About the Award 

The CPIC Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes volunteers who play an integral role in building supportive, caring, and inclusive school communities across the ��ѿ��Ƶ (HCDSB).

This award honours the individuals whose contributions strengthen and uplift our Catholic school communities.

Eligibility & Requirements

To be considered for the CPIC Volunteer of the Year Award, the nominee must:

• Be a parent or guardian of a student within the HCDSB.
• Consistently support the volunteer needs of their school community through their own involvement or by recruiting or organizing volunteers for school activities.
• Demonstrate strong Catholic values and give witness to their faith through involvement in their school or Parish.

NOTE: An individual who is paid by a school or by the HCDSB is not eligible to be nominated. Current CPIC members are also not eligible to be nominated.

Nomination Details

Nominations can be made by any parent, guardian, or staff member within the HCDSB. Self-nominations are also welcome.

One (1) winner will be selected from each family of schools, for a total of 10 award recipients.

Nominations will be accepted until Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Award winners will be selected by CPIC based on their volunteer experience and through the following nominee criteria. Winners will be contacted during the month of May and will also be announced at the next Council of Chairs Meeting, also held in May.

In keeping with the Catholic Education Week, Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness, students are invited to submit entries expressing in their own creativity how the following quote is reflected in ways we live out our faith, support one another, and bring hope to the world around us: “The Holy Spirit illumines all believers with the light of hope. He keeps that light burning, like an ever-burning lamp, to sustain and invigorate our lives.” (Spes Non Confundit, 3)

The contest will be open for entries from Thursday, March 26^th through Thursday, April 16th, 2026.

Submission Criteria 

Entries must be submitted digitally via our  Visual or hardcopy works (e.g., drawings, sculptures) must be photographed and uploaded through the provided form.

Students may submit entries in the following three (3) categories: 

• Visual artwork (drawing, painting, photography, collage, sculpture, 3D model, etc.) 
• Original song (a song written in your own words and performed by you!) 
• Short video (maximum length is 2 minutes) 

Student submissions will be reviewed separately by division group, as follows: 

• Primary (K-3) 
• Junior (4-6) 
• Intermediate (7-8) 
• Secondary (9-12) 

A judging panel will select the top winners, which will include one (1) student submission from each of the four (4) groups noted above. The winners will be announced during Catholic Education Week.

Deadline for Entries:��Thursday,��April 16^th, at 11:59 p.m.��

Prizes 

Our sincere appreciation goes to the Halton OECTA Elementary Association for generously sponsoring the contest through the top prizes awarded to our student winners. Their ongoing support helps us celebrate and recognize the creativity, faith, and talent of our students across the system.

Thanks to their generosity, the top winner in each category will win a gift card in the amount of $100.

Please note that group submissions are permitted, but in the case that a group is awarded a top prize, group members must share the gift card. 

Thank you for your interest in the HCDSB Catholic Education Week Creative Contest. We look forward to showcasing the creative talents of our HCDSB students!

This month, Pope Leo XIV has shared a special prayer for disarmament and peace through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. Through the global initiative Pray with the Pope, the Holy Father shares a monthly prayer intention accompanied by The Pope Video and The Pope Audio, inviting people of faith to pray and reflect on the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church.

As a Catholic school community, we are called to nurture peace in our daily lives – in our schools, our families, and our communities. The values of justice, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every person guide our work each day as we accompany students on their faith and learning journey.

I invite members of our HCDSB community to watch the video below and join in praying for peace in our world.

Prayer for Disarmament and Peace

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord of Life,
you shaped every human being in your image and likeness.
We believe you created us for communion, not for war,
for fraternity, not for destruction.

You who greeted your disciples saying, “Peace be with you,”
grant us the gift of your peace
and the strength to make it a reality in history.
Today we lift up our prayer for peace in the world,
asking that nations renounce weapons
and choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

Disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment, and indifference,
so we may become instruments of reconciliation.
Help us understand that true security
does not come from control fueled by fear,
but from trust, justice, and solidarity among peoples.

Lord, enlighten the leaders of the nations,
so they may have the courage to abandon projects of death,
halt the arms race,
and place the lives of the most vulnerable at the center.
May the nuclear threat never again dictate the future of humanity.

Holy Spirit,
make us faithful and creative builders of daily peace:
in our hearts, our families,
our communities, and our cities.
May every kind word, every gesture of reconciliation,
and every choice for dialogue be seeds of a new world.

Amen.

John Klein
Director of Education
��ѿ��Ƶ

About the Session

In this engaging session, Dr. Jon Callegher, Executive Director of Job Talks, will share research-backed insights that are reshaping how families think about post-secondary pathways. This session is designed to give parents clarity, confidence, and credible information to make informed decisions about their child’s future. 

During the session, Dr. Callegher will explore: 

• How the characteristics of a good job are defined and understood today 
• Common concerns related to student well-being in today’s world 
• Current perspectives on university, college, and alternative post-secondary pathways 
• The physical and mental health benefits associated with careers in the Skilled Trades 
• How skills and traits often associated with academic pathways are also reflected in the Skilled Trades 

Event Details

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 
Time: 7:00 pm 
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams) 
 
Registration is required. A Microsoft Teams meeting link will be emailed to all registered participants on the day of the event.  

The authorization follows the school’s successful candidacy phase, which began in June 2023. During this time, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School worked closely with the International Baccalaureate Organization to align its programs, teaching practices, and supports with the IB’s internationally recognized standards. 

With this designation, St. Kateri Tekakwitha becomes the second International Baccalaureate Programme within the ��ѿ��Ƶ. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Oakville was the board’s first IB World School, and the addition of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School further expands access to internationally recognized programming for students across the board.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry, and global citizenship. The IB Diploma Programme, offered in Grades 11 and 12, is recognized worldwide and prepares students for success in post-secondary education and beyond. 

As part of its IB pathway, St. Kateri Tekakwitha offers a Grade 9 and 10 Pre-IB Programme to support students in preparing for the academic rigour of the Diploma Programme. Completion of the Grade 10 Pre-IB Programme is required for entry into the IB Diploma Programme. 

Applications for the Grade 10 Pre-IB Programme remain open to current Grade 9 students until March 6, 2026. 

The International Baccalaureate Programme offered at St. Kateri Tekakwitha is open to all Grade 11 and 12 students in Milton and Halton Hills. The programme is designed to go beyond the basics of traditional curricula, helping students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Globally, a high percentage of IB Diploma Programme students go on to university, with many Ontario IB schools reporting near-universal university acceptance rates. 

Families interested in learning more about the IB or Pre-IB Programme at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School are encouraged to visit the . 

For more information about the International Baccalaureate Programme and the IB authorization process, visit . 

This year, our theme is Celebrating Black Excellence at HCDSB. This theme reflects our
commitment to celebrating the successes and achievements of Black students, staff, and families
across HCDSB, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring all students see themselves reflected in our learning spaces through reflective and responsive pedagogy and practice.

Background 

Black Canadians have played an important role in shaping our nation’s heritage and identity; however Black History has not always been celebrated or adequately acknowledged.  

• In December 1995, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. The motion was moved by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.  
• In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first black man appointed to the Senate, introduced a .  The motion carried unanimously.  

Black Excellence Beyond February 

While the month of February offers an opportunity for intentional focus on the histories and robust contributions of Black Canadians, we know that our commitment to centering Black identity, Black joy, and Black excellence must extend beyond February. We also know that denouncing and dismantling anti-Black racism in our classrooms and across our community is our moral and legal obligation, and essential to ensuring our schools and workplaces are free of discrimination and harassment.  

At HCDSB, we are committed to Human Rights and Equity and we undertake this commitment in a variety of ways, including shared leadership, professional learning, inclusive curriculum/assessment practices, and responding to discrimination and harassment. In 2022, through our Human Rights and Equity office, we implemented procedure VI:102, Responding to Hate or Biased Motivated Incidents that specifically outlines a consistent and transparent process that is in place to report, respond, document, remedy and prevent hate or bias motivated incidents impacting HCDSB students. This protocol is available on every HCDSB school website.  

While we have made some progress, our work is not done. We must be proactive and accountable to Black students, families and staff as we continue to denounce racism and centre Black joy and excellence to create safe, welcoming and inclusive schools.    

Black History Month Resources 

Library Services at HCDSB offers a variety of and educational material, including eBooks, videos, articles, websites, as well as a Black History Month topic guide. HCDSB staff can access the Visit online for details!

There is also a Human Rights and Equity D2L Course available to all HCDSB Staff for resources to support the professional development of equity and inclusive education, as well as a calendar of events, activities and resources for celebrating Black History Month at HCDSB.  

Black History Month Events 

Throughout the month of February, a number of virtual and in-person events, as well as learning opportunities are planned in Halton and in our schools in partnership with HCDSB and various community partners. These events and initiatives will continue to take place throughout the school year.

Black Excellence Student Symposium: Empowering Leaders for Life

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, our school board will host a system-wide Black Excellence Symposium for Students: Empowering Leaders for Life at the Thomas Merton Centre in Oakville. The symposium is a one-day event and will highlight student governance, equipping young leaders with the skills to organize, advocate, and represent their peers effectively. Through workshops, mentorship circles, and advocacy training, students will learn to challenge inequities, promote justice, and create meaningful change, supported by community mentors who inspire their journeys.

All Ready, Set, Go! Information Sessions will include:

• A presentation by Halton Region Public Health and HCDSB staff on preparing children for Kindergarten, including the importance of establishing routines, building independence skills and important public health updates;
• Registration about��before and after school programs;
• Opportunities to ask questions and speak to Board staff and Public Health Nurses

Session Dates & Locations

NOTE: Ready, Set, Go! Kindergarten Information Sessions are only being held at select elementary schools. Parents are invited to attend whichever session works best for them, regardless of the school their child is registered for. Each session will not be specific to the host school.

Thursday,  February 12, 2026 ~ 6:30 – 7:30 PM
St. Anne Catholic Elementary School
4675 Doug Wright Drive, Burlington

Thursday, February 19, 2026 ~ 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Elementary School
709 Bolingbroke Drive, Milton

Thursday, February 26, 2026 ~ 6:30 – 7:30 PM
St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School
477 Warminster Drive, Oakville

Thursday, March 5, 2026 ~ 6:30 – 7:30 PM
St. Brigid Catholic Elementary School
73 Miller Drive, Georgetown

Please be advised that child care will not be provided during the Information Sessions listed above.

Sign Up for a Session!

Parents interested in attending a Ready, Set, Go! Information Session must sign up through the online form:

More Information

• To register for Kindergarten at HCDSB, please visit our HCDSB website.
• For more information about the Kindergarten program at HCDSB, please visit the Kindergarten page!

NOTE: Once registered through Kindergarten, families will be invited by their home school to a Parent Orientation Night taking place during the spring of 2026. During this session, families will be able to meet school educators, and learn more about the daily schedule at their home school.

During this session, a Registered Dietitian from Public Health will explore topics such as body image and health considerations, how children’s eating habits are shaped, and practical ways families can create supportive and positive food environments at home.

Webinar Details

• Date: Tuesday, February 10
• Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Format: Virtual
  A webinar link will be emailed to all registered participants the day before the event.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register using the following link:

WHEN:

Saturday, February 28, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:

, in Milton
1145 Bronte Street South, Milton, ON ()   

MORE INFORMATION:

The upcoming Skilled Trades Career Fair will:

• Cover what a career in the skilled trades involves.
• Provide details on how to become a skilled tradesperson.
• Provide information about apprenticeship programs and diverse career paths.
• Offer hands-on experiences related to the skilled trades.
• Provide networking opportunities with educational institutions, industry leaders, and professionals in both the trades and education sectors.

View the flyer for more information.

SIGN UP TO ATTEND:

Families are encouraged to sign up using the form below for planning purposes: