Believing
We are distinctly Catholic.
At HCDSB, we are committed to being a model learning community, widely recognized as distinctively Catholic.
Our distinctiveness as a Catholic school district is reflected in the curriculum that is delivered through a lens of faith; through the vibrant partnership that exists between school, home and parish; and in the many ways in which our staff and students know, live and express their faith in action.
Our Objectives Under the Priority of Believing:
- Uphold a joyful Catholic learning environment that is rooted in justice, compassion, and service.
- Honour and respect the inherent dignity of each student and staff member.
- Foster the relationship between home, school, and parish.
The annual Strategic Plan Monitoring Survey found that:
of respondents felt that HCDSB was making quite a bit or a great deal of progress toward upholding a joyful Catholic learning environment.
of respondents felt quite a bit or a great deal of progress was being made toward honouring and respecting the inherent dignity of students and staff.
of respondents felt that schools were making quite a bit or a great deal of progress toward fostering the home-school-parish relationship.
HCDSB’s Theological Theme
Every 4 years, our HCDSB community introduces a new theological theme to guide our Catholic learning environments, staff,鈥痗urriculum鈥痑nd faith community.鈥�
During the 2022-2023 school year, we unveiled the new theological theme ~ 鈥淲hat Does the Lord Ask of You?鈥�
The theme was chosen as an appropriate follow up to our previous theological theme 鈥撯��Do You Love Me?鈥� We responded to Jesus鈥� question with a resounding yes! And now, through the words of Micah 鈥� God tells us what that should mean in terms of our response.鈥�
During the 2024-2025 school year, we transitioned to Year 3 of our Theological Theme, focusing on鈥� Kindness. Throughout the year, staff and students reflected on their baptismal call to love kindness, imitating Jesus through compassion, forgiveness, humility, and a commitment to peace in all relationships.
And the Keeping Christ in Christmas Winners Are鈥�
Students at the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) were invited to participate in the 12th annual Keeping Christ in Christmas contest, which began in November 2024.
Students of all ages and abilities were invited to submit work that best described the theme of the contest and highlight how we can all do our part to Keep Christ in Christmas!
The call for submissions went out on November 1 and all entries were due by November 20, 2024.
Quick Facts:
- The response was overwhelming, with over 330 student entries and over 5,000 votes to select the winners of the top prizes during the voting process!
- 4 categories were open for submissions: Original Artwork; Original Video; Original Song; and Short Story/Poem, providing opportunities for students to work with different mediums to showcase their creativity.
- All student finalists were recognized at the December 3, 2024 Board Meeting.
Special thanks to all student participants for submitting their amazing entries, and to HCDSB families and staff for their participation!
Our sincere appreciation goes to the Halton OECTA Elementary Association and the Halton OECTA Secondary Association for generously sponsoring the contest through the top prizes awarded to our student winners. We also thank OECTA for their dedication and commitment to the judging process!
Sharing the Spirit of Christmas and Supporting Families in Need
During the 2024 Keeping Christ in Christmas contest period, HCDSB once again put the spirit of this contest into action through the sale of Christmas Cards!
Student artwork that was submitted to the contest was used to create Christmas cards. Mixed bundles of the Christmas cards were then available for donation, with all proceeds supporting families through the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
When we began this initiative in 2018, our intent was to start small, only actively promoting this initiative with our Central Office Staff.
In 2019, we expanded the sale of Christmas cards by sending out a 鈥榗all to action鈥� to all families across HCDSB and to all of our staff, inviting them to purchase Christmas cards to support families in need.
An online submission form was created, allowing parents, families and staff to submit their donations through PayPal.
Through the outpouring of generosity, we were able to raise over $5,000 dollars to support families in our HCDSB community!
鈥淧ilgrims of Hope鈥� 鈥� Catholic Education Week 2025
During the week of May 4-9, 2025, the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) joined school boards in celebrating the significant contributions that Catholic education has made to our community and across the province of Ontario!
The province-wide theme of Catholic Education Week (CEW) was “Pilgrims of Hope”, inspired by:
- Pope Francis and the call to “fan the flame of hope” to gain new strength of looking towards the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and a hopeful vision.
- The Holy Father asking us to focus prayerfully on the bonds that unite our families, to reflect on the poverty in our world, and to think about the many refugees forced to leave their homes.
- “Hope” as one of three Theological virtues 鈥� grounded in our Easter faith in Jesus’ resurrection and renewal.
In celebration of Catholic Education Week, students, staff and families were invited to watch a daily video, beginning on May 3rd through May 10th. Each video featured a school board within the Diocese of Hamilton.
Watch students from St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School In Oakville share their reflections of responding to the poverties in our world on ‘Day 5’ 鈥�
Official Blessing & Dedication of St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, students, staff, trustees, honourable guests and members of the HCDSB community gathered for the official Blessing and Dedication Ceremony of St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School in Oakville!
A blessing of the water rite, as well as a blessing of the school site and classroom crosses was officiated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, Bishop of Hamilton; assisted by Father Jerry Punnassery, Pastor at Mary Mother of God Parish.
As part of the ceremony, greetings were shared by Marvin Duarte, Chair of the Board and Milton Trustee; John Klein, Director of Education; Sonia Snyder, Principal of St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School; and Emmett Sullivan, Constituency Case Manager from the office of MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos.
Highlights of the Day
- Musical performances were presented by St. Cecilia students throughout the ceremony, as well as an inspirational video and 鈥楾he Story of St. Cecilia鈥� was shared as the patron saint of music and musicians.
- The Master of Ceremonies included Chris Saunders, Oakville Trustee Wards 4 and 7.
- Special guests of the day included: parents in the St. Cecilia community, the Knights of Columbus of the Bishop Reding Assembly, HCDSB Trustees, members of HCDSB鈥檚 senior leadership team, as well as school administrators, representatives from Svedas Architects, and members of the North Oakville Community.
Video produced by Michael Prezens, Special Education Resource Teacher at St. Cecilia CES.
“A Radiant Light of Christ” Shines on the Blessing & Dedication Ceremony of St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, students, staff, trustees, honourable guests and members of the HCDSB community gathered for the official Blessing and Dedication Ceremony of St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School in Milton!
A blessing of the water rite, as well as a blessing of the school site and classroom crosses was officiated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Wayne Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop with the Diocese of Hamilton, assisted by Lawrence Parent, Pastor at St. Benedict Parish in Milton.
Highlights of the Day
- Musical performances were presented by St. Veronica students throughout the ceremony.
- Guests were welcomed by Emma Murphy, Vice-Chair of the Board and Milton Trustee, Wards 2 & 3.
- The Master of Ceremonies included St. Veronica CES student, Kaiden Caluag.
- Greetings were shared by Marvin Duarte, Chair of the Board and Milton Trustee; John Klein, Director of Education; and Angie Barden, Principal of St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School.
- Special guests of the day included parents in the St. Veronica community, the Knights of Columbus of the Bishop Reding Assembly, HCDSB Trustees, Union Presidents, members of HCDSB’s senior leadership team, as well as school administrators, and members of the Milton Community.
- Appreciation is extended to Zee Hamid, Member of Provincial Parliament; Gordon Krantz, Mayor of Milton; and Adil Khalqi, Milton Town Councillor for Ward 3 for attending the ceremony!
The Blessing & Dedication Ceremony of St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School
On Monday, February 10, 2025, students, staff, trustees, honourable guests and members of the HCDSB community gathered for the official Blessing and Dedication Ceremony of St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School in Milton!
A blessing of the water rite, as well as a blessing of the school site and classroom crosses was officiated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, Bishop of Hamilton, assisted by Father Larry Parent, and Father Jonathan Reitzel, Pastors at St. Benedict Parish in Milton.
Highlights of the Day
- Musical performances by the St. Josephine Bakhita student choir, led by Mrs. Waller, and St. Francis Xavier music students, led by Mrs. Caruana-Darling.
- The story of St. Josephine Bakhita was presented, as well as a video presentation of the school community, since its opening in September 2024.
- Special guests included parents and families in the school community, the Knights of Columbus of the Bishop Reding Assembly, HCDSB Trustees, Union Presidents, members of HCDSB’s senior leadership team, as well as school administrators, and various members of the Milton Community.
- Appreciation is extended to Gordon Krantz, Mayor of Milton; and Sarah Marshall, Milton Town Councillor for Ward 4 for attending the ceremony!
The Blessing & Dedication Ceremony of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, students, staff, trustees, honourable guests and members of the HCDSB community gathered for the official Blessing and Dedication Ceremony of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School in Milton!
A blessing of the water rite, as well as a blessing of the school site and classroom crosses was officiated by The Very Reverend Monsignor Con O鈥橫ahony, Vicar for Education and Pastor from St. Andrew Parish, assisted by Father Larry Parent, Pastor from St. Benedict Parish.
A Smudging Ceremony, offered for purification, healing, and preparing for prayer and reflection was led by Father Wilson Andrade, Pastor from St. Raphael Parish, who was assisted by Ms. Rego.
Highlights of the Day
- The story and history of St. Kateri Tekakwitha was presented to the school assembly;
- Spectacular musical performances were led by the St. Kateri choir;
- Special guests included parents and families in the school community, the Knights of Columbus of the Bishop Reding Assembly, HCDSB trustees, members of HCDSB’s senior leadership team, as well as school administrators, and various members of the Milton Community.
- Appreciation is extended to Gordon Krantz, Mayor of Milton; and Zee Hamid, MPP for Milton for attending the ceremony!
25th Anniversary Celebrations for Sacred Heart of Jesus & St. Teresa of Calcutta Elementary Schools!
During the month of May 2025, two elementary school communities in the HCDSB celebrated remarkable milestones 鈥� 25 years of Catholic education!
On May 5th, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School in Burlington and on May 8th, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School in Oakville marked their 25th Anniversary with joyful celebrations.
These significant milestones took place during Catholic Education Week (CEW) 鈥� a time dedicated to recognizing the gift of Catholic education across Ontario. The CEW theme, 鈥淧ilgrims of Hope,鈥� reminds us that we are all on a shared journey, called to walk forward together with courage, compassion, and trust.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School
Members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School community gathered on May 5th at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Burlington. Mass was presided over by His Excellency, Douglas Crosby, Bishop of Hamilton, with musical entertainment provided by the Sacred Heart of Jesus school choir.
Following the Mass, a 25th Anniversary Plaque was presented by the Chair of the Board, Marvin Duarte. Catholic School Council Chair, Ms. Gagne accepted the plaque on behalf of the school community.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School
On May 8th, 2025, members of the St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School gathered at St. Matthew Parish in Oakville. Mass was led by His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, with musical entertainment provided by the St. Teresa of Calcutta school band.
A 25th Anniversary Plaque was presented by Chair of the Board, Marvin Duarte to Catholic School Council Co-Chairs, Ms. Wood and Ms. Cifarelli who graciously accepted the plaque on behalf of the school community.
Students, staff, families, trustees, and members of the broader HCDSB community attended both celebrations, along with Mr. Sullivan, Constituency Case Manager for MPP Triantafilopoulos. The presence of so many members of the community was a testament to the strong partnerships and collaboration that support Catholic education across HCDSB.
Special thanks are extended to His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, and the clergy at both St. Paul the Apostle and St. Matthew Parishes for their spiritual leadership and presence. Appreciation is also extended to the Sacred Heart of Jesus school choir and the St. Teresa of Calcutta school band, whose musical contributions enriched the celebrations for all in attendance!
Each celebration concluded with a reception held at the respective schools. At St. Teresa of Calcutta, guests were invited to explore a display of old photos, yearbooks, newspaper clippings, and school memorabilia 鈥� offering a nostalgic look back at the school鈥檚 journey over the past quarter-century.
Congratulations to both the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary Schools on 25 years of nurturing hearts, minds, and spirits.
HCDSB System Chaplain Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal
In April 2025, Gillian Federico, System Chaplain and Faith Formation Lead at the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB), was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her outstanding volunteer contributions to her community and country.
The Coronation Medal was created to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada. Administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall, the medal recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada, their province or territory, or their local community. A total of 30,000 medals are being awarded nationwide.
Gillian was nominated by multiple organizations and received the medal from her local Member of Parliament. Her nomination highlighted her extensive volunteer service, much of which is focused on supporting Army Cadets, military veterans, and interfaith outreach.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Gillian currently serves on the boards of several organizations dedicated to supporting youth, families, and veterans:
- Birthright Brampton: Supporting new mothers and babies in Peel Region and beyond for nearly 30 years.
- Commissionaires Great Lakes: An organization offering employment to veterans, retired military personnel, and members of the Reserve Force.
- Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario Branch): Supporting over 6,000 Army Cadets across 110 Cadet Corps in Ontario. Gillian also serves as a volunteer liaison officer to the Support Committees of five Cadet Corps.
- The Order of St. George: A chivalric organization supporting the health and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, their families, and youth programs like Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers. Gillian also serves as a delegate to United Nations NGO sessions on topics such as women鈥檚 and girls鈥� rights, religious freedom, and social outreach.
- Veterans鈥� Legal Assistance Foundation: Helping military and RCMP veterans and their families access disability claims, support, and justice.
- Interfaith Council of Halton: A long-time member, Gillian served four years as Chair and now continues as a Member at Large.
In addition, she is a member of the Regimental Associations of the Toronto Scottish Regiment and the Lorne Scots Regiment, where she supports mental health programming and occasionally presides at funeral services for veterans. She also serves as chaplain to the Nursing Officers鈥� Association (formerly the Nursing Sisters Association).
Gillian鈥檚 recognition with the Coronation Medal reflects her steadfast commitment to service, and we are honoured to celebrate this well-deserved acknowledgement of her contributions.
Congratulations, Gillian!
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Over $400,000 in Food Value Raised at STA for 鈥淭he Gift of Giving Back鈥� Community Food Drive
In each of our schools at HCDSB, we are dedicated to upholding joyful Catholic learning environments that are rooted in justice, compassion, and service.
These core values are evident in the charitable initiatives that our school communities participate in each year.
At , 鈥淭he Gift of Giving Back鈥� Community Food Drive is a powerful example of this, through the immense generosity and compassion of all volunteers.
In December 2024, thanks to the hard work and dedication of students, families, and staff, the annual food drive was a tremendous success, surpassing all expectations.
Through community food drive held at STA, the school community raised the equivalent of over $400,000 in food value!
The food drive collected thousands of pounds of non-perishable food, which benefitted numerous local organizations, including Feed Halton, Kerr Street Mission, Food for Life, Compassion Society of Halton, The Salvation Army, Halton Catholic Children鈥檚 Foundation, The Halton Children鈥檚 Foundation, Carpenter Hospice, Halton Women鈥檚 Place, and Reach Out Centre for Kids.
The donations provided crucial support and items to families in need, ensuring that they had enough food to last well into the spring!
The impact of the food drive extends beyond Oakville, supporting more than 100 outreach programs across the region. STA鈥檚 efforts helped nourish individuals and families in schools, shelters, and community centres, bringing hope and relief to those struggling.
The spirit of volunteerism was alive and well as students, staff and families came together in creative ways to gather food, from hosting individual food drives to organizing interactive fundraising activities. The entire STA community worked together to sort, carry, and weigh food donations, all with the common goal of giving back to those in need.
Special thanks to all members of the STA community for contributing their time and energy to this special cause, just in time for Christmas!
Bishop Reding School Surpasses Fundraising Goal with $134K for Relay for Life!
In May 2025, students and staff at Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School in Milton achieved an extraordinary milestone by raising over $134,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society through their annual Relay for Life event. This impressive sum is more than four times their original fundraising goal, showcasing the community鈥檚 unwavering commitment to cancer research and support.
Through book sales, raffled baskets, help from community sponsors and direct donations, the numbers kept rising until they reached their six-figure donation.
As a culminating event on May 8, 2025, students walked around the school track, left tea lights and paper bags with messages written on them in the gymnasium, and presented a cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society. The overwhelming support and generosity from the community highlighted the power of collective action of making a meaningful difference.
To read more about this inspiring achievement and the stories behind the fundraiser, read the full article on MiltonToday:
The 2024-2025 Director鈥檚 Annual Report Sections
Continue browsing the Director’s Report by clicking any of the “View” buttons below.
Achieving
Believing
Belonging
Becoming
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.