嫩芽视频

• HOME
• ACHIEVING
• BELIEVING
• BELONGING
• BECOMING

Achieving

We hold high expectations for all.

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 Objectives Under the Priority of Achieving:

1. Provide educational experiences to support every learner.
2. Focus on a high quality of instruction and program for academic excellence.
3. Create learning and working environments that set conditions for achievement and growth.
4. Centre students as co-creators in their learning and pathways.

The annual Strategic Plan Monitoring Survey found that:

Student Excellence at HCDSB

Each year, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) celebrates exceptional students across our school district at the Annual Student Awards ofExcellence Ceremony.

This year, we recognized students at our 37^th Annual Student Awards of Excellence Ceremony held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Oakville.

His Excellency, Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton offered prayers and blessings; and musical entertainment was provided by the Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School Choir, under the direction of Linda Chong, accompanied by Steve Curto; and Pipe Major, Jeremy Federico.

Congratulations to all recipients of the Student Awards of Excellence, the Spirit of Inclusion Award and the Award of Excellence for Multilingual Learners!

Burlington

Frances Lau
Assumption C.S.S.

Jaeden Wilson
Ascension C.E.S.

Lauren Cutaia
Holy Rosary Burlington C.E.S.

Scarlett Sydor
St. John C.E.S.

Emma Luther
St. Patrick C.E.S.

Temidola Oke
St. Paul C.E.S.

Lily Vidakovic
St. Raphael C.E.S.

Sam Pack
Corpus Christi C.S.S.

Sarah Marcal
Sacred Heart of Jesus C.E.S.

Tyven Cheam
St. Anne C.E.S.

Adeline Miranda
St. Christopher C.E.S.

Emilia Miluc
St. Elizabeth Seton C.E.S.

Daniel Naguib
Notre Dame C.S.S.

Linnaea Ankunda
Canadian Martyrs C.E.S.

Maya Radisic
St. Gabriel C.E.S.

Sophia Luis
St. Mark C.E.S.

Jacob Magier
St. Timothy C.E.S.

North Halton (Milton, Georgetown)

Owen Caruana
Bishop Reding C.S.S.

Love Malpaya
Holy Rosary Milton C.E.S.

Mason Bitmanis
Our Lady of Victory C.E.S.

Jackson Rogers
St. Anthony of Padua C.E.S.

Isabella Barros
St. Peter C.E.S.

Lauren Penner
Christ the King C.S.S.

Josip Spudic
Holy Cross C.E.S.

Sofia Saric
St. Brigid C.E.S.

Emily Barbour
St. Catherine C.E.S.

Amelia Masih
St. Francis of Assisi C.E.S.

Mariana Reis Pereira
St. Joseph C.E.S.

Sophia Philbert
St. Francis Xavier C.S.S.

Luke Avila
Lumen Christi C.E.S.

Beloved Olorunsheyi
Queen of Heaven C.E.S.

Kaitlyn Strachan
St. Benedict C.E.S.

Mera Adam
St. Josephine Bakhita C.E.S.

Bernise Lufinama
St. Scholastica C.E.S.

Kathrine Cruz
St. Kateri Tekakwitha C.S.S.

Kaiya Chan
Guardian Angels C.E.S.

Daniel Soriano
Our Lady of Fatima C.E.S.

Kaiden Caluag
St. Veronica C.E.S.

Oakville

Andelka Peric
Holy Trinity C.S.S.

Samuel Eichenberg
Holy Family C.E.S.

Louisa Sparano
Our Lady of Peace C.E.S.

Abigail Lin
St. Andrew C.E.S.

Jeron Aby
St. Cecilia C.E.S.

Reese Morgan
St. Marguerite d’Youville C.E.S.

Marina Ferreira Carvalho
St. Michael C.E.S.

Lourdes Sofi虂a De Alejandro Souvervielle
St. Ignatius of Loyola C.S.S.

Mikaela Castellanos
St. Bernadette C.E.S.

Joanna Vanderwyk
St. Gregory C.E.S.

Christina Greco
St. Joan of Arc C.E.S.

Christian Medeiros
St. John Paul II C.E.S.

Benjamin Burkett
St. Mary C.E.S.

Jordan Leblanc
St. Matthew C.E.S.

Helen Dell鈥橝nno
St. Teresa of Calcutta C.E.S.

Cassie Chen
St. Thomas Aquinas C.S.S.

Avery Melo
St. Dominic C.E.S.

Isabella Amaral
St. Luke C.E.S.

Victoria Popovici
St. Nicholas C.E.S.

Elisa Yellery
St. Vincent C.E.S.

Evan Cristofaro
Thomas Merton

Spirit of Inclusion Award Recipients

Callie Dawe
St. Timothy C.E.S.

Kaycee Quizon
Corpus Christi C.S.S.

Benjamin Gray
St. Thomas Aquinas C.S.S.

PRESENTED POSTHUMOUSLY IN HONOUR OF BEN鈥橲 LASTING IMPACT ON OUR HCDSB COMMUNITY

Award of Excellence for Multilingual Learners

Yuning Pan
St. Teresa of Calcutta C.E.S.

Lance Darelle Lucas
Bishop Reding C.S.S.

HCDSB Students Continue to Surpass the Provincial Average in EQAO Testing

On September 26, 2024, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) published its Board results for the 2023-2024 EQAO Assessments for Grade 3 Reading, Writing, and Mathematics; Grade 6 Reading, Writing, and Mathematics; Grade 9 Mathematics; and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

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

Quick Facts

• Grade 3 Assessments indicate that 79% of students in Reading, 74% of students in Writing, and 71% of students in Mathematics met or exceeded the provincial standards.
• Grade 6 Assessments indicate that 87% of students in Reading, 85% of students in Writing, and 58% of students in Mathematics met or exceeded the provincial standards.
• Grade 9 Assessments for Mathematics indicate that 65% of the Board鈥檚 Grade 9 students met or exceeded the provincial standard in Math.
• OSSLT results indicate that 89% of the Board鈥檚 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 incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our students, as they continue to meet and surpass the provincial standards in all EQAO areas. These results are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our educators, who are committed to addressing the needs of our students.

We recognize that there is always room for improvement to further support students in their learning. Moving forward, we will continue to use EQAO assessment data, alongside a variety of data to identify student strengths and focus our efforts on areas where additional attention and resources are needed.”

鈥� 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: .

Three Top HCDSB IB Programme Graduates Recognized for Academic Excellence

The 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) is proud to celebrate three exceptional graduates of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at , each achieving an impressive overall score of 43 out of 45 for the 2024鈥�2025 school year.

Silvana Garcia-Otero

Silvana achieved a perfect score of 7 out of 7 in Business Management HL, Biology HL, Economics SL, Math SL, and French B SL.

In the fall, Silvana began her post-secondary studies at the University of Toronto, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in the Rotman Commerce program.

Being a part of St. Thomas Aquinas鈥檚 IB Diploma Programme has not only allowed me to enrich my mind academically but also become a more well-rounded student. By offering me a broad range of courses from Biology to French, Mathematics to Language and Literature, I thank the Programme for exposing me to so many fascinating areas of learning. This has ultimately unlocked a sense of curiosity I will continue to carry with me beyond secondary school.

– Silvana Garcia-Otero, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School

Luis Noriega Menendez

Luis earned a perfect score of 7 out of 7 in Business Management HL, Chemistry HL, Physics SL, Math SL, and French B SL.

This past fall, Luis has been pursuing a double degree in Mathematics and Business Administration at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.

The IB Programme taught me to push myself, think critically, manage my time, succeed under sometimes extreme pressure, and so much more. The outstanding teachers and staff responsible of coordinating the IB Programme at St. Thomas Aquinas had a large role in helping me achieve my goals and grow as a person. The prestigious academics are what initially drew me to the IB Programme, but the people there are what convinced me to stay.

– Luis Noriega Menendez, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School

Ethan Sebastiampillai

Ethan achieved 7 out of 7 in Business Management HL, Biology HL, Chemistry SL, Math SL, and French B SL.

In September, Ethan attended the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London (England), where he will pursue a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.

The IB program at STA is one that has definitely made me a much more knowledgeable student and shaped me into the individual I am today. I have learned how to effectively manage my time, become independent, and believe in myself. I am thankful for my exceptional teachers and the administration team who have supported me throughout this journey, as well as the life-long relationships I have fostered with my like-minded classmates.

– Ethan Sebastiampillai, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School

Quick Facts:

•  in Oakville received accreditation to offer the IB Diploma Programme to students in March, 2012.
• The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a globally recognized educational program that challenges students to excel both academically and personally.
• IB students study topics in greater depth and are encouraged to develop strong research, communication, and time-management skills.
• The IB curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and community involvement.

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 2025 Governor General Bronze Medal  

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.

2025 Governor General Award Recipients

鈥淥ur Governor General鈥檚 Award recipients have demonstrated exceptional dedication and a true commitment to academic excellence. As they embark on their post-secondary journeys, we wish them every success in reaching their goals and fulfilling their God-given potential.鈥�

鈥� John Klein, Director of Education 鈥�

Quick Facts

• For nearly 150 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: .

HCDSB Student Ranks #1 in the World in International Math Competition

We are proud to share a remarkable achievement by Max Pimentel, a Grade 9 student at , who ranked first in the world after participating in six  during the 2024-2025 year.

The Caribou Math Contest is a global competition that engages thousands of students from over 30 countries, including Canada, the United States, China, Turkey, and across Europe. Among more than 5,000 students in the Grade 9 and 10 category, Max earned the highest cumulative score worldwide 鈥� a true testament to his mathematical talent and perseverance.

Max鈥檚 success reflects our shared commitment to Achieving 鈥� one of the key priorities in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan. At HCDSB, we hold high expectations for all, and Max鈥檚 accomplishment demonstrates what is possible when students are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Max is also the reigning Ontario Rock Climbing Champion in the 2009鈥�2010 age category, embodying a well-rounded approach to personal growth and excellence.

Read more about Max in the .

Max is continuing his studies in mathematics at the university level, and we look forward to following his journey. Congratulations, Max, on this outstanding achievement. You are an inspiration to us all!

Corpus Christi Student Wins Provincial Young Author鈥檚 Award

Congratulations to Mia Jordanovski, a Grade 12 student at , on winning the Ontario English Catholic Teachers鈥� Association (OECTA) Young Author鈥檚 Award. Mia is the first secondary school student from the HCDSB to receive this honour 鈥� an incredible milestone!

Her award-winning short story, The Heartbeat of Everglow, was written as part of her Writer鈥檚 Craft class. The fantasy piece follows Aurelia, a young healer mourning the loss of her mother. As she struggles to save the Everglow Woods, Aurelia comes to understand that she doesn鈥檛 need to follow in her mother鈥檚 footsteps exactly 鈥� she can honour her memory by forging her own path.

Mia placed first in the Grades 11鈥�12 English short story category, a testament to her exceptional creativity and writing talent.

We celebrate Mia鈥檚 achievement and wish her continued success at the University of Guelph, where she is studying Criminal Justice and Policy.

CTK Student Recognized with OFSAA Character Athlete Award!

Congratulations to Alexa Cormier from  on being selected as one of four provincial recipients of the OFSAA Character Athlete Award!

Presented annually by the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA), this award honours student-athletes who exemplify leadership, respect, equity, and sportsmanship 鈥� both on and off the field. From over 200 nominations across the province, Alexa stood out for her remarkable commitment to excellence in athletics, academics, and service.

A multisport athlete and provincial competitor in swimming and track and field, Alexa has made five OFSAA appearances across eight events. Her leadership and mentorship have helped grow the CTK swim program, inspiring a new generation of athletes. Beyond athletics, she is an active leader in school clubs and community initiatives, and her exemplary combination of intelligence, dedication, and compassion earned her the Irene McCauley Memorial Award. She was also awarded Most Promising Athlete in Grade 9, and was nominated for Athlete of the Year and the St. Sebastian Award.

As a recipient of the OFSAA Character Athlete Award, Alexa received a $500 grant, a commemorative plaque, and a custom Baron ring. We are proud to celebrate Alexa鈥檚 achievements and the example she sets for others in her school community! 

Building Leaders Through Adventure: A Day at Camp Brebeuf

In October 2024,  students gathered at Camp Brebeuf for a leadership camp filled with teamwork-building activities. The day was designed as a leadership camp experience, allowing students to build essential skills for the future.

From soaring through high ropes to conquering rock walls and testing their focus in archery, students engaged in activities that encouraged them to rely on one another, communicate openly, and develop trust 鈥� cornerstones of effective leadership.

Beyond the physical challenges, the lessons they learned resonated deeply with the values of our Catholic faith. Just as Jesus taught the importance of community, compassion, and uplifting others, these students experienced firsthand the power of teamwork and cooperation. The day wasn鈥檛 just an adventure 鈥� it was an inspiring journey of personal growth and a shared commitment to service.

As students returned from Camp Brebeuf, they carried with them not only unforgettable memories but also a renewed understanding of leadership rooted in compassion and collaboration.

Student Voice Spotlight: The High Performance Regional Sports Program ~ Developing Student Athletes!

In 2023, HCDSB announced that we would offer a High Performance Sports Pilot Program at  in Milton, beginning in September 2024.

The following story offers a student perspective on the launch of the High Performance Sports Pilot Program (HPP), written by Grade 12 student, Nuzhat Hassan and edited by Grade 11 student Zoya Siddique from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School.

The article highlights how this innovative program is supporting student-athletes through a balanced focus on academic success, physical training, leadership development, and personal growth. Through their reflections, the students capture how HPP is responding to student needs, fostering discipline and character, and investing in the long-term success of learners both in and beyond sport.

Read the full article here. 

St. Andrew Student Breaks Canadian Record in 100-metre Backstroke

Grade 8 student Lucas Bi from  set a new Canadian record in the 100-metre backstroke at the 2024 Alex Baumann Invitational on November 16^th! This milestone adds to his remarkable achievements, which include breaking four provincial records in 2024, one of which had stood for more than two decades.

Lucas began competitive swimming at age 10 and has quickly risen as a standout athlete with the New Stars Swimming Club. His dedication and support from family, teammates, and the Oakville community have been key to his success.

With aspirations for future competitions and a goal of representing Canada on the world stage, Lucas鈥檚 journey serves as an inspiration to his peers and a source of pride for the Oakville, HCDSB and St. Andrew school community.

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, Lucas! Read more about Lucas鈥檚 achievements in an 

Assumption Students Advance to the International DECA Competition in Orlando, Florida!

was thrilled to have nine incredible students represent Assumption at the provincial DECA competition in Toronto last February! Their hard work, dedication, and talents shone brightly, as they competed amongst 5,000 students across the province. 

DECA offers educational programs that prepare emerging leaders and young entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in secondary schools across the globe.

Congratulations goes to the extraordinary team, Ava McCauley and Julia Fish, who qualified to compete in the DECA International Career Development Competition in Orlando, Florida! Ava and Julia headed to the next competition in April 2025, and carried their school鈥檚 banner with pride and excellence on the global stage; showcasing their remarkable skills and determination. 

Best wishes to Ava and Julia as they continue to embark on their goals and aspirations! Special thanks is extended to Mrs. Laferriere and Mrs. Giannotti for their mentorship and guidance of Assumption鈥檚 DECA team.

HCDSB Students Succeed at the 2025 Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair!

In March 2025, HCDSB students were recognized for their achievements at the  (BASEF), an annual competition for students to explore their interests in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

BASEF is open to all Grades 7-12 students from Halton Region, Hamilton, Haldimand County, Norfolk County, the County of Brant and Six Nations. The fair attracts over 500 students per year, with $300,000 worth of prizes awarded to those with the top science and engineering projects!

BASEF provides opportunities for students to compete at national and international levels. Congratulations to our incredibly talented student participants and winners!

2025 Award Winners:

Learn more about .

Students Explore Careers in the Skilled Trades

As part of the Ministry of Education鈥檚 Pathways Program, Grades 6-8 HCDSB students from across Halton took part in a hands-on Career Exploration Day at Country Heritage Park in Milton.

Students were able to gain real-world experience in the skilled trades through this learning initiative 鈥� helping them to discover their strengths, interests, and future pathways.

鈥淭he more experiences they have, the better informed they are,鈥� said HCDSB Experiential Learning Consultant John Dietrich. 鈥淎nd we always say, 鈥楲isten, you can come and take part in these experiences. If you don鈥檛 like it, that鈥檚 also learning.鈥� That鈥檚 learning who you are, what you want to do later in life, and where your passions are.鈥�

From building wooden crosses to testing culinary skills through baking cookies, or exploring the world of marketing, students engaged in meaningful, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and to guide their future course selections in secondary school.

Read the full story on MiltonToday鈥檚 website: 

Holy Trinity Student Awarded International Scholarship from University of Waterloo!

We are proud of an extraordinary academic milestone achieved by Shimiao (Alice) Zhang, a student from , who was awarded the prestigious University of Waterloo Faculty of Science International Student Scholarship, valued at $80,000.

In her personal write-up, Alice reflects on her journey as an international student 鈥� sharing how resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to community have shaped both her academic success and her sense of belonging. Her story speaks to the power of student leadership, global citizenship, and perseverance, and showcases how meaningful learning experiences inside and outside the classroom can open doors to remarkable opportunities. We congratulate Alice on this outstanding achievement and look forward to all that she will accomplish in the years ahead.

Read the student-written reflection here.

Digging Up Success ~ Kindergarten Student Wins Provincial Writing Award for Dinosaur Report

Congratulations to Jaime Carrejola, a Year 2 Kindergarten student from  with a big imagination and a love for dinosaurs!

Jaime was named the provincial winner in the Kindergarten (English) Nonfiction category of the , an annual competition hosted by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers鈥� Association (OECTA). Students across the province submit fiction, poetry, plays, and nonfiction to the competition, in both English and French.

His winning entry 鈥� an informative and creative report on prehistoric life 鈥� showcased not only his fascination with dinosaurs but also his early skills as a budding researcher and writer.

We are so proud of Jaime for this outstanding achievement and can鈥檛 wait to see where his curiosity and creativity take him next!

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Student Named Schulich Leader Scholarship Winner

Riz Botros, a graduating student from , has been named one of 100 Schulich Leader Scholarship recipients from across Canada!

The Schulich Leader Scholarships are among the most prestigious undergraduate awards in the country, recognizing exceptional high school graduates pursuing post-secondary studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). Every high school in Canada is invited to nominate one graduating student each year 鈥� making this a truly remarkable achievement.

In its 14th year, the Schulich Leaders program continues to spotlight the very best of Canada鈥檚 emerging STEM talent. Riz was selected as part of the 2025 cohort of scholarship recipients, earning a place among the nation鈥檚 top entrepreneurial-minded students committed to innovation and leadership in their field.

Each year, 100 scholarships are awarded:

• 50 engineering scholarships valued at $120,000, and
• 50 science and math scholarships valued at $100,000.

Riz鈥檚 dedication, academic excellence, and passion for STEM make this recognition well-deserved. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and look forward to the impact he will make in the years to come. Congratulations, Riz!

The 2024-2025 Director鈥檚 Annual Report Sections

Continue browsing the Director’s Report by clicking any of the “View” buttons below.

Achieving

View

Believing

View

Belonging

View

Becoming

View