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.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of our journey through Holy Week. On this day, we remember Jesus’ triumphant arrival into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches. These palms symbolize joy and hope, while also reminding us of the challenging days to follow.

Holy Thursday is the first day of the Paschal Triduum which observes the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. On Holy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper where Jesus gathered with His disciples, shared bread and wine, and washed their feet. This day also marks the institution of the Eucharist, reminding us of Jesus’ promise to remain with us.

Good Friday, the second day of the Paschal Triduum, is a solemn day where we remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Through prayer, fasting, and abstinence from meat, we reflect on His sacrifice.

Holy Saturday is the final day of the Paschal Triduum and is a time for rest, prayer, and reflection. In the evening, the Church gathers for Easter Vigil, the most sacred celebration of the Liturgical year. The lighting of the Paschal Candle and celebration of the Resurrection symbolize the transition from darkness to light.

Candidates from all HCDSB secondary schools were nominated based on their significant engagement within their school, parish, and local communities.

Congratulations to the following three (3) Student Trustees elected for the 2026-2027 school year!

From left to right: Pierre Hanna, Gabriela Toki, Guilherme de Almeida

Burlington Trustee: Gabriela Toki

Gabriela is currently a Grade 11 Honour Roll student at Assumption Catholic Secondary School. She demonstrates consistent leadership across academics, athletics, the arts, student governance, and community advocacy. Gabriela serves as Vice President of the Assumption Black Student Association and is an active member and past panelist with Black Empowered United Students. She is also a three-year member of the Assumption Student Council. In addition, Gabriela is a member of the girls’ rugby team and deeply engaged in Assumption Crusaders Theatre.

North Halton Trustee: Pierre Hanna

Pierre Hanna is currently a Grade 10 Honour Roll and pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) student at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School. He demonstrates strong leadership skills and is committed to making a positive impact within the school community as a member of the Student Senate. Through his work on the student senate Faith in Action subcommittee, Pierre helped propose HCDSB Funding Futures Campaign, a fund supporting families in need. In addition, he participates in the peer tutoring programs, and the school chaplaincy team. Outside of school, Pierre is a member of the Milton Marlins Swim Team and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

Oakville Trustee: Guilherme de Almeida

Guilherme is currently a Grade 11 Honour Roll student at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School. He has been an active member of Student Council for the past three years and currently a lead on the student council executive. Guilherme is actively engaged in a wide range of school and community initiatives and participates in STEAM program, the Extended French program and Specialist High Skills Major. His commitment to inclusion and mentorship is demonstrated through his work with the Indigenous Advisory Committee, Best Buddies, and the Hawks Mentorship Program. As a frequent spokesperson at school events and a peer tutor, he is a passionate advocate for elevating student voice across the school community.

To view the 2026-2027 school year calendar, visit:

• HCDSB School Year Calendar webpage

The school year calendar is developed with input from the School Year Calendar Committee consisting of representatives from the school communities including parents/guardians and employee groups. The Trustees of the ��ѿ��Ƶ and Trustees of the Halton District School Board approved the calendar dates for the 2026-2027 school year during their respective Board meetings in February.

The calendar outlines the Professional Activity days (PA) for staff when schools will be closed to students, as well as school breaks and holidays. The first day of school for the 2026-2027 school year is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

These dates will be shared with families and are also posted on each school board’s website.

For additional information, contact: 

��ѿ��Ƶ: Juliana Gligoric, Communications Officer
communications@hcdsb.org | 905-632-6300

Halton District School Board: Amy Mejia, Communications Specialist 
communications@hdsb.ca | 905-335-3663, Toll free: 1-877-618-3456

The event brought together more than 600 families – representing an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 visitors – for a day dedicated to exploring the many opportunities available through the apprenticeship pathway. Designed for students in Grades 7-12, the fair created space for meaningful conversations about future pathways and helped students begin to see how their interests and talents can translate into fulfilling careers.

Throughout the day, participants gained a deeper understanding of careers in the skilled trades. Representatives from colleges, trade unions, and local businesses across Halton Region and beyond filled the gymnasium with interactive displays and hands-on demonstrations. Through these exhibits, attendees gained practical insight into day-to-day work environments, essential skills, and long-term career opportunities. Students and families also explored the pathway to becoming a skilled tradesperson, including training requirements, certifications, and the structure of apprenticeship programs.

HCDSB also hosted a recruitment booth during the event, highlighting opportunities for skilled trades professionals to join the Board as skilled trades educators. As interest in the trades continues to grow among students, HCDSB remains committed to recruiting experienced industry professionals who can share their expertise and inspire the next generation of skilled trades workers.

The event highlighted the growing demand for skilled trades professionals and reinforced that apprenticeship is a respected and viable post-secondary option that allows students to build on their unique strengths and talents.

The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to helping students discover pathways that align with their interests, abilities, and aspirations. By providing early exposure and direct access to industry partners, the Skilled Trades Career Fair continues to open doors and broaden horizons for HCDSB students.

The event was attended by several community and education leaders, including Zee Hamid, MPP for Milton; Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington; Chair of the Board and Milton Trustee, Marvin Duarte; Burlington Trustee, Brenda Agnew; Oakville Trustee, Chris Saunders; HCDSB Director of Education, John Klein; along with members of the HCDSB senior staff team.

Thank you to the many vendors, partners, staff, and families whose participation made this year’s event such a tremendous success.

Adriano Perusin is a dedicated Catholic educator and leader who has served the ��ѿ��Ƶ for more than 26 years across both the elementary and secondary panels. Since beginning his career with HCDSB in 1999, he has held a variety of progressively responsible roles, including Elementary Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Secondary Department Head, Secondary Vice-Principal, and Secondary Principal.

Most recently, Adriano served as Principal of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to student achievement, faith formation, and building inclusive school communities rooted in belonging and high expectations for all.

“Adriano brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our system,” said Director of Education, John Klein. “His leadership across both panels, and his unwavering commitment to Catholic education, will help guide and support the continued success of our students and families.”

“I am deeply honoured to serve HCDSB in this new capacity,” said Perusin. “Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the faith, dedication, and commitment of our students, staff, and families. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our school communities to support student achievement and nurture learning environments where every student feels a strong sense of belonging.”

Katelyn Clutterbuck brings more than a decade of leadership experience in Human Resources Services within the education sector, with oversight of a comprehensive Human Resources portfolio, including employee and labour relations, health and safety, staffing and recruitment, disability management, and HRIS operations.

​Katelyn first joined HCDSB in December 2021, serving as Senior Manager, Human Resources Services, where she supported staff across the system and helped strengthen key Human Resources practices and processes.

“Katelyn’s expertise and steady leadership have contributed greatly to our Human Resources Services team,” added Klein. “In this new role, Katelyn will continue to advance a supportive, responsive workplace culture that enables staff to thrive in service of students.”

“It is a privilege to serve the ��ѿ��Ƶ in this role,” said Clutterbuck. “Our staff are the foundation of our system, and I am committed to supporting a workplace culture that values collaboration, well-being, and professional growth. I look forward to continuing to work across the organization to strengthen the systems and supports that help our staff – and, ultimately, our students – to thrive.”

As the Board continues its journey of Achieving, Believing, Belonging, and Becoming, these appointments reflect HCDSB’s ongoing commitment to nurturing strong, faith-centred leadership that supports student success, staff growth, and vibrant Catholic school communities. 

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 . 

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:

The French Immersion program is an exciting, fast-paced, optional program. Students must be entering Grade 1 in September to be eligible to participate in the program.

Quick Facts

The program has expanded across HCDSB so space is no longer determined through a random selection (lottery) process.

Grade 1 French Immersion is offered regionally, and school sites may change from time to time based on student enrolment and other considerations. View the designated schools for the French Immersion program​�ċ.

How to Apply

Parents and guardians can apply for the program through an online application portal, which will be available on Thursday, January 8 through Friday, February 13, 2026.

A direct link to apply will be available on the French Immersion page, and can also be accessed from the homepage of the Board’s website (www.hcdsb.org) beginning January 8^th and until the application period closes.

More information

• For more information, application details and locations of the French Immersion program, please visit the Grade 1 French Immersion Program page.