Sabreina Dahab – 2025-2026 Fall School Update
Hello Ward 2 Families, Caregivers and Community,
I hope the school year has started smoothly for you and your family. As students and staff settle into new routines, I hope you know that there are so many resources to make sure you and your families have the supports you need. I hope these first weeks have brought moments of joy and belonging across our Ward 2 schools.
I’m excited to share HWDSB’s new monthly newsletter, Be.Connected@HWDSB. Each edition includes important dates, reminders, and updates to help families and caregivers stay informed. Click to view September’s edition and October’s edition. Please watch for new issues each month, designed to make it easier for families to find what they need, when they need it.
Also, I’m happy to share that HWDSB’s Director of Education, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, has launched a monthly newsletter, From the Director’s Desk, which explores important topics that support the progress of HWDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan. You can read the latest editions here: September and October.
In alignment with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, facilities teams continue to enhance learning environments across HWDSB. At Bennetto, work on the new stairlifts and universal washroom came to an end, with the elevator installation stepping into the next phase of completion. I am pleased to share the corridor ceilings in Hess Street Elementary School were successfully completed as well! And they look wonderful!
There’s been a lot of conversation lately about the role of elected trustees, and I want to say how proud I am to represent the Ward 2 community. The recently proposed Bill 33 has raised real concern. This bill, if passed, risks silencing student and parent voices while also weakening local democracy.
Alongside Trustee Zaitley, Noble and White, as well as local union presidents from both the public and catholic board, we hosted a community meeting with over 50 parents, students, educators and community members to talk about Bill 33 and how parents can take action. Strong, transparent school boards depend on community input. I encourage you to contact your MPP to share your views and to learn more about this bill. I remain committed to keeping students and families at the heart of every decision.
As the weather begins to cool, families can find helpful information about weather-related procedures and community supports on both the HWDSB and City of Hamilton websites. These resources explain how we communicate closures, respond to changing conditions, and ensure student safety during seasonal weather changes.
As cold and flu season approaches, it’s important to take steps to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Viruses like the flu, common cold, RSV, and COVID-19 often come with similar symptoms—and being prepared is key. Starting October 27, eligible Ontarians can access free vaccines to help protect against:
- Flu & COVID-19: Available for everyone aged 6 months and older
- RSV: Available for infants (born after April 1, 2025), adults 75+, and some adults 60+ based on eligibility
Click here to find out more: Protect Yourself and Others | City of Hamilton
To stay connected year-round, follow HWDSB on Facebook and Instagram. If you aren’t already connected, visit our Parent Communication Tools page for ways to receive updates directly from your child’s school and the Board.
Our next Board Meeting takes place on Monday, October 27. Closer to the date, you can find virtual log in details by clicking here. Board Meetings are an important space for discussion, decision-making, and community voice, where trustees advocate for students and schools both locally and system wide.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and care for our students. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the months ahead. As always, feel free to get in touch over email, phone so social media!
Warm regards,
Sabreina Dahab
Trustee, Ward 2
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Updated on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.