Be.Connected@HWDSB: August Edition
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Dear HWDSB Families and Communities,
As we approach the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, I am pleased to welcome families new to HWDSB and those returning for another year of learning, growth, and opportunity across HWDSB.
We are pleased to share the first edition Be.Connected@HWDSB, our monthly communication that serves as a source of important information, updates, resources, and opportunities to help families stay connected to learning and life across HWDSB.
At HWDSB, one of the key pillars of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan is our commitment to collaborating with families and communities. We know that student success is strengthened when schools, families, and community partners work together, and meaningful communication is an important part of that partnership. Sharing information that is helpful, practical, and informative helps ensure families have the tools they need to support their children's learning and well-being throughout the year.
Published on the last Thursday of every month, Be.Connected@HWDSB provides important reminders, key dates, updates, resources, and information from across our school board.
This publication compliments CEO Connects, my monthly message to HWDSB's families, caregivers, and communities, which will be shared on the first Monday of every month. Together, these communications are intended to help keep you informed and connected to the important work taking place across our schools and workplaces in service of our students.
As we prepare to welcome students back to classrooms and learning spaces, I encourage you to read Be.Connected@HWDSB each month and stay connected to the many opportunities, initiatives and achievements that make our board of education such a special place to learn and grow.
On behalf of HWDSB, I wish all students, families, staff, and community members a wonderful start to the 2026-2027 school year and look forward to welcoming students back to our schools on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Chief Executive OfficerHamilton-Wentworth District School Board
First Day of School
HWDSB is excited to welcome students, families, and staff back to classrooms on Tuesday, September 8, 2026!
HWDSB Launches Student and Family Support Office September 1, 2026
Reflecting Ministry of Education guidance, HWDSB is pleased to launch its Student and Family Support Office effective September 1, 2026. The office provides families and caregivers with an additional pathway to seek support, ask questions, and address concerns related to their child's educational experience.
At HWDSB, strong partnerships with families help every student succeed. When questions about your child's learning journey come up, we are here to listen and work with you to find the best path forward. We want families and caregivers to know that we are here to help, support, and partner with you every step of the way.
In addition to the Student and Family Support Office, HWDSB offers a range of services to help ensure every student and family feels valued, safe, and supported. These include supports through our Human Rights Office, Indigenous Education team, Mental Health Services, and Whistleblower Line.
Learn more about available supports:
Together, we are committed to creating welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where every student can thrive.
Parent Portal
On Friday, August 28, 2026, Secondary students and their families will be able to access their timetables in the Parent Portal. Elementary students will have access to their class placements on September 2, 2026.
To learn about more ways that you can stay connected, click the links below:
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Find your school: Elementary, Secondary.
Starting the School Year with Wellness
As students return to classrooms and learning spaces, supporting their mental health and well-being remains a priority. HWDSB offers a range of resources and supports to help students and families navigate the school year with confidence.
Days of Significance @ HWDSB
This year on the first day of each month, HWDSB will publish a Days of Significance post that highlight the observances taking place throughout that month. These monthly posts will link to the calendar details found here on HWDSB's website.
School year calendar and days that connect directly to HWDSB's Multi-Year Strategic plan and other school board policies will continue to receive a standalone post. HWDSB looks forward to recognizing and celebrating these important observances as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering belonging and inclusion.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten families should have received an email once their Parent Portal account was created. If you have not received your email, please contact your child’s school.
All Kindergarten students will begin their first full day together with their HWDSB friends on Tuesday, September 8. Click here for more information about Kindergarten.
Code of Conduct
Ahead of the first day of school, it is important to review the HWDSB Code of Conduct.
Minimizing distractions helps foster positive climates in all HWDSB schools and supports the achievement and human rights of every student. The actions we take together as families, students, staff and community members are about co-creating classroom conditions centered on learning outcomes, safety and wellness.
Student Dress Guidelines
As the school year approaches, now is the time to familiarize and review the Student Dress Guidelines.
These guidelines were developed in collaboration with students, with a strong focus on supporting students in their dress as it relates to human rights, safety, mental health, well-being, compassion, dignity, and belonging.
By supporting personal expression and self-identity, schools can become safer and more welcoming environments for every student.
Elementary Remote Learning (Grades 1-8)
Elementary families with students in Grades 1-8 who are interested in switching between in-person and remote learning will have an opportunity to register their child beginning September 2, 2026.
The 2026-27 Remote Learning Registration Form will be available through Parent Portal and will close at 4:00 p.m. on September 9, 2026. Families may complete this form if they wish to switch from in-person to remote learning, or from remote learning to in-person learning.
Families selecting a new learning option will be choosing this for their child for the entire 2026-27 school year. Students will begin attending their new classes following the school reorganization process in early October.
For more information about Elementary Remote Learning, please click here.
Student Transportation
It is important to re-check transportation information before sending children to their assigned pickup locations on September 8, as last-minute changes can sometimes occur.
Additional Resources for School Readiness:
We look forward to welcoming students and families back to HWDSB schools on Tuesday, September 8th! Have a wonderful week!
