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Achieving

Meeting the needs of all learners

At HCDSB, we value excellence in learning and are committed to providing exceptional education by meeting the learning needs of all learners so that they may realize their full God-given potential.

We will prepare all students to be ready for success in their chosen pathway 鈥� apprenticeship, college, university, community living or the workplace.

We know that for today鈥檚 students, success in their future requires a different set of skills and knowledge than what was needed in the past.

As we pursue the goal of success for students, our understanding of student achievement must include not only the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills, but also the development of so much more. Critical thinking skills, independent inquiry skills, superior communication skills, and a highly developed capacity for collaborative work is important if our students are going to be sufficiently adaptable and flexible to adjust to new technologies, emerging opportunities, and challenges yet unknown.

Our Goals Under the Priority of Achieving:

1. Educational experiences and opportunities are differentiated to support all learners.
2. Teachers and learners are collaborating in innovative school and classroom communities that encourage student engagement, learning and achievement.
3. We hold high expectations for all learners.

The annual Strategic Plan Monitoring Survey found that:

of respondents agreed that HCDSB offers educational experiences and opportunities to support all learners.

of respondents agreed that at HCDSB schools, teachers and learners collaborate in ways that promote student engagement, learning, and achievement.

of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the HCDSB holds high expectations for all learners.

Student Excellence at HCDSB

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Each year, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) celebrates exceptional students across our school district at the Annual Student Awards of Excellence Ceremony. In the 2021-2022 school year, due to COVID-19 health and safety measures in place, we recognized and congratulated our student recipients of the Student Awards of Excellence and the Spirit of Inclusion Awards virtually.

The Student Awards of Excellence are presented annually to a student from each elementary and secondary school who has demonstrated outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school affairs and community activities.

The Spirit of Inclusion Award was created by the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), and is presented each year to one elementary student and one secondary student who has demonstrated a commitment to school activities and to their community, making their peers feel valued and respected.

Mia Rodgers

Assumption C.S.S.

Adam Thompson

Ascension C.E.S.

Dylan Tuck

Holy Rosary (Milton) C.E.S.

Henry Thibault 

St. John C.E.S.

Brooke Bate

St. Patrick C.E.S.

Giulia Volpini

St. Paul C.E.S.

Erica Byrne

St. Raphael C.E.S.

Gabriela Masri Ahmar

Corpus Christi C.S.S.

Isabel Yeboah

Sacred Heart of Jesus C.E.S.

Alexandra Leaker

St. Anne C.E.S.

Francesca Warren 

St. Christopher C.E.S.

Michelle James

St. Elizabeth Seton C.E.S.

Percy Bonomale

Notre Dame C.S.S.

Mark Morgan

Canadian Martyrs C.E.S.

Chloe Choist 

St. Gabriel C.E.S.

Felicity King

St. Mark C.E.S.

Christa Zaiyouna

St. Timothy C.E.S.

Danijela Boras 

Christ the King C.S.S.

Tai Barton Chery

Holy Cross C.E.S.

Nathan Bowles

St. Brigid C.E.S.

Naomi Ruso

St. Catherine of Alexandria C.E.S.

Daville Pacheco Oates

St. Francis of Assisi C.E.S.

Austin Fletcher 

St. Joseph Acton C.E.S.

Tam Mai

Bishop P.F. Reding C.S.S.

Martina Pandullo

Holy Rosary (Milton) C.E.S.

Mackenna Heroux

Our Lady of Victory C.E.S.

Benjamin Kluge 

St. Anthony of Padua C.E.S.

Isaiah Kim

St. Peter C.E.S.

Kaileen Valencia

St. Francis Xavier C.S.S.

Tereza Raposo

Lumen Christi C.E.S.

Avery M

Queen of Heaven C.E.S.

Kaylah Dunham

St. Benedict C.E.S.

Daniela Britto

St. Scholastica C.E.S.

Megan Centeno

Guardian Angels C.E.S.

Rachel Jonker

Our Lady of Fatima C.E.S.

Jessica Pinto

Thomas Merton Centre for Continuing Education

Claire Gamble

Holy Trinity C.S.S.

Declan Bowman

Holy Family C.E.S.

Isaac Hatch

Our Lady of Peace C.E.S.

Aanya Bastiampillai

St. Andrew C.E.S.

Aiden Pinto

St. Marguerite d’Youville C.E.S.

Nicholas Sammit

St. Michael C.E.S.

Ope Coke

St. Ignatius of Loyola C.S.S.

Fernanda Moreno Garcia

St. Bernadette C.E.S.

Fernanda Barreto

St. Gregory the Great C.E.S.

Alejandra Yallonardo

St. Joan of Arc C.E.S.

Liam Cleaver

St. John Paul II C.E.S.

Markus Adu

St. Mary C.E.S.

Charlotte Guay

St. Matthew C.E.S.

Celina Rodriguez

St. Teresa of Calcutta C.E.S.

Rachel Philipose

St. Thomas Aquinas C.S.S.

Jennifer Berry

St. Dominic C.E.S.

Sophia Lago

St. Luke C.E.S.

Pablo Padilla

St. Nicholas C.E.S.

Brooke Melo

St. Vincent C.E.S.

Louis Low

St. Clare of Assisi (Virtual) C.E.S.

Spirit of Inclusion (SEAC) Award

Milad Aqrawi

Holy Rosary Milton C.E.S.

Christina Ponte

Thomas Merton Centre for Continuing Education

Mitchell Newton

St. Thomas Aquinas C.S.S. 

Watch the Virtual Ceremony

Outstanding Work from the 2021-2022 Top IB Graduating Student!

Graduating students of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme are outstanding examples of inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people.

Shanessa Furtado, a graduating student of the IB Programme for the 2021-2022 school year scored 44 out of 45 possible points in her studies! Shanessa finished with a 7 out of 7 in her History, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and French courses; the highest score attainable in an IB course. 

鈥淏eing a part of St. Thomas Aquinas鈥� IB Diploma Programme has been one of the most rewarding challenges. The IB Programme has transformed me into a critical thinker, a strong communicator and a risk-taker,鈥� said Shanessa.

鈥淭hrough components of the IB programme like the Extended Essay and CAS, I developed vital research skills and was able to explore various interests, such as creating a podcast,鈥� she added.

鈥淭he best part about the IB Programme was the people I had the privilege of knowing. My like-minded peers and supportive teachers motivated me to work hard and grow. Over these past couple of years, my classmates, teachers and I have become a family, helping each other through the obstacles of the pandemic, online classes and IB exams. I believe my experience in the IB Programme has prepared me for the future and has made me into the student and individual I am today.鈥�

Quick Facts:

•  in Oakville received accreditation to offer the IB Diploma Programme to students in March, 2012.
• The IB Diploma Programme curriculum is made up of six subject groups, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay. 

About the IB Programme

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme offers high quality and challenging educational courses to a worldwide community of schools. Schools must be authorized by IB to offer the Programme. Learn more: .鈥嬧赌嬧赌嬧赌�

HCDSB Announces Recipients of the 2022 Governor General’s Award

The 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) announced the recipients of the Governor General Bronze Medal, awarded to the graduating student with the highest average from each secondary school.

The average is calculated based on the final marks received in all Grade 11 and 12 courses, as listed on each student鈥檚 official transcript, issued by the Ministry of Education.

2022 Governor General Recipients

Quick Facts

• For over 130 years, the Governor General鈥檚 Academic Medals recognize the academic achievements of students across Canada.
• Lord Dufferin, Canada鈥檚 third Governor General after Confederation, created the Academic Medals in 1873 to encourage excellence across the nation. 
• For more information and a list of recipients, please visit: .

STEAM Speaker Session with Dr. Callegher:
5 Great Reasons for a Career in the Trades!

On Thursday, April 7th, parents and students in grades 7-12 were invited to a virtual session with Dr. Jon Callegher: 5 Great Reasons for a Career in the Trades!

In his presentation, Dr. Callegher, Executive Director of Job Talks shared his latest research on why working in the skilled trades is an ideal career option in our ever-evolving post COVID-19 world.

Dr. Callegher shared insights on the concept of 鈥渂alanced intelligence鈥� as a defining quality of modern tradespeople, as well as the emotional and experiential challenges facing young people today.

Parents and students were able to access an online live stream and submit questions in advance to the session speaker.

HCDSB Secondary Schools Participate in Esports Tournament! 

On May 25, 2022, students in Grades 9-12 had the opportunity to participate in an Esports tournament with the Halton Catholic Athletic Association (HCAA)! 

Esports, also known as electronic sports, are video games that take place in a competitive and supervised setting. 

HCDSB students competed in different divisions in the hopes of defeating their opponents. 

Similar to traditional organized sports, participating in esports supports students in developing their communication, social-emotional regulation, collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking skills! 

As the esports playoff tournament was hosted virtually, HCDSB students and staff were able to watch the live-stream and follow along for tournament highlights on Twitter. Watch the  

HCDSB Student Receives 2022 OMHA-Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary! 

Alex Pedersen, a recent high school graduate from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School, was selected as one of five students to receive the 2022 OMHA Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary!鈥� 

Alex was selected from the 2021-2022 minor hockey season to receive an $8,000 post-secondary bursary and is set to attend university this upcoming September.鈥� 

Alex has provided a significant contribution to both his school and community. Through volunteering at a goalie school, he was able to give back to some of the younger goalies in the Oakville Community by providing on-ice mentorship and training. He also participated in STA’s RAM Mentorship program, which has the school’s senior students as mentors and role models for Grade 10 students. 

The Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary program recognizes minor hockey players for their outstanding contribution to community service and athletic and academic success. 

In September 2022, Alex began school at Western University’s Ivey School of Business. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment, Alex!鈥� 

HCDSB Secondary English Teacher Awarded with ELAN Teaching Award!  

On June 24, 2022, Doreen Bonsu, teacher at was recognized with the English Language Arts (ELAN) Ontario teaching award!  

Doreen was the recipient of an ELAN Award of Excellence, which is awarded to teachers that are committed to equity, student achievement, and well-being. 

Doreen was honoured with this award because of her passion for teaching and eagerness to learn. She works to amplify Black voices and focuses on inclusion, so all students feel validated and a true sense of belonging. 

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, Ms. Bonsu! We are truly blessed to have you as part of our HCDSB community! 

HCDSB Students Awarded Top Prizes in COSTI鈥檚 2022 Refugee & Human Rights Child & Youth Poetry Contest!

Students Kristen Pereira from , Francesca Warren from and Mikaela Pereira from became finalists in the 2022 COSTI Refugee & Human Rights Child & Youth Poetry Contest!

 invited students in Grades 4 to 12 across Ontario to write a poem in line with the theme 鈥淩efugees and Human Rights鈥�. The objective of COSTI鈥檚 poetry contest is to bring greater attention to human rights and the plight of refugees.

About the Poems

Kristen鈥檚 poem, , addresses questions about refugees in times of struggle as they flee their homes. The Curious Questions of a Child won second prize in the Grades 4-6 division!

Francesca鈥檚 poem, , is about living through war and transitioning to peace. Francesca鈥檚 poem won third prize in the Grades 7-8 division!

Mikaela鈥檚 poem, , is about the strong, successful and courageous refugees that have shaped our world today. Imagine won first prize in the Grades 9-12 division!

Kristen, Francesca and Mikaela were recognized on Monday, June 20, 2022 at a virtual ceremony in honour of World Refugee Day.

To see a full list of contest winners, please visit the

HCDSB Students Participated in Skills Ontario Competition!

On May 3, 2022, HCDSB secondary students participated in the 2022 virtual Skills Ontario Competition!

The Skills Ontario Competition is the largest skilled trades and technologies event across Canada, offering students the opportunity to explore exciting career opportunities in skilled trades and technology. Students were also able to connect with industry leaders and participate in conferences featuring skills professionals.

Skills Ontario offered competitions to HCDSB students in the following categories: architectural design, automotive, carpentry, cabinet making, coding, graphic design, TV and video production, landscape design, outdoor power equipment, horticulture, photography and VEX5 robotics.

Congratulations to all HCDSB participants and the following students that placed in the 2022 Skills Ontario competition:

HCDSB Hosted its Inaugural Skilled Trades Career Fair!

Students in grades 7-12 and their parents were invited to attend the inaugural HCDSB Skilled Trades Career Fair on Saturday, April 30, 2022!

The HCDSB Skilled Trades Career Fair that took place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton:

• Showcased the value and importance of careers in the skilled trades.
• Informed parents and students about what a career in the skilled trades entails.
• Educated students on how they can become a skilled tradesperson.
• Allowed students to network and connect with community partners.

Students were also able to meet with colleges, businesses, and other community partners to learn about apprenticeship opportunities and future careers in the skilled trades. 

Grade 11 Student from St. Thomas Aquinas Released Self-published Book, The Perspicuity Theorem!

Marta Fernandes, a Grade 11 student at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School, released her book, The Perspicuity Theorem, in February 2022!

The Perspicuity Theorem, which Marta began writing at the beginning of the second COVID-19 lockdown, follows the story of seventeen-year-old Charlotte Lancaster, and her journey in deciphering an unsolvable riddle.

鈥淲riting was something I always enjoyed, especially creative writing,鈥� said Marta. 鈥淚 created a minimal plot and a few characters in my head in a spur of boredom. I wrote a chapter thinking that it would be a project I would eventually give up on. Next thing I knew I had written too much, and developed the plot to a point where I felt I couldn鈥檛 turn back.鈥�

After months of editing the book, with the help of a peer editor and her Grade 11 English teacher, Mr. Antilope, Marta designed the cover and  with Amazon鈥檚 self-publishing services, KDP.

Congratulations, Marta, on this amazing accomplishment!

 Grade 5 Student Featured on CHCH News for Receiving YWCA鈥檚 Youngest Women of Distinction Award!

Congratulations to Lauren Cutaia, a Grade 5 student from  for being selected as 鈥榮 鈥淵oungest Trailblazer鈥� through the 2022 Women of Distinction Awards!

In honour of International Women鈥檚 Day, YWCA Hamilton awarded females who are making a difference in the areas of art, culture, education, business, entrepreneurship, health, research, and many other significant fields in the Halton and Hamilton communities.

On March 8th, CHCH News visited Holy Rosary School in Burlington to interview Lauren as she received her award.

Lauren was announced as the  for her achievements in creating homemade clay beaded bracelets to support those in need.

Lauren began selling the bracelets in August and September, 2021, with all proceeds supporting local charitable organizations such as the , , , , and additional funds supporting breast cancer research. Over 700 bracelets have been sold and over $1000 was donated to local charities.

鈥淥ver the pandemic, a lot of people had been struggling and I wanted to help them. And I love jewelry so I decided to create bracelets and sell them at five dollars each, and give the proceeds to all local charities,鈥� said Lauren.

鈥淟auren is a ray of sunshine, I鈥檓 so blessed to be her teacher. She lightens up our everyday with her wonderful kindness, her genuine love of learning; she gives her all to everything,鈥� said Grade 5 Teacher, Mrs. Mullally.

Congratulations to Lauren and special thanks to the Holy Rosary Burlington community for supporting this incredible initiative!

The 2021-2022 Director鈥檚 Annual Report Sections

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Achieving

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Foundational Elements

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