About the Award 

The CPIC Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes volunteers who play an integral role in building supportive, caring, and inclusive school communities across the ��ѿ��Ƶ (HCDSB).

This award honours the individuals whose contributions strengthen and uplift our Catholic school communities.

Eligibility & Requirements

To be considered for the CPIC Volunteer of the Year Award, the nominee must:

• Be a parent or guardian of a student within the HCDSB.
• Consistently support the volunteer needs of their school community through their own involvement or by recruiting or organizing volunteers for school activities.
• Demonstrate strong Catholic values and give witness to their faith through involvement in their school or Parish.

NOTE: An individual who is paid by a school or by the HCDSB is not eligible to be nominated. Current CPIC members are also not eligible to be nominated.

Nomination Details

Nominations can be made by any parent, guardian, or staff member within the HCDSB. Self-nominations are also welcome.

One (1) winner will be selected from each family of schools, for a total of 10 award recipients.

Nominations will be accepted until Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Award winners will be selected by CPIC based on their volunteer experience and through the following nominee criteria. Winners will be contacted during the month of May and will also be announced at the next Council of Chairs Meeting, also held in May.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of our journey through Holy Week. On this day, we remember Jesus’ triumphant arrival into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches. These palms symbolize joy and hope, while also reminding us of the challenging days to follow.

Holy Thursday is the first day of the Paschal Triduum which observes the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. On Holy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper where Jesus gathered with His disciples, shared bread and wine, and washed their feet. This day also marks the institution of the Eucharist, reminding us of Jesus’ promise to remain with us.

Good Friday, the second day of the Paschal Triduum, is a solemn day where we remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Through prayer, fasting, and abstinence from meat, we reflect on His sacrifice.

Holy Saturday is the final day of the Paschal Triduum and is a time for rest, prayer, and reflection. In the evening, the Church gathers for Easter Vigil, the most sacred celebration of the Liturgical year. The lighting of the Paschal Candle and celebration of the Resurrection symbolize the transition from darkness to light.

Over the course of three days, students and staff rallied together to collect a total of 981 food items. To build on their generosity, the school committed to matching one dollar for every item donated, significantly increasing their overall contribution. Morning announcements and school-wide promotion helped build momentum and reinforce the message that even simple acts of giving back can make a big difference.

About HCCF and March with Heart

HCCF is an independent charity that works closely with the ��ѿ��Ƶ (HCDSB) to support students and families facing financial hardship. By removing barriers that prevent full participation in school, students can feel a greater sense of well-being, support, and belonging amongst their peers.

In its first year, HCCF’s March with Heart campaign encourages schools across HCDSB to take part in simple, engaging fundraising activities that directly support students and families within their school communities.

The food drive highlighted a shared responsibility of caring for one another while addressing food insecurity – an issue that can create significant barriers to learning. By supporting this initiative, the Bishop Reding community reinforced an important message: when basic needs like access to food are met, students are in a better position to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.

In keeping with the Catholic Education Week, Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness, students are invited to submit entries expressing in their own creativity how the following quote is reflected in ways we live out our faith, support one another, and bring hope to the world around us: “The Holy Spirit illumines all believers with the light of hope. He keeps that light burning, like an ever-burning lamp, to sustain and invigorate our lives.” (Spes Non Confundit, 3)

The contest will be open for entries from Thursday, March 26^th through Thursday, April 16th, 2026.

Submission Criteria 

Entries must be submitted digitally via our  Visual or hardcopy works (e.g., drawings, sculptures) must be photographed and uploaded through the provided form.

Students may submit entries in the following three (3) categories: 

• Visual artwork (drawing, painting, photography, collage, sculpture, 3D model, etc.) 
• Original song (a song written in your own words and performed by you!) 
• Short video (maximum length is 2 minutes) 

Student submissions will be reviewed separately by division group, as follows: 

• Primary (K-3) 
• Junior (4-6) 
• Intermediate (7-8) 
• Secondary (9-12) 

A judging panel will select the top winners, which will include one (1) student submission from each of the four (4) groups noted above. The winners will be announced during Catholic Education Week.

Deadline for Entries:��Thursday,��April 16^th, at 11:59 p.m.��

Prizes 

Our sincere appreciation goes to the Halton OECTA Elementary Association for generously sponsoring the contest through the top prizes awarded to our student winners. Their ongoing support helps us celebrate and recognize the creativity, faith, and talent of our students across the system.

Thanks to their generosity, the top winner in each category will win a gift card in the amount of $100.

Please note that group submissions are permitted, but in the case that a group is awarded a top prize, group members must share the gift card. 

Thank you for your interest in the HCDSB Catholic Education Week Creative Contest. We look forward to showcasing the creative talents of our HCDSB students!

Candidates from all HCDSB secondary schools were nominated based on their significant engagement within their school, parish, and local communities.

Congratulations to the following three (3) Student Trustees elected for the 2026-2027 school year!

From left to right: Pierre Hanna, Gabriela Toki, Guilherme de Almeida

Burlington Trustee: Gabriela Toki

Gabriela is currently a Grade 11 Honour Roll student at Assumption Catholic Secondary School. She demonstrates consistent leadership across academics, athletics, the arts, student governance, and community advocacy. Gabriela serves as Vice President of the Assumption Black Student Association and is an active member and past panelist with Black Empowered United Students. She is also a three-year member of the Assumption Student Council. In addition, Gabriela is a member of the girls’ rugby team and deeply engaged in Assumption Crusaders Theatre.

North Halton Trustee: Pierre Hanna

Pierre Hanna is currently a Grade 10 Honour Roll and pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) student at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School. He demonstrates strong leadership skills and is committed to making a positive impact within the school community as a member of the Student Senate. Through his work on the student senate Faith in Action subcommittee, Pierre helped propose HCDSB Funding Futures Campaign, a fund supporting families in need. In addition, he participates in the peer tutoring programs, and the school chaplaincy team. Outside of school, Pierre is a member of the Milton Marlins Swim Team and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

Oakville Trustee: Guilherme de Almeida

Guilherme is currently a Grade 11 Honour Roll student at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School. He has been an active member of Student Council for the past three years and currently a lead on the student council executive. Guilherme is actively engaged in a wide range of school and community initiatives and participates in STEAM program, the Extended French program and Specialist High Skills Major. His commitment to inclusion and mentorship is demonstrated through his work with the Indigenous Advisory Committee, Best Buddies, and the Hawks Mentorship Program. As a frequent spokesperson at school events and a peer tutor, he is a passionate advocate for elevating student voice across the school community.

To view the 2026-2027 school year calendar, visit:

• HCDSB School Year Calendar webpage

The school year calendar is developed with input from the School Year Calendar Committee consisting of representatives from the school communities including parents/guardians and employee groups. The Trustees of the ��ѿ��Ƶ and Trustees of the Halton District School Board approved the calendar dates for the 2026-2027 school year during their respective Board meetings in February.

The calendar outlines the Professional Activity days (PA) for staff when schools will be closed to students, as well as school breaks and holidays. The first day of school for the 2026-2027 school year is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

These dates will be shared with families and are also posted on each school board’s website.

For additional information, contact: 

��ѿ��Ƶ: Juliana Gligoric, Communications Officer
communications@hcdsb.org | 905-632-6300

Halton District School Board: Amy Mejia, Communications Specialist 
communications@hdsb.ca | 905-335-3663, Toll free: 1-877-618-3456

Held on the Friday before March Break, the fundraiser brought the St. Patrick school community together, in support of a meaningful cause. For a $2 donation, students and staff dressed in the colours of the Irish flag, while a festive photo booth gave classes the opportunity to capture memories from the day. The school truly found its “pot of gold” this year, raising over $400 to support students across the ��ѿ��Ƶ (HCDSB)!

About HCCF and March with Heart

HCCF is an independent charity that works closely with HCDSB to support students and families facing financial hardship. is to help students at HCDSB succeed at school by providing financial support. By removing barriers that prevent full participation in school, students can feel a greater sense of well-being, support, and belonging amongst their peers.

Now in its first year, HCCF’s March with Heart campaign encourages schools across HCDSB to take part in simple, engaging fundraising activities that support students and families within the school community.

Funds raised through initiatives like March with Heart help provide essential items such as:

• Food and clothing
• School supplies and shoes
• Personal hygiene items
• Learning materials and technology
• Support for school trips, team fees, and other school activities

This event was a joyful celebration that highlighted what it means to live out Catholic values of kindness, compassion, and care for one another. Thank you to the students, staff, and families of St. Patrick Elementary who gave back and made this fundraiser a wonderful success.

Understanding Ramadan and Iftar

Observed by Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. It is a time devoted to prayer, reflection, and daily fasting. At sunset, the fast is broken with iftar, a meal that is often shared in the company of family, friends, and the wider community.

Highlights from the Evening

Twenty-one students and six staff members from secondary schools across HCDSB gathered for the event. The evening began with warm welcomes and introductions, followed by prayer and iftar. To conclude, Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad hosted a workshop called “Navigating Careers in Education & Sports: Reflections on the Journey of Becoming a Scholar Activist.”

Dr. Eizadirad spoke about his journey – from immigrating to Canada to growing up in Toronto – and how these experiences shaped his path in teaching and academia. Drawing from his lived experience, he encouraged students to explore how education and purpose can create meaningful change within their communities. The workshop sparked thoughtful discussion and supported students as they continue to develop their leadership skills.

Creating a Sense of Belonging at HCDSB

Bringing students and staff together provided opportunities to share their experiences and learn from one another. The gathering reflects ongoing efforts across HCDSB to build environments where students feel supported and motivated to contribute to a community where everyone experiences a sense of belonging.

Thank you to all the students, staff, and community members whose contributions helped shape the success of this event.

To celebrate this special moment, students from elementary and secondary schools across HCDSB came together to share messages of congratulations and prayerful blessings. Their voices are featured in a video tribute series, created to welcome Bishop Dabrowski and express the faith, hope and sense of belonging that unite our students and schools.

We invite you to watch the series below and join us in offering a joyful welcome and continued prayers for Bishop Dabrowski as he begins his ministry in the .