Trustee Newsletter – Wards 11 & 12

Amanda Fehrman – Spring 2024 Update

Hello Wards 11 & 12, 

I hope you and your families are enjoying the first months of spring. This season brings many joyful moments between our schools and families, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with you all. 

It’s been an exciting year at HWDSB.  In January, 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 a culture of improvement, the Board Improvement Plan (previously called the Board Annual Plan) will be reviewed and updated annually with new indicators. 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. 

This April, I was thrilled to participate in an exciting announcement with Education Minister Stephen Lecce and MP Donna Skelly, celebrating a $9.1M investment in an addition and renovation at Mount Hope Elementary School. This project will add an additional 178 student spaces through six new classrooms and upgrades to existing interior spaces.  

It will also include the addition of a new 88-space child care with two preschool rooms, two toddler rooms, and an infant room. These improvements will take place with minimum disruption for students and families, as the interior renovations will take place during the summer months, and students will continue to attend Mount Hope during the addition process.  The anticipated completion date is the 2027-2028 school year. 

This spring, I also had the great privilege of volunteering at the annual Prom Project Event – a s a “pop-up shop” style event that provides students from across Hamilton the opportunity to pick out formal wear for proms, graduations, banquets, and other special events, free of charge. It was a fantastic day celebrating the style of HWDSB students – and a fantastic way to ensure that students attend their milestone event feeling confident, stylish, and proud!  

I also wish to congratulate the students who participated in HWDSB’s first ever Earth Week Celebration, hosted by the Youth Eco Initiative. I enjoyed attending the event and hearing more about students’ efforts to combat the climate emergency. 

For members of the Ancaster High school community, you might be interested in an upcoming Open House event that has been organized by the Class of 1959. The action takes place on Friday, June 14 from 3 to 6 p.m.

As the school year draws to a close, many students and families will be celebrating commencement. This is an opportunity to celebrate students’ 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, as well as to the parents and caregivers who helped along the way. It is my hope that the knowledge and experience you have gained at HWDSB will stay with you always, wherever your chosen path may lead. 

As we approach sunnier weather, I hope you all take time out of your days to do things you enjoy and pat yourselves on the back for your hard work and accomplishments. I look forward to hearing about the exciting activities and initiatives taking place in Wards 11 & 12 throughout the summer and beyond!

Sincerely,  

Amanda Fehrman

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.