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From the Director's Desk: May Edition

May 5, 2026

Dear HWDSB Families, Caregivers and Community,  

As we begin Education Week, it is an important time to recognize the critical work happening every day across HWDSB schools, learning spaces, and workplaces in support of student success and future readiness.  

It is an opportunity to reflect on how the connection between home and school helps prepare HWDSB students to learn, grow, and succeed in a dynamic and ever-changing world.   

I would also like to recognize and sincerely thank our dedicated staff for the leadership they demonstrate each day. Through their commitment, care, and collaboration, they build strong, supportive environments where relationships flourish and high expectations are upheld.  By fostering trust, belonging, and a shared sense of purpose, they create communities where students and colleagues alike feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow, contribute, and succeed. 

And in thinking about how HWDSB staff are helping to prepare students for the future, I’m excited to share that from Monday, May 4 and Friday May 8, HWDSB’s Education Week theme is “Be Excellent. Be Future Ready.”  

This aligns with the Multi‑Year Strategic Plan priority of Future Preparedness and reflects the shared commitment to creating learning environments that build skills, confidence, and adaptability for the future. This theme also speaks directly to HWDSB students of every age. From the early years through secondary pathways, HWDSB students are encouraged to understand that excellence is about effort, growth, and learning from experience. Feeling supported and confident today helps students prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

Across HWDSB, schools strive to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. These spaces help students build knowledge, independence, resilience, and a strong sense of accomplishment - skills that support success both in school and beyond. 

During Education Week, families and community members are invited to join in celebrating the learning and growth that take place in HWDSB schools every day.  

Thank you for choosing HWDSB and for supporting the important role that public education plays in building strong, vibrant communities. 

Yours in service of public education,  
 

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini 
Director of Education, HWDSB 

 

DAYS OF SIGNIFIGANCE  

  • National Jewish Heritage Month (1)
  • Sexual Violence Prevention Month (1)
  • Polish Heritage Month (1)
  • Armenian Canadian Heritage Month (1)
  • Speech and Hearing Month (1)
  • Asian Heritage Month (1)
  • School Principals' Day  (1)
  • Beltane (Wiccan)  (1)
  • Twelfth Day of Ridván (Baháʼí Faith)  (2)
  • Mental Health Week (Ontario)  (4)
  • Education Week (4-8)  
  • Child and Youth Care Practitioners' Week (4–6)  
  • National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Red Dress) (5)
  • Amitabha Buddha’s Birthday (Buddhism) (5)
  • Lag BaOmer (Judaism) (5)
  • Mother's Day (10)
  • Bear Witness Day (10)
  • Ascension (Christianity) (14)
  • International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (17)
  • Victoria Day (No School)  (18)
  • Shavuout (Judaism) – Ends May 23  
  • Declaration of the Báb (Baháʼí Faith) (24)
  • Vesak / Buddha (Birth, Enlightenment, Nirvana) (Buddhism) (24)
  • Pentecost (Christianity) (24)
  • Wuquf‑ul‑Arafa / Day of Hajj (dates may vary) (Islam)  (24)
  • National AccessAbility Week (25)
  • Eid al‑Adha (Islam) – (27-30)