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.
Staff Training 2023-2024
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.
69
Training Sessions
3,571
Total Participants
(Includes 734 Students, 2837 Staff,
and 6 Trustees)
HCDSB Honours & Celebrates Black Canadians
During the month of February 2024, 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.
In 2024, the theme for Black History Month was African Systems of Knowledge. African Systems of Knowledge, also referred to as African Indigenous Knowledge, is an area of study that focuses on ancient knowledge systems on the African continent. While there are many ethnic groups in Africa, during Black History Month, HCDSB schools will focus on the knowledge systems that existed within the Sub-Saharan (Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa) region of the continent.
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 offered a variety of and educational material, including eBooks, videos, articles, websites, as well as a Black History Month topic guide.
There was 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 were held in Halton and in our schools in partnership with HCDSB and various community partners.
Special thanks to our community partners , , and the for their support of these school and system-wide events.
2024 Black History Month Planning
Our HCDSB schools honoured and celebrated Black History Month 2024 in a variety of ways. The link below features some of the many initiatives that took place across HCDSB schools, including events, speakers, and activities focused on honouring and educating students about Black history and culture.
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School Hosts Black Excellence Symposium
On February 8, 2024, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School hosted HCDSB鈥檚 first-ever Black Excellence Symposium that aimed to foster learning, sharing, and connections among students passionate about creating a more equitable and inclusive future for Black students.
The event brought together 250 students from HCDSB secondary schools across HCDSB who are actively involved in groups called Black Student Unions (BSU) and Black Student Associations (BSA).
Students engaged in meaningful conversations, gaining insights into innovative practices and ideas while commemorating Black History Month.
Some of the key highlights of the symposium included:
- A keynote presentation by educator, author, and advocate Matthew Morris.
- 10 workshops led by Black facilitators that covered a range of topics aimed at inspiring, motivating, and celebrating students within BSU and BSA spaces, touching on pathways, mental health and wellness, the complexity of identity, gaming, and athletics.
- Lunch featuring cuisine from across the Diaspora that was provided by the local restaurants.
- Attendance from various community partners and friends such as Halton Black Voices, The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, Roots Community Services, and the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University.鈥�
Conversations with BSU/BSA students and the Board-wide Black Empowered United Students group highlighted the importance of creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and understood, as well as the need for support and Black representation among adults.鈥疶he symposium underscored the significance of community building and collaboration among students while emphasizing the empowerment of Black students within HCDSB schools.
While the Black Excellence Symposium was an opportunity to uplift Black students at HCDSB, the work towards dismantling anti-Black racism in our HCDSB schools is ongoing. We remain unwavering in our commitment to implementing changes to foster a more equitable and inclusive school system, where every student and staff member is valued.
For more information, see Black Excellence Symposium Presentation.
Enhanced Online Incident Reporting Tool: Strengthening Our Commitment to Safe and Inclusive Schools
At HCDSB, we are deeply committed to creating environments free from discrimination, harassment, and violence, ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and included. As part of this commitment, we have introduced an enhanced Online Incident Reporting Tool, expanding its scope to include the reporting of bullying incidents. This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to foster safe and welcoming schools.
Launched during Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (November 19-26, 2023), the enhanced tool builds on our existing Hate or Bias Motivated Incident Reporting Tool. It now provides a streamlined, accessible platform for students, parents, and guardians to report incidents of bullying or bias.
鈥淎s we launch Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, our commitment is stronger than ever to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment across each of our HCDSB schools,鈥� said John Klein, Director of Education.
鈥淭he expansion of our Online Incident Reporting Tool is a concrete step towards this commitment, ensuring every student feels safe and comfortable enough to report incidents of bullying. Together, we can build a community where every student feels safe, valued, and welcomed.鈥�
鈥� John Klein, Director of Education.
This new initiative allows students and their families to report incidents in two ways:
- By speaking with a trusted adult at school 鈥� such as a principal, teacher, child and youth counsellor, social worker, or chaplain.
- By using the Online Incident Reporting Tool, which forwards reports directly to the school administration and the Family of Schools superintendent for follow-up and action.
View the 2023-2024 report below:
Life Skills Co-operative Education Program
Mental Health Week 2024
The designates the first week in May as Mental Health Week. From May 6-12, 2024, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) joined organizations across Canada in raising awareness about mental health.
The theme for 2024 Mental Health Week was “Compassion Connects – A Call to Be Kind”.
Guided by our Catholic Social Teachings, we were reminded to show kindness and compassion to each other. We’ve seen firsthand how compassion can truly make a difference in people’s lives. In a world facing numerous challenges and hardships, it’s crucial that we extend kindness to promote positive mental health and overall well-being. Mental Health Week 2024 was centered on the healing power of compassion and connection.
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 2024, 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.
Honouring HCDSB Retirees and 25-year Employees at the 2024 Celebration of Staff!
On Thursday, May 30, 2024, the 嫩芽视频 honoured 119 staff members who have served the Board for 25 years, and the 73 members of staff who are retiring by the end of the 2023-2024 school year at the annual Celebration of Staff at !
The celebration included a special Eucharistic Celebration, officiated by His Excellency, Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, and assisted by the Very Reverend Monsignor Murray J. Kroetsch, Chancellor and Vicars General for the Diocese of Hamilton.
Musical entertainment throughout the celebration was provided by Eduardo Andres, Keyboardist from Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School and Gillian Federico, HCDSB System Chaplaincy Leader.
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, Anna Racanelli, after 38 years of service to our Board.
Congratulations to our amazing retirees and 25-years of service employees!
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Virtual Parent Information Session
On Wednesday, May 29, 2024, parents and guardians of students with diverse needs were invited to attend a virtual鈥痯arent information session hosted by the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).
About the Session
True equity and inclusion can only be achieved when we understand how to authentically support student identities. Through the sharing of foundational information and practical examples, this session will explore why, how, and where change is needed to ensure equitable approaches in education that uplift and affirm identity.
Speaker Bio
Michelle Coutinho is an educator, consultant, and retired administrator with over 30 years of experience in Catholic education. In her time in education, she dedicated her efforts to supporting equity for students and staff. She is a past recipient of the Harmony Movement Mary A. Samuels Leadership in Education Award. Michelle is now a consultant in identity-affirming student mental health.
The session was live-streamed and recorded for later viewing on the HCDSB YouTube channel:
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Picnic
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Picnic has been a cherished annual tradition at HCDSB for over 30 years, uniting students from across the Board who are part of the deaf and hard of hearing community.
On May 22, 2024, approximately 50 students from Grades 1-12 gathered at the Milton Sports Arena picnic area for a day of connection and fun. Organized by the DHH Itinerant Special Education Resource Teachers (ISERTs), with support from our Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs), the event featured crafts, games, and opportunities to build lasting friendships.
Celebrating Friendship at the Annual Best Buddies Dance
On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, secondary Life Skills students gathered at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School for a heartwarming celebration of friendship, inclusion, and joy.
Themed 鈥楽pring Mingle鈥�, the event featured a lively mix of activities, including pizza, crafts, games, and music-filled dancing. The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to celebrate the Best Buddies programs across HCDSB secondary schools.
Best Buddies Canada is dedicated to fostering lasting friendships between individuals with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities. Through their school programs, Best Buddies promotes inclusion, acceptance, and friendship, building stronger, more connected communities. The annual dance brought students and staff from Catholic secondary schools together in a lively celebration, where everyone connected and had fun.
The afternoon was filled with laughter, socializing, and activities that highlighted the importance of friendship and inclusion.
The 2023-2024 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.