NOW @ HWDSB – December 2024
BE YOU. BE EXCELLENT. HWDSB.
Thank you for reading NOW @ HWDSB, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s official newsletter! In this update, you can click the following images and links to read about:
 |  |
 |  |
| Director of Education Video Message | Ward 4 Election Information | Remote Learning Applications |
| Semester 1 Examinations | 2025-26 School Year Calendar Consultation | Important Dates at HWDSB |
We value effective communication with families. This newsletter is one more way keeping you informed. Families can also stay connected for the school year by subscribing to your child’s school website or the board website or following HWDSB on social media. Questions or comments? Please email [email protected].
Message from the Director @ HWDSB
Season’s Greetings to all HWDSB students, staff, families and communities! Please enjoy this video by Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, HWDSB Director of Education as we kick off winter break and look ahead to a bright New Year in 2025.
Now @ HWDSB
Mental Health Affects Us All
At HWDSB, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all students and staff. We offer various webinars, workshops and treatment groups to students and families over the course of the school year.
Find a full listing of mental health-related opportunities on our We Help Update webpage.
Protect Yourself and Others from Respiratory Illness
Respiratory illnesses, like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 share many similar symptoms. To understand how you can help reduce the spread of infection, you can visit the City of Hamilton’s website: Protect Yourself and Others | City of Hamilton Here you will find helpful information on preventative measures, symptoms and tips on how to assess your personal risk factors.
Public Health Vaccines and Immunizations
Hamilton Public Health Services has recently confirmed that screening and suspensions for vaccines will resume during the 2024-25 school year. Over the summer, Public Health staff will be sharing letters with families of students who remain non-compliant and providing them with information of support options available including upcoming community vaccine clinics.
- Suspension letters will be sent to students with birth years 2017 to 2019 in December 2024 if they are not in compliance with vaccines.
- Suspension letters will be sent to students with birth years 2007 to 2010 in March 2025 if they are not in compliance with vaccines.
For more information about vaccines and immunizations, click here to visit the City of Hamilton website.
Helpful Information About Severe Weather
At HWDSB safety is our top priority. To understand how we manage severe winter weather, and make the difficult decision to remain open or to close schools, learning and works spaces – click here.
Ward 4 Election Information
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is in the process of electing a Ward 4 Trustee. This process is being facilitated by the City of Hamilton. To learn more visit here: HWDSB Ward 4 Trustee By-Election | City of Hamilton
Elementary @ HWDSB
Remote Learning Applications
HWDSB is once again offering Elementary Remote Learning for the 2025-2026 school year. Registration is now open for all HWDSB families with children in Grades 1 to 8.
Please submit your request following these steps:
- Log into the Parent Portal by clicking here
- Select ‘Forms’ on the left hand side of the page
- Choose Elementary Remote Learning
- Fill in requested information
- Submit
If you need additional assistance, please connect with your child’s school.
More information about how to register can be found here: Elementary Remote Learning | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
It is important to note that registration for remote learning will close on January 12, 2025.
Families will receive confirmation of their registration request sometime in February. Details such as class assignments will follow prior to the start of the 2025-2026 school year in September.
Secondary @ HWDSB
Semester 1: Examinations
Please be reminded that examinations for Semester 1 will take place from Thursday, January 23, 2025 – Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
Engage @ HWDSB
Engage HWDSB is an online space where students, families, staff and communities can learn more about work at HWDSB, share their voice, and follow processes as they happen. Visit www.engagehwdsb.ca/ to share your feedback on projects, policy consultations and initiatives at HWDSB.
2025-2026 School Year Calendar Consultation
HWDSB is currently in the process of developing its elementary and secondary calendars for the 2025-26 school year. We are seeking input from students, staff, families and community members on key dates included in the draft elementary and secondary calendars.
Click here to visit the Engage HWDSB project.
Based on stakeholder input, the calendar will then be finalized by the Board of Trustees and submitted for approval to the Ministry of Education. Please provide feedback by January 13, 2025.
Trustee Newsletters – Winter 2025
Make sure to check your inbox in January for the Winter 2025 edition of HWDSB’s Trustee newsletters. The HWDSB Trustee newsletters include Board and community happenings. To read your Trustee Newsletter online, you can find the link on the “Our Trustee” webpage on your school website.
Important Dates @ HWDSB
Monday, December 23 – Friday, January 3 – Winter Break
Monday, January 6 – First Day after Winter Break
Thursday, January 23 – Wednesday, January 29 – Semester 1: Examination
Friday, January 24 – P.A. Day
Thursday, January 30 – P.A. Day
Friday, January 31 – Semester 2: First Day of Classes
For more information, click here: School Year Calendar | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Updated on Thursday, December 19, 2024.