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Supporting School Communities During Conflict

Dear HWDSB Families and Communities, 

We hope you and your family had a successful return to HWDSB classrooms and learning spaces for this 2024-25 school year.    

It remains our priority to ensure that all students, staff and families are safe and supported at HWDSB. We are committed to building, maintaining and improving classrooms, working and learning spaces to further reflect our culture of well-being and inclusivity for all.   

It is critical that this October, we pause and reflect – checking in on ourselves and others.   

Throughout the last year, we have witnessed the profound and devastating impacts that geopolitical conflicts have had on global and local communities. We have talked to some Jewish, Palestinian and Muslim HWDSB students – and their families – and heard how their senses of safety and belonging continue to be impacted. 

As we approach October 7, acknowledging the significance of this day for many in the communities we serve, it is important that we come together to support all students with compassion, respect and dignity. Resources to help students and families navigate this deeply distressing situation can be found below. 

At HWDSB, we remain committed to fostering and maintaining inclusive learning and working environments, free from discrimination and harassment. Our commitment to upholding human rights for all is reflected in everything we do. It is our priority to ensure that everyone is supported, celebrated, and treated with dignity, compassion and respect.    

We also know that the commitment to this work includes accountability. We are dedicated to ensuring that there is ongoing attention, reflection and action to address, respond and proactively support the needs of all HWDSB students and staff.  

Belonging is at the heart of who we are at HWDSB, and it is our shared commitment to ensure that all students are safe, seen and supported – always.   

Thank you for continued support and collaboration.  

Sincerely,  

Resources for Families 

• Tips for Adults Supporting Challenging Conversations
• Emotion Coaching Cheat Sheet for Parents and Caregivers
• Mental Health Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Resources for Students 

• We Help – Mental health and well-being resources for students.
• HWDSB Helps – Get help or share anonymous tips via text, email, or web chat.