Belonging
Embracing relationships and collective responsibility, sustaining safe and welcoming schools
As a Catholic school district, we understand the importance of creating a sense of belonging for all members of our community 鈥� students, staff, parents, and community partners.
Students are most successful when they feel they belong, when they feel safe, and when they are fully engaged in authentic and relevant learning experiences.
We know that student achievement improves when parents play an active role in their children鈥檚 education.
Staff engage with students, with parents, and with each other in a nurturing and caring environment to enhance learning and improve student achievement.
Our Catholic schools are integral to our local communities. Our schools belong, and our students achieve when they benefit from active engagement with community partners, local business, and public institutions.
Our Goals Under the Priority of Belonging:
- Schools and workplaces are safe and welcoming for all, cultivating a positive sense of belonging and well-being.
- Relationships with all educational partners are nurtured and supported.
- Students are service-minded global citizens, engaged and empowered to be leaders in their communities.
The annual Strategic Plan Monitoring Survey found that:
of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that HCDSB schools promote student safety.
of staff respondents agreed or strongly agreed that HCDSB workplaces promote staff safety.
of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that HCDSB schools are welcoming for all and promote a positive sense of belonging.
of staff respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their HCDSB workplaces are welcoming for all staff, and promote a positive sense of belonging.
of HCDSB stakeholders agreed or strongly agreed that the HCDSB nurtures and supports relationships with external partners.
felt that HCDSB students are taught to think of others and are given opportunities to get involved and be leaders in the school and/or community.
Grade 5 Students Engage in Indigenous Education Activities!
In October 2022, Grade 5 students across the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) gathered at Country Heritage Park in Milton for a series of experiential learning activities designed to increase student awareness and understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being.
After a successful pilot project in June involving 750 Grade 5 students, the HCDSB Pathways Team expanded its plan for enhancing Indigenous Education practices to include all HCDSB Grade 5 classes. The event ran for two weeks in October and included Halton Hills, Oakville and Burlington Grade 5 students.
Throughout each day, students moved through a series of learning centres that included traditional and modern lacrosse games, food sovereignty, storytelling, traditional food practices and celebrations. Students were encouraged to share aspects of their learning with family and friends and to utilize their learning to make curriculum connections as the school year progresses.
In June 2023, after students gathered for the final event, approximately 2300 HCDSB students had participated in these Indigenous education activities!
Thank you, Migwetch and Niaweh, to our Indigenous leaders, Grade 5 staff and students, and our Pathways Team for making this such a successful experience!
An Evening of Indigenous Cuisine & Culture
On Thursday, May 11th, 2023, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) and the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC) invited parents/guardians and HCDSB staff to attend: An Evening of Indigenous Cuisine & Culture! The event was held at in Milton 鈥� in the Gambrel Barn(8560 Tremaine Rd, Milton, ON L9T 2X3).
The evening of Indigenous Cuisine and Culture offered:
- An introduction by guest speaker, Douglas Trudeau, Owner and Chef of 4Winds Indigenous Catering.
- A Keynote by Waubgeshig Rice, Author and Journalist from Wasauksing First Nation, offering storytelling from an Anishinaabe worldview.
- A three course Indigenous inspired dinner prepared by Chef Douglas Trudeau.
- Performances by Tribal Vision Dance, First Nations entertainment group.
- A student art 鈥淕allery Walk鈥�.
The goal of the event was to enhance professional development around Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. By participating in a night of celebration, attendees grew in their knowledge and appreciation for Indigenous culture and the significant contributions made by members of our Indigenous community.
Staff Training 2022-2023
Professional learning is a critical component in ensuring we are meeting our commitment to Human Rights and Equity at HCDSB. Each school year, we offer a variety of staff training sessions, both mandatory and invitational.
58
Training Sessions
5,397
Total Participants
Assumption Students Educate Community for Islamic Heritage Month!
In October 2022, as part of Islamic Heritage Month, the community hosted a two-day lunch and learn to educate the school and community on the beliefs and values of Islam.
Muslim students Nabiha Bari, Jannah Emira, Monique M, and Minahil A created an educational and immersive two-day event that inspired both students and staff. The first day consisted of a successful seminar with guest speaker, Jalil Hussin, who educated the school community on the values and traditions of Islam. The second day consisted of an interactive workshop in which participating staff and students were able to experience wearing a hijab and getting henna.
Through the immense efforts of the organizing students and the staff that supported their work through the process, the students created an event that resonated with the Assumption community and inspired dialogue on faith and respect.
Bishop Reding Pilots History Course about the African Canadian Experience
In February 2022, piloted the first ever history course about the African Canadian experience at the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB). The course was developed by HCDSB teacher, Doreen Bonsu, recipient of the English Language Arts (ELAN) Ontario Award, which is awarded to teachers who are committed to equity, student achievement, and well-being.
The course, Origins of Citizenship (African Canadians), highlights the diversity of African cultures, the effects of the transatlantic slave trade, and systemic racism. It also explores the roots and impact of Black Canadians on society.
As part of the course, students were given the opportunity to collaborate with to produce videos that focused on anti-Black racism.
Bishop Reding students Sephrah, Jonathan, Talia and Shannel were awarded first place for their video titled 鈥淩acism – The Mutating Monster鈥�, and received a prize of $260!
Throughout the course, students participated in a variety of interactive activities, allowing them to infuse art with history. The first activity they worked on was creating Egyptian Clay art, led by Patricia Carrasquilla, from StreetDog Art Studio. While learning the nuances of clay art, students also learned important information about the Egyptian Civilization.
Local Milton artist, Omar 鈥淥ms鈥� Hopkinson, facilitated an interactive art session where students were able to use their creativity while being inspired by music associated with the Black experience.
The class also had exceptional guest speakers, such as award-winning author Ekiuwa Aire, who taught students about Queen Idia, from the Kingdom of Benin, as well as Lawrence Hill, who shared his experiences making his novel The Book of Negroes into a mini-series.
HCDSB Honours & Celebrates Black Canadians
During the month of February 2023, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) honoured and celebrated the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, both past and present, and paid tribute to the diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures and histories of Black individuals and communities.
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. 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.
Below you will find a variety of initiatives, events, and resources available to schools across the system. HCDSB鈥檚 Beyond Black History Month Committee will continue to work on providing resources for staff and students.
Black History Month Resources
The Learning Resource Centre at HCDSB offers a variety of educational material, including eBooks, videos, articles, websites, as well as a Black History Month topic guide. Visit the 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.
The month was divided into weekly themes:
- Heroes in History
- The Complexity and Beauty of Black Identity
- Black Culture and Influence
- Centering Black Joy and Excellence
- Black Solidarity: from allyship to co-conspirator
Additional Events
Throughout the month of February 2023, a number of virtual and in-person events, as well as learning opportunities were planned in Halton and in our schools in partnership with HCDSB and various community partners. These events and initiatives continued to take place throughout the school year. Additionally, there were several individual school initiatives planned by Student Equity Groups and Black Student Unions/Associations.
Special thanks to our community partners , , and the for their support of these school and system-wide events.
Mental Health Week 2023
The designates the first week in May as Mental Health Week. From May 1-7, 2023, and the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) joined organizations across Canada in raising awareness about mental health.
Collectively and individually, we have stories that make us who we are. We have different, yet equally valuable stories 鈥� and this is why the Canadian Mental Health Association designated My Story as the theme of the 2023 Mental Health Week.
The HCDSB Mental Health team suggested a daily focus for each day during Mental Health Week:
Monday: Naming Our Emotions and Keeping it Real
Tuesday: Compassion for Self & Others
Wednesday: Positive Mindset
Thursday: Kindness is Contagious
Friday: Reaching Out
Pride Month
June is designated as Pride Month in Canada, and throughout the month, our HCDSB schools raised awareness around Pride Month and nurtured our call to build safe and inclusive learning environments where every student and every member of the community is welcomed, valued, and respected.
During the month of June, our HCDSB schools journeyed alongside the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in creating spaces of welcome in a search of dignity and justice for all. The information shared with students was age-appropriate and consistent with grade-level curriculum expectations. As with all material that was taught in our Catholic schools, it was presented through the lens of our Catholic faith.
Click here to review the student learning goals by division.
In keeping with the Board motion passed on January 18, 2022, throughout the month of June 2023, our Catholic Education Centre and each of our HCDSB schools raised the Pride flag as a symbol of our commitment to nurturing safe, welcoming and inclusive communities.
Job Launch Recognition Event in Support of Life Skills Students!
On Friday, June 2nd, 2023, hosted a Job Launch Recognition Event in Support of Life Skills Students!
Through the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Job Launch is Community Living Oakville‘s pre-employment program, offered to youth ages 16-21 who identify as having a developmental disability.
On June 2nd 2023, the HCDSB community, honourable guests and representatives from Community Living Oakville gathered to celebrate this pre-employment program. The event highlighted the positive impacts the program has made to many of our HCDSB students who face barriers to employment.
HCDSB Hosted Special Education Assistive Technology Showcase Evening
On June 7, 2023, HCDSB hosted an information evening about the benefits of Special Education Assistive Technology at
The information evening was open to all parents, students, and staff, and featured a showcase with students and an opportunity to learn more about assistive technology devices and its impact on education.
The showcase evening also featured a keynote presentation by Rick and DJ Cunningham, CEO and CLO of .
Helping Gifted Learners Navigate Multiple Worlds ~ SEAC Parent Engagement Speaker Session
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) hosted a virtual Parent Engagement Speaker Session: Intersectionality & Giftedness: Helping Gifted Learners Navigate Multiple Worlds with Dr. Joy Lawson Davis on Thursday, June 15th, 2023.
The session explored multiple identities using 鈥榠ntersectionalities鈥� as a framework to develop instruction and psychosocial supports that meet the individual needs of students.
Honouring HCDSB Retirees and 25-year Employees at the 2023 Celebration of Staff!
On Thursday, June 8th, 2023, the 嫩芽视频 honoured 49 staff members who have served the Board for 25 years, and the 67 members of staff who retired by the end of the 2022-2023 school year at the annual Celebration of Staff at !
The celebration included a special Eucharistic Celebration, officiated by His Excellency, Most Reverend Wayne Lobsinger, VG, EV Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton.
Musical entertainment throughout the celebration was provided by the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School choir, under the direction of Meredith Verboten.
The honourees were recognized for their significant contributions and commitment to Catholic education in Halton and many years of service to the students of the Board!
HCDSB also celebrated the retirement of our longest serving staff member, Michele Braida, after 37 years of service to our Board.
Congratulations once again to our amazing retirees and 25-years of service employees!
Click here to view the full list of Retiring Staff and Staff Celebrating 25 Years of Service in 2023.
The 2022-2023 Director鈥檚 Annual Report Sections
Continue browsing the Director’s Report by clicking any of the “View” buttons below.
Achieving
Believing
Belonging
Foundational Elements
About the Director’s Annual Report
The Director’s Annual Report provides a snapshot of some of the great things happening across our school district. The real story of accomplishment, however, is captured daily within the walls of our schools and workplaces through the many individual successes that are celebrated by students, staff, and members of our Catholic learning communities.