Welcome back, HWDSB to the 2025-2026 school year!
Dear HWDSB Families,
As we open our doors for the 2025-2026 school year, I want to take a moment to warmly welcome you and your children back to Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. The first day of school is always filled with anticipation, excitement, and hope — and this year is no exception. Whether your child is just beginning their educational journey or stepping into their final year with us, we are ready to meet them with open hearts and open minds.
So much time, effort, and care have gone into preparing our schools and worksites over the summer months. Classrooms have been refreshed, hallways polished, and learning spaces thoughtfully set up to ensure your child feels welcomed, safe, and inspired the moment they walk through our doors. Behind the scenes, dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to plan lessons, set goals, and create conditions for every student to thrive.
At HWDSB, we believe that when students feel a deep sense of belonging — when they feel seen, heard, and valued for exactly who they are — they can truly learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential. That is what we mean when we say Be You. Be Excellent. We want every student to feel empowered to challenge their thinking, explore new ideas, chase their dreams, and spark their own joy — knowing they are supported every step of the way.
This year, our shared values of dignity, compassion, trust, and joy will continue to guide our classrooms, hallways, offices, and community spaces. These values remind us that learning is about more than academics — it’s about building relationships, nurturing well-being, and creating warm, welcoming places for students, families, and staff alike.
We know that a child’s success is built on strong partnerships between home and school. Thank you for the many ways you support your child’s learning and growth — your trust, involvement, and encouragement help make HWDSB the vibrant, inclusive, and caring community it is. Together, we can ensure that every student is not just welcomed but truly thrives.
To help celebrate the spirit of the year ahead, I encourage you to watch our special Welcome Back video, which beautifully captures what it means to Be You. Be Excellent. at HWDSB. You’ll see and hear from incredible students and staff at Viola Desmond Elementary School, Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School, and dedicated members of our team from the Education Centre. Their voices and stories are reminders of what’s possible when we lead with compassion, trust, dignity, and — most importantly — joy.
As we look forward to the days ahead, I can’t wait to hear the laughter echoing through our halls, to see friendships rekindled and new ones made, and to witness moments of learning and growth that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for your partnership, your support, and your trust as we embark on another exciting year together. Let’s make it a year filled with curiosity, connection, celebration — and above all, joy.
Welcome back — and here’s to an amazing year ahead!
Yours in learning and service,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education – HWDSB
Updated on Tuesday, September 02, 2025.