Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year!
This message was emailed to all HWDSB families on Monday, August 26. Please explore the sections below for information about Parent Portal, Kindergarten, Code of Conduct updates, Student Dress Guidelines, Elementary Remote Learning and more.
First Day of School
HWDSB is excited to see elementary and secondary students and staff back in classrooms on Tuesday, September 3!
Click here to read a welcome message from the Director of Education!
Dear HWDSB Families,
I hope you are wrapping up a wonderful summer and have been able to spend quality time with family and friends. As August quickly comes to an end, I wanted to connect with you to help with your back-to-school preparations.
The 2024-25 school year starts on Tuesday, September 3. The start of the school year can be a time of much excitement, nervousness and energy for students, staff and families alike! This may be your child(ren)’s first day at an HWDSB school, you may be new to the City of Hamilton, or September 3 may be the beginning of the final year of public education.
Wherever your family is at on your HWDSB journey, it is important to me as a fellow parent, previous classroom educator, and now your Director of Education, that you have the necessary information to ready yourself and your family for the upcoming year.
I encourage you to read HWDSB’s Welcome Message that covers everything from details about the Parent Portal, to changes to HWDSB’s Code of Conduct, and information about student transportation, and so much more!
As partners in your child(ren)’s education, it is essential that we provide you with relevant and timely information so that your child(ren) can enter HWDSB classrooms and learning spaces in ways that support their well-being and individual pathways to academic success.
We cannot wait to welcome every HWDSB student on Tuesday, September 3!
I look forward to reconnecting with you closer on the first day of school. Until then, I wish you a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
HWDSB Director of Education
Parent Portal is Now Open
Families can visit Parent Portal to view classroom teachers for elementary students and class timetables for secondary students. We also encourage you to explore the ‘Forms’ section on the platform to review and complete relevant forms for the start of the school year. Please note that the web version is preferred, as the Parent Portal app (by PowerSchool) may be experiencing a delay in updated information. Click here to access Parent Portal.
Staying Connected
Elementary and secondary school offices are open for the school year. Office staff are available to support questions related to Parent Portal, registration, back to school and more. Contact your school via email or phone (click here for the elementary listing and click here for the secondary listing).
To learn about more ways that families can stay connected for the school year, click the links below:
- View a list of digital tools for families.
- View a list of digital tools for students.
- Explore the 2024-25 school year calendars.
- Learn how to update your SchoolMessenger information.
- Subscribe to your child’s school website or the board website.
- Follow HWDSB on social media.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten families should have received an email once their Parent Portal account was created. If you have not received your email, please contact your child’s school.
Before the start of school, every new Kindergarten family will be notified by their school team when their child’s Kindergarten orientation visit is scheduled on Tuesday, September 3. All Kindergarten students will begin their first full day on Wednesday, September 4. Click here for more information about Kindergarten.
Code of Conduct Updates
Before the first day of school, we are sharing updates to the HWDSB Code of Conduct that reflect recent changes to the Ministry of Education’s Provincial Code of Conduct. These steps, which take effect September 1, 2024, help to ensure students and staff are well supported in the classroom and focused on learning and well-being.
Minimizing distractions helps foster positive climates in all HWDSB schools that support the achievement and human rights of every student. The actions that we take together as students, staff, families and community members are about co-creating classroom conditions centred on learning outcomes, safety and wellness.
Click here to read our 2024-25 Code of Conduct Updates post for more information about expectations surrounding mobile devices, social media, vaping and more.
Student Dress Guidelines
In September 2024, all HWDSB elementary and secondary schools will be introduced to updated Student Dress Guidelines. Developed with input from students across Hamilton, as well as staff and families, they are rooted in fairness and respect for all cultures and identities. Click here to explore the full Student Dress Guidelines.
These guidelines were developed in collaboration with students, with a strong focus on supporting students in their dress as it relates to human rights, safety, mental health, well-being, compassion, dignity and belonging. By supporting personal expression and self-identity, schools can become safer and more welcoming environments for every student.
Elementary Remote Learning
Elementary families interested in switching between in-person and remote learning will have an opportunity to register students starting Wednesday, August 28.
The 2024-25 Remote Learning Registration form will be available in Parent Portal and will close at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3. Families can complete this form if they wish to switch from in person to remote learning, or switch from remote learning back to in person.
Families selecting a new learning option will be choosing this for their child for the entire 2024-25 school year. Students will begin attending their new classes when the school re-organization process takes place in early October. Click here for more information about Elementary Remote Learning.
Special Education
Students with disabilities, along with their families, have a chance to transition into their new school before the first day. Families of students who access additional supports can contact their school during the week of August 26 to arrange a brief visit to their school and classroom. Click here to visit our Special Education webpage.
Student Transportation
On Friday, August 16, a message was emailed to all families letting them know that Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Services (HWSTS) Parent Portal is open. Click here to read the message.
When checking the transportation details prior to the first day of school, please remember that last minute changes sometimes occur. It is important to re-check the information prior to sending children to their assigned pickup locations on September 3. Click here to visit the HWSTS website.
Starting the School Year with Wellness
HWDSB will continue to offer a wide variety of mental health supports for students, knowing that the return to school can be stressful. Students and families can click here to find mental health services and supports on our We Help webpage.
We look forward to welcoming students and families back to HWDSB schools on Tuesday, September 3. Have a wonderful week!
Additional Resources for School Readiness:
- 2024-25 School Year Calendars
- Registering a New Student at HWDSB
- HWDSB Welcome Centre
- Before and After School Programs
- System Learning Commons
- Parent Portal Support Page
- School Support Form
- Optional Student Accident Insurance
Updated on Monday, August 26, 2024.