Dawn Danko – Spring 2024 Update
Hello Ward 7,
I hope you and your family are enjoying the first months of spring. This season brings many joyful moments at school and home, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with you all.
This year, we celebrated the launch of HWDSB’s 2023-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP)! With your input, we created a 5-year plan for HWDSB with a powerful mission: To ensure that every student experiences a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning to reach their potential and build their own future. Our mission is underpinned by HWDSB’s new guiding values – Compassion, Dignity, Trust and Joy.
Grounded in our commitment to continuous improvement, the Board Improvement Plan will be reviewed and updated every year. Improvements in literacy, numeracy, preparedness, well-being and engagement are the foundation of this plan, and we look forward to sharing progress in the coming months.
Schools across our system are thrilled to welcome families to Kindergarten Orientation events this month. Starting a new school is an important milestone, and we are excited to officially welcome you to HWDSB!
May also means that temperatures are rising. Last year, the Board of Trustees approved changes to HWDSB’s approach during heat events. During Heat Warnings and Extended Heat Warnings, principals will monitor indoor temperatures in degrees Celsius with Humidex in all classrooms and learning spaces without cooling as measured by a board provided and installed device in each learning space.
As the school year draws to a close, many students and families will be celebrating commencement. Students, this is an opportunity to celebrate your incredible achievements, dedication, and perseverance, and to take stock of how far each one of you has come since your first day of school. I would like to offer a sincere congratulations to students finishing Grade 8 or Grade 12, and thank the parents and caregivers who helped along the way. It is my hope that the knowledge and experience you have gained at HWDSB will lead you to success, wherever your future leads.
As we approach June and the end of the school year, I hope you take the time to reflect back on the past year. Thank you to the educators, staff and volunteers who support our students throughout the year in the classroom, school, on the playground and through extracurricular activities. I look forward to joining you at the end of year events where possible!
Sincerely,
Dawn Danko
Upcoming HWDSB Dates
Click here to view the full school year calendars for this school year and 2024-25.
- Friday, June 7 – PA Day (Elementary School)
- Wednesday, June 19 – Last Day of Classes (Secondary)
- Thursday, June 20 – Exam Period Begins (Secondary)
- Wednesday, June 27 – Last Day of Classes (Elementary)
- Thursday, June 28 – PA Day (Elementary School)
- Tuesday, September 3 – First Day of School
Summer Resources
Explore opportunities through the links below or click here to learn more about summer programs on the City of Hamilton website.
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres: EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from prenatal to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from early childhood professionals.
- Hamilton Public Library Summer Reading Club: Participate in activities, events and giveaways, and read, watch and listen. Pick up an activity tracker, complete fun activities, and win stickers and prizes along the way.
- The Centre: The City of Hamilton’s online hub for youth (Ages 12-17) outlining drop-in programs, summer recreation courses, and more.
- Pool Listings: Hours, locations, and features for the city’s wading and outdoor pools.
- Beach Water Quality Results: Double-check the water quality at the city’s beaches.
- Supies: This free program offers supervised drop-in activities for children at parks around the city.
- Fitness in the Park: Free fitness programs are offered throughout the summer at City of Hamilton parks. Programs are led by Recreation fitness staff and are open to all abilities and ages and include Family Yoga and Family Cardio Dance.
For more information about summer programming at HWDSB, including summer school and adult programs, click here to visit the Continuing Education website.
Updated on Friday, May 24, 2024.