News & Upcoming Events
Director's Cut
How classrooms are implementing HDSB's 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan
Last year, the HDSB proudly released a series of videos highlighting our 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, where we explained the framework of this important document and why it guides everything we do This year, we are excited to bring you another series of videos designed to bring the Multi-Year Plan into greater focus. We will be taking a closer and deeper look at the classroom level, showing how each of the five areas of focus in the Multi-Year Plan are integrated and implemented into everyday instruction.
Please click on this link to view the latest Director's Cut - Episode #10: MYP Environmental Leadership area of focus.
Anti-Sex Trafficking Resources for Families
The HDSB is providing families with information and resources to address and prevent sex trafficking. Ontario’s Anti-Sex Trafficking Policy/Program Memorandum, PPM 166, requires all school boards in Ontario to develop local protocols and administrative procedures and educate staff in response to the growing crime of sex trafficking.
What is sex trafficking? Sex trafficking is a form of sexual exploitation and is a crime under the Criminal Code of Canada. It can include recruiting, harbouring, transporting, obtaining or providing a person for the purpose of sex. It involves the use of force, physical or psychological coercion or deception. Most individuals who are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation are women and girls, but all people may be targeted. Sex trafficking is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative crimes worldwide. It is predatory and damaging to victims, survivors, their families and communities and Ontario is no exception. The majority of victims are between 13 and 24 years of age.
All families are encouraged to view the information on the HDSB Anti-Sex Trafficking webpage. This page contains:
Information on the steps the HDSB is taking to address and prevent sex trafficking
Resources for families (including what parents/guardians can do to support children)
List of community partners and contact information
Families can also find video resources that cover three important topics:
Anti-Sex Trafficking Awareness for Parents & Guardians
Interview with Parent of an Anti-Sex Trafficking Survivor
Student Personal Devices and Online Safety - Parent Video
HDSB 2023-2024 School Year Calendar approved by Board of Trustees
At the March 1, 2023 Board meeting, Trustees of the Halton District School Board approved the proposed calendar dates for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Final approval of the calendar by the Ministry of Education is anticipated in Spring 2023.
*Please refer to the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar webpage on the HDSB website (hdsb.ca) for a listing of dates.
The school year calendar is developed with input from the School Year Calendar Committee consisting of representatives from interested and affected groups, including parents/guardians.
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 2023-2024 school year is Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
These dates will be provided to schools to be shared with students and parents/guardians, and they are also posted on the Board’s website at hdsb.ca (refer to the Calendar on the home page).
Important Information Regarding HSTS Courtesy Seats
Each year, in accordance with Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) Operating Procedure regarding Courtesy Seats, families with children who are not eligible for school bus transportation to and from school may apply for a courtesy seat.
We are writing to inform you that the HSTS Courtesy Seat online application form is now open for submissions until Friday, June 30, 2023 at 5 p.m.
HSTS will be completing the courtesy seat application and review process over the summer in order to allow courtesy riders to begin riding the bus on the first day of school in September 2023. All applicants will be advised of the status of their application by the third week of August via email, to the primary contact provided to the school.
Approved applicants can access their transportation schedule via the HSTS Parent Portal (Parent Portal Instructions) during the third week of August 2023.
Visit the HSTS website for more information: www.haltonbus.ca
Community Engagement Sessions
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) will be hosting Community Engagement Sessions for students, families, staff and community organizations to strengthen the HDSB’s relationship and collaboration with Indigenous, Black, Gender Diverse and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The sessions will highlight some of the findings from the HDSB Student Census, which was conducted in Spring 2021, and the HDSB’s response to those findings. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.
The HDSB is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and respectful learning environment where all students can learn, grow and inspire. To do this, we must truly understand the needs of all students and families.
Community Engagement Sessions
Gender Diversity and 2SLGBTQ+ Session (for families, students and community agencies supporting HDSB students): Monday, June 5, 2023 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Black-focused session (for families, students and community agencies supporting HDSB students): Monday, June 5, 2023 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Indigenous-focused session (for families/caregivers of Indigenous students attending school in the HDSB): Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Please register by May 24, 2023: Community Engagement Registration and Question Form.