nicole Lee, Superintendent of Equity and Student Achievement, to their summer school classrooms to explore and celebrate their summer learning experiences!
“It was amazing to have a chance to visit the students who were participating in the summer school programs at Bernie Custis,” says Nicole Lee. “The staff had clearly put a great deal of thought and effort into preparing engaging and enriching opportunities for the students. I was also incredibly impressed by the creativity and excitement that the students demonstrated while they were participating in the learning activities.”
Tour #1: Hairstyling and Aesthetics
The first stop on their tour was Cosmetology: Hairstyling and Aesthetics class, where they saw 13 students explore their creativity, collaborate with their peers and work on a special project involving special effects makeup!
I was really excited to meet students from other schools in this class,” said one incoming Grade 9 student. “It feels good knowing I already have a new friend to look out for on the first day of school.
Tour #2: Learning Strategies
The second stop brought them to a class focused on learning skills and strategies to ensure a successful start to their high school learning journey. Nicole Lee and Timothy Powell heard students share their experience with the program explaining that they won’t feel as nervous on the first week because they have already been in the school.
“Having a credit before I even start Grade 9 makes me feel more confident,” shared one student. “It feels like I’m already a step ahead.”
Other students noted how valuable it was to get comfortable in their new school building before September. “It’s nice to already know where things are around the school,” one student explained.
The Skill Builder and Summer Reach Ahead programs open for applications in early 2026, keep your eyes on the HWDSB website for updates in the coming months!
Updated on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.