The month of June is devoted聽to聽the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which for Catholics is a symbol of God’s boundless and passionate love for all humanity. Drawing on the example of Christ, who preached a message of love and inclusion throughout His ministry, our Catholic schools are called to ensure we are nurturing safe and inclusive learning environments, where every student and every member of the community is welcomed, valued, and respected. It is most fitting that June is also designated National Indigenous History Month as well as Pride Month in Canada.

Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month is a time to celebrate First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis Peoples, their vibrant and distinct cultures, and their beautiful languages. Throughout the month of June, all Canadians can learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples, and further embrace the opportunity to learn more about their identities. For classrooms across the HCDSB, this is an opportunity to learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, Indigenous leadership, resistance, resurgence, brilliance, and creativity. 

Learn more about National Indigenous History Month at HCDSB.

Pride Month

As Catholics, we believe that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, who created us and loves us unconditionally 鈥� just as we are. We are called to know, love and celebrate one another, just as God knows, loves and celebrates each one of us because we are 鈥渨onderfully made.鈥� We聽honour聽the inherent dignity in each other by treating one another with sensitivity, compassion and respect. 聽

During the month of June, our HCDSB schools will be raising awareness around Pride Month聽and will journey alongside the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in creating spaces of welcome in a search of dignity and justice for all.聽The information shared with students will be age-appropriate and consistent with grade-level curriculum expectations. As with all material that is taught in our Catholic schools, it will be presented through the lens of our Catholic faith.聽Click here to review the student learning goals by division.

In keeping with the聽, throughout the month of June, our Catholic Education Centre and each of our HCDSB schools will fly聽the Pride flag as a symbol of our commitment to nurturing safe, welcoming and inclusive communities.聽

Upcoming System Recognition Days聽

Thursday, June 1st 

  • HCDSB Rainbow Day 
  • Raising of the Pride Flag at each HCDSB school and the Catholic Education Centre 

Wednesday, June 7th – Friday, June 16th

Wednesday, June 14th

  • Pride Awareness Day 

Wednesday, June 21st

  • National Indigenous Peoples Day 


In our Catholic schools, we welcome and value all students, families and staff, and celebrate diversity within our communities. 聽This June, let us renew our promise to Christ by nurturing safe and inclusive learning environments that are expressions of God鈥檚 love and mercy in this world.

John Klein
Director of Education