Belonging
We are a community that accompanies.
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 Objectives Under the Priority of Belonging:
- Cultivate schools and workplaces that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
- Value the identity and perspective of every student and staff member.
- Support students and staff to thrive in their physical and mental health.
- Build connections and shared purpose with community to be informed and engaged.
The annual Strategic Plan Monitoring Survey found that:
of respondents felt the HCDSB was making quite a bit or a great deal of progress toward cultivating spaces that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
of respondents felt that quite a bit or a great deal of progress was being made toward valuing the identity of all students and staff.
of respondents felt that quite a bit or a great deal of progress was being made toward supporting students and staff to thrive in their physical and mental health.
of respondents felt HCDSB was making quite a bit or a great deal of progress building connections with the community.
Staff Training 2024-2025
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.
66
Training Sessions
5,745+
Total Participants
HCDSB Honours & Celebrates Black Canadians
During the month of February 2025, 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 2025, our theme for Black History Month was Black Futures, a celebration of joy, opportunity, excellence, and dreams. This theme reflects our commitment to not only honouring the rich history and contributions of Black Canadians but also envisioning and actively working towards a future where Black students, staff, and families can thrive. Black Futures highlighted the idea that all students should see themselves reflected in education, thus nurturing their purpose and life goals.
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, and websites.
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.
Black Excellence Student Symposium Inspires and Empowers Youth
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) hosted the Black Excellence Symposium for Students: Empowering Futures 鈥� a one-day event designed to inspire and uplift Black youth at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School. The symposium provided an engaging and transformative experience for students through interactive workshops, motivational sessions, and thought-provoking discussions aimed at fostering confidence, leadership, and personal growth.
A Day of Empowerment
Students from across the board gathered to celebrate their identity, explore opportunities, and engage in meaningful conversations with mentors, educators, and professionals. The day was structured to offer a balance of education, self-reflection, and networking through a variety of tailored workshops.
Engaging Workshops & Inspiring Leaders
Students had the opportunity to attend two workshops in the morning, selecting from an impressive lineup of topics, including:
- Scheming & Dreaming with Al St. Louis 鈥� Encouraging students to dream big and strategically plan their future.
- Creative Governance with Coco Murray 鈥� Exploring leadership and governance from a creative and cultural perspective.
- Hoops & Dreams with Coach Lennox 鈥� Inspiring student-athletes to pursue their passion and maximize opportunities in sports.
- Financial Literacy with Philly Attakora 鈥� Teaching essential money management skills and financial independence.
- Boss Up: Create Your Entrepreneurial Identity 鈥� Equipping students with skills and strategies to start their own businesses.
- Navigating Biracial and Mixed-Race Identities 鈥� Offering a space for students to reflect on and discuss their unique experiences.
- Overcoming Adversity and Building Skills for an Exciting New Career 鈥� Providing insights into resilience and career development.
- Cornrow Tutorial with Filedaria 鈥� Celebrating Black culture and heritage through hairstyling.
- HBV – AI + Your Future with Jonathan Bloomfield 鈥� Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and career pathways for Black students.
- HBV Unfiltered Live Podcast 鈥� Engaging students in real-time discussions about identity, culture, and personal growth.
- HBV – Strength and Identity (Young Black Men) 鈥� Encouraging young Black men to embrace their identity, build confidence, and cultivate resilience.
- Voice for the Soul (Young Black Women) 鈥� Providing a space for young Black women to share their experiences, foster self-expression, and embrace their personal power.
A Unifying Afternoon Session
Following a dynamic morning, students gathered for a full-group workshop in the afternoon, reinforcing themes of unity, empowerment, and excellence. The collective session encouraged open dialogue, reflection, and celebration of Black excellence in all forms.
A Step Toward the Future
The Black Excellence Student Symposium is a celebration that embraces culture, showcases achievement, and inspires future opportunities. It brings students together with educators, guest speakers, and peers in a space where they feel seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We recognize that the work of dismantling anti-Black racism at HCDSB is an integral part of the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, and supporting the wellbeing of Black students and staff requires ongoing effort and dedicated resources. Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our commitment to foster a sense of belonging and create learning environments that support every HCDSB student on their journey to success.
Progress Report: Anti-Black Racism Strategic Plan
In December, 2023, the Anti-Black Racism Strategic Plan, prepared by an external consultant, was presented to the Board of Trustees. The ABR Strategic Plan provided a comprehensive, multi-year roadmap to dismantle anti-Black racism and advance system equity across the 嫩芽视频. The plan identified 17 recommendations spanning policy and procedure, data collection and accountability, recruitment, hiring and retention practices, curriculum and school climate, capacity building, and community engagement.
Building on this foundation, the 2024 Progress Report outlines the system-level actions undertaken during the first year of implementation, highlighting key milestones, areas of growth, and initiatives underway.
While meaningful strides have been made, we recognize that there is still significant work ahead, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing system equity, intentionally centering the wellbeing of Black students and staff, and continuing this work in partnership with our communities, guided by our Mission, Vision, and Values.
School Climate Survey
In our ongoing efforts to promote safe, inclusive, and accepting schools, and in accordance with the Ministry of Education requirement, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) implemented a School Climate Survey in April 2025.
School Climate Surveys are conducted every two years to gather information from students, parents/guardians, and staff to help HCDSB create and sustain safe and welcoming schools.
The survey provided feedback to each school about the extent to which students, parents and school staff felt their school supports learning and positive behaviour, and promotes a safe and inclusive environment.
2025 School Climate Survey Results
In 2025, HCDSB heard from over 21,000 respondents on all our School Climate Surveys. Most were students (9616 elementary school students and 7274 secondary school students).
Frequently Asked Questions
Students 鈥淭ake Space 鈥� Make Space鈥� at HCDSB鈥檚 First Elementary Equity Symposium
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, HCDSB hosted its first-ever Elementary Student Equity Symposium, themed 鈥淭ake Space 鈥� Make Space.鈥� The event brought together 204 Grade 7 students and approximately 45 staff supervisors from 43 schools across the board for a day of inspiration, exploration, and empowerment.
Designed to uplift student voice and foster belonging, the symposium welcomed young leaders who reflect the rich diversity of our school communities 鈥� students with a range of lived experiences and perspectives, and those with a strong interest in equity, inclusion, and leadership.
The theme challenged students to reflect on two powerful ideas: to 鈥渢ake space鈥� by confidently owning and expressing who they are, and to 鈥渕ake space鈥� by creating room for others to be seen, heard, and valued.
Throughout the day, students participated in three interactive workshops featuring hands-on activities and thoughtful discussion:
- In Creative Collaboration, Matthew Morales, Community Engagement Specialist from the UN Global Compact guided students through a community-centered design process to explore what it means to celebrate diversity and work through challenges together.
- In Introduction to Leadership, led by Rising Stars, students engaged in activities focused on awareness, empowerment, and leadership skills 鈥� encouraging ongoing connection and community engagement.
- Finally, Power of Diversity, presented by The Ripple Effect Education, offered students the chance to reflect on their own experiences through storytelling, creative brainstorming, and group activities that celebrated the strength of diverse voices.
With the support of 17 dedicated staff volunteers and 6 enthusiastic student volunteers, the event created a dynamic environment where every student participant had the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
The symposium was a celebration of identity, a call to action, and a reminder of the power young people hold to shape more inclusive and innovative school communities!
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 2025, 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.
Celebrating Staff Excellence and Service at HCDSB
On June 5th, 2025, the 嫩芽视频 proudly honoured 83 staff members celebrating 25 years of dedicated service, and 63 staff members retiring at the end of the 2024鈥�2025 school year, during our annual Celebration of Staff ceremony.
The evening began with a beautiful Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Very Reverend Monsignor Cornelius O鈥橫ahony, with support from Vlad Mamaradlo, School Chaplain at Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School.
Staff honourees were led into the ceremony by Jamie Connolly, who offered a moving performance on the bagpipes. Members of the Bishop Paul F. Reding Assembly 1981 served as Honour Guard, offering a dignified presence to the ceremony.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Andrea Taylor, chaplaincy leader at St. Kateri Tekakwitha 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!
Congratulations to our amazing retirees and 25-years of service employees!
St. Ignatius of Loyola Student Honoured for Local Lens Writing Contest Submission
When Grade 9 student Alicia Becerra sat down to write her essay for the Local Lens contest hosted by the Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS) in collaboration with True2Soul Network, she knew she was putting words to something deeply personal: her journey of navigating between two homes, two cultures, and two countries.
Her essay, 鈥�Two Homes, Two Countries,鈥� earned Alicia 2nd place in the 2025 Local Lens writing contest, a recognition that celebrates stories of heritage, identity, and belonging. Alicia was honoured at the Emancipation Gala on August 1, 2025 at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, where their voices and narratives were celebrated alongside community leaders, educators, and artists.
Discovering Strength in 鈥淚n-Betweenness鈥�
In her reflection on the experience, Alicia shared that writing the essay was an opportunity to explore her personal heritage and the unique space she occupies between her Canadian and Colombian identities.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been in the middle 鈥� too Canadian for Colombia, and too Colombian for Canada,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 recognized this in-betweenness isn鈥檛 always necessarily a bad thing. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and forced me to view the world in a unique way.”
Alicia describes her identity not as divided, but as layered and ever-changing: 鈥淒iscovering my cultural identity has shown me that I am not alone on this journey. There are countless others in my Halton community who feel the same in-betweenness that I feel. This caused me to feel more connected to my community, and prouder of where I come from.鈥�
A Celebration of Culture and Community
The Local Lens contest is part of HBHAS鈥檚 ongoing work to promote multiculturalism, heritage awareness, and diversity across Halton. Each year, students are invited to share their own stories and reflections, weaving together themes of culture, history, and identity.
The 2025 winners were recognized at a gala that featured keynote speaker Dejehan 鈥淟uckystickz鈥� Hamilton, an award-winning motivational speaker and internationally renowned percussionist. The event brought together community partners, sponsors, and families in a celebration of heritage and resilience.
Inspiring Others Through Story
For Alicia, the recognition is just the beginning. She hopes to continue sharing her story and encouraging others to embrace their unique cultural journeys.
鈥淭his experience has led me to want to continue to share my story and use my voice to be part of something good,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am inspired to continue to spread the message that culture is not what we are born with but what we experience.鈥�
Alicia’s story stands as an inspiring reminder that identity is not confined to one place, but is enriched by the bridges we build between communities, cultures, and experiences. Congratulations, Alicia, on this amazing accomplishment!
Celebrating Friendship at the Annual Best Buddies Dance
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, secondary Life Skills students gathered at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School for a heartwarming celebration of friendship, inclusion, and joy.
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.
EPIC Cakes at Loyola Builds Skills & Confidence 鈥� One Cake at a Time!
The scent of vanilla and chocolate cake wafts through the Life Skills class at , leading to the creation of something truly EPIC.
This year marked the launch of EPIC Cakes (Every Person is Capable) 鈥� a Life Skills baking initiative that has already stirred up excitement and sweet success across the school community.
Equipping students with real-life baking skills, the program provides students in the Life Skills class a hands-on opportunity to bake, create, and build confidence through entrepreneurial learning. From shopping for ingredients to carefully measuring, mixing, and decorating their very own personal cakes, students are involved in every step of the process.
The program made its debut with a Valentine鈥檚 Day soft launch, selling more than 100 cakes to staff! The momentum continued with a Mother鈥檚 Day sale that saw another 80 cakes lovingly prepared and sold.
With 100% of proceeds reinvested into the program, EPIC Cakes is self-sustaining, relying on donations and cake sales to keep ingredients stocked and the oven baking. A generous contribution from the HCDSB Curriculum Department that donated entrepreneurial funds gave the program a strong start 鈥� but there’s still room to grow.
Currently, the classroom鈥檚 small convection oven can only bake six cakes at a time. Students and staff hope to one day have a full-size oven and expanded baking capacity, with donations and support from the community.
For School Principal, Josie Halycz, the EPIC Cakes initiative is a shining example of what鈥檚 possible:
鈥淭his program has been a beautiful reminder that every student has the ability to shine when given the opportunity,鈥� says Principal Halycz. 鈥淲atching our Life Skills students grow in confidence, independence, and pride in their work has been nothing short of inspiring. EPIC Cakes is more than a baking program 鈥� it鈥檚 a celebration of capability, creativity, and community.鈥�
With direct support from Ms. Condello and Ms. Lopez, the team behind EPIC cakes at St. Ignatius of Loyola hopes to keep the momentum going 鈥� one personal cake at a time!
Job Launch Program Empowers Students Through Pre-Employment Education
Thanks to the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Community Living Oakville鈥檚 Job Launch program continues to grow 鈥� opening doors for youth with developmental disabilities as they prepare for the workforce.
On June 9, members of the HCDSB community gathered with Community Living Oakville staff, Xplore Employment, and Ontario Trillium Foundation representatives at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School to celebrate the impact of this important initiative.
Designed for youth ages 16鈥�21, the Job Launch program helps students develop essential employment skills 鈥� from resume writing and interview prep, to health and safety, and job readiness training. Tailored to meet diverse learning needs, the program empowers students to build independence and take meaningful steps toward inclusive employment opportunities.
鈥淲e鈥檝e seen firsthand how students have gained confidence and the belief in themselves through this program,鈥� said Lisa Vacca, Special Education Consultant at HCDSB. 鈥淪tudents are gaining real-world skills, and a sense of purpose as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to their communities.鈥�
We are proud to support initiatives like Job Launch that break down barriers and create real opportunities for HCDSB students to succeed!
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.