Trustee Newsletter – Wards 8 & 14

Becky Buck – 2025-2026 Fall School Update 

Hello Wards 8 & 14!

I hope the school year has started smoothly for you and your family. As students and staff settle into new routines, this season reminds us of the importance of community, gratitude, and connection. I hope these first weeks have brought moments of joy and belonging across our Wards 8 & 14 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 and up-to-date. 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.

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. While there continues to be dialogue about the role of elected trustees, I am proud to serve the Ward 8 & 14 community. Thank you for trusting me to represent your voices and to make decisions that keep students, families, and staff at the centre. Trustees play an important role in guiding public education, uplifting community perspectives, and ensuring resources are used responsibly to support learning and well-being.

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

If you don’t already, consider following HWDSB on Facebook and Instagram! Another great way to stay connected is by visiting our Parent Communication Tools page, which provides updates from your child’s school and the Board.

In alignment with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, facilities team continues to enhance learning environments across HWDSB. In Wards 8 & 14, projects completed this past summer include new ceilings and LED lights at Sir Allan MacNab, and gym and washroom refurbishments at Buchanan Park. The initiation of an accessibility project that includes the future installation of an elevator at Norwood Park will make all levels of the school accessible.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and care for our students. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the months ahead.

Warm regards,

Becky Buck
Trustee, Ward 8 & 14
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board