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 . 

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.

The overall results indicate that HCDSB students continue to meet or exceed the provincial average in all EQAO testing.

Quick Facts

• Grade 3 Assessments indicate that 84% of students in Reading, 77% of students in Writing, and 76% of students in Mathematics met or exceeded the provincial standards.
• Grade 6 Assessments indicate that 90% of students in Reading, 90% of students in Writing, and 61% of students in Mathematics met or exceeded the provincial standards.
• Grade 9 Assessments for Mathematics indicate that 69% of the Board’s Grade 9 students met or exceeded the provincial standard in Math.
• OSSLT results indicate that 88% of the Board’s fully participating, and first-time eligible secondary students who wrote the OSSLT successfully completed the assessment.
• OSSLT is based on the expectations for reading and writing across all core subjects in the Ontario Curriculum, up to the end of Grade 9.

Grade 3 EQAO Results

Grade 3 Assessments ~ Reading

Grade 3 Assessments ~ Writing

Grade 3 Assessments ~ Mathematics

Grade 6 EQAO Results

Grade 6 Assessments ~ Reading

Grade 6 Assessments ~ Writing

Grade 6 Assessments ~ Mathematics

Grade 9 EQAO Results

Grade 9 Assessments ~ Mathematics Overall

OSSLT Results

Quote

“We are very proud of our students as they continue to meet or exceed the provincial standards in EQAO assessments. Their achievements reflect the hard work of our students and the commitment of our educators who guide and support them every day.

At the same time, we recognize that continuous improvement is essential. We will continue to review EQAO data, together with a wide range of assessment and classroom information, to strengthen our practices, and focus supports where they are needed most to ensure every learner can succeed.”

– John Klein, Director of Education

More Information About Standards-Based Testing

• EQAO tests do not assess the whole child or the whole curriculum, therefore, results from EQAO testing provide only one indicator of student learning, which measures student achievement in relation to the common provincial standard. 
• HCDSB employs a variety of data, including EQAO results, to inform and plan the instructional strategies that are implemented in the classroom. 
• As advised by EQAO, it is inappropriate and misleading to rank schools or to make individual school comparisons without taking into account a variety of factors. 

More information can be accessed on the EQAO website at: .

HSTS continues to collaborate closely with its transportation service providers to reduce service disruptions caused by temporary increases in driver absences. Families are encouraged to notifications at , where a daily list of service impacts is updated regularly. While most reported delays average around 15 minutes, some full-route cancellations have occurred during periods of increased illness. Notably, approximately 40% of all delays stem from the current need for additional drivers.

Supply drivers and dedicated permanent drivers are working diligently – often taking on extended hours – to maintain consistent service and ensure students arrive at school and return home safely.

Halton Student Transportation Services has contracted local bus companies to operate 467 bus routes for the 2025-26 school year. To maintain consistent service  coverage and ensure adequate staffing during absences related to illness, vacation, or family emergencies, drivers are still needed.

“We recognize the challenges these delays can create for families, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding as we work to strengthen service reliability,” says David Colley, General Manager, Halton Student Transportation Services.

Bus companies across Halton continue to actively recruit new drivers, offering flexible schedules, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community. HSTS is supporting ongoing hiring efforts by posting bus opportunities on its website.

Prospective candidates are advised to contact the following bus companies for information on job prerequisites,

• Attridge Transportation Inc. – 905-333-4047
• Elliott Coach Lines 1-877-237-8287 
• First Student Canada, Burlington and Oakville – 905-335-7010
• First Student (Georgetown) -905-877-2251
• Switzer-Carty Transportation – 905-849-2080
• Voyago Transportation – 519-787-2200

HSTS is a transportation consortium providing home-to-school transportation services to students attending the Halton District School Board and the ��ѿ��Ƶ.

Marvin Duarte, Milton Trustee for Wards 1 and 4, was acclaimed as Chair of the Board, and Janet O’Hearn-Czarnota, Halton Hills Trustee, was acclaimed as Vice-Chair of the Board.    

Quick Facts 

• The HCDSB is allocated a maximum of nine (9) school board Trustees.  
• HCDSB Trustees represent designated areas (wards) across each of the municipalities in the region of Halton – Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville.  
• Trustees generally meet on the third Tuesday of each month to address matters related to student achievement and Catholic education within our school communities. They are responsible for the decisions made by the board.
• Learn more about our HCDSB Trustees​.&�Բ�����;

Quotes

“Over the past years, we have faced challenges and celebrated successes together. Through it all, we have remained united in our mission: to provide an education that nurtures both academic excellence and spiritual growth. This is what makes our Catholic schools unique and invaluable. As Chair, I pledge to continue leading with transparency, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to our Catholic values. My goal is to ensure that every decision we make reflects our shared vision for student success and well-being.”

– Marvin Duarte, Chair of the Board

“I’m proud to be part of the work we do to serve families and ratepayers across our system, and to strengthen that essential partnership of home, school, and parish. Everything we do around this table has an impact on their experience, and I take that responsibility to heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as Vice-Chair, and I look forward to working closely with the Chair to support him and to help keep our work moving forward in a positive, collaborative way.”

– Janet O’Hearn-Czarnota, Vice-Chair of the Board

About the STEAM Program

STEAM education integrates multiple subject areas to guide student inquiry, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Offered in a blended delivery format, the program empowers students to take the lead in their own learning while being guided by qualified HCDSB secondary educators.

Through a problem and project-based learning approach, students explore real-world challenges that connect to local and global issues. Subjects are intentionally blended throughout the year to create meaningful, cross-disciplinary learning experiences rooted in student interests.

School-based STEAM activities include FIRST Robotics, Esports, and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) opportunities, with additional offerings currently being developed.

Key Dates & School Locations

The STEAM Program is currently offered at three HCDSB secondary schools. Applications open in November at the following locations:

• , Burlington
  Applications open November 17 and close December 5, 2025
  
  
• , Milton
  Applications open November 21 and close December 5, 2025
  
  
• , Oakville
  Applications open November 10 and close December 8, 2025

Grade 8 students and families can visit the school websites for details on applying, course selections, and important deadlines.

Why STEAM?

By incorporating the Arts into traditional STEM learning, the STEAM model fosters both analytical and creative thinking. Students are encouraged to apply design principles, artistic expression, and innovation to develop imaginative solutions – combining technical skills with creativity and curiosity.

Program Details

• The program at St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius of Loyola runs year-round (September to June) for students in Grades 9 and 10, and then branches into specialized pathways in Grades 11 and 12.
• Admission is based on student interests, goals, and aspirations rather than elementary academic grades.
• Applicants must confirm their course selections in before submitting their application.

More Information

• View a complete overview of the STEAM Program, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
  
  
• To learn more about the STEAM Programs offered across HCDSB, as well as new initiatives and events, please contact: steam@hcdsb.org.