Welcome Back Message from the CEO

Dear HWDSB Community, 

With a new year beginning, I am delighted to welcome (back) students, staff, and families back to HWDSB learning and workspaces. 

There is something truly special about the start of a new school year. Our schools come alive with energy, optimism, and possibility as students reconnect with friends, meet new teachers, and embark on new learning journeys. Whether you are entering into school for the very first time, starting a new grade, or returning to a familiar classroom, this moment marks the beginning of new opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. 

At HWDSB, we know that students achieve more when they feel they belong. Rooted in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan, we remain committed to creating learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.   

Together, alongside parents, caregivers and families, we have achieved the following: 

• Grade 6 Student Achievement: Achievement at Level 3 or 4 increased across all assessed areas, reaching 81% in Reading, 80% in Writing, and 41% in Mathematics. 

• Secondary Literacy Success: The percentage of first-time eligible students successfully completing the OSSLT increased to 82.1%, placing HWDSB 9th among Ontario school boards. 

• Graduation Rates: The five-year graduation rate increased to 85.1%, reflecting strong growth in student success and completion. 

• Student Readiness for the Future: Results from the Grade 12 Exit Survey show that 72% of graduating students felt well prepared for their next step in learning. 

• Pathway Planning and Career Readiness: 68% of students reported positive pathway planning support, while 66% identified opportunities to participate in job skills programs. 

• Well-Being, Belonging and Student Experience: Students reported positive experiences related to Compassion (74%), Dignity (68%), Trust (67%), and Joy (63%), with most graduates indicating they felt safe, included, and supported in their schools. 

Realizing the goals of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan is only possible through the strong collaboration between parents, families, caregivers, and our dedicated staff. We appreciate your ongoing support, collaboration, and commitment to student success.   

Thank you for the trust you place in HWDSB each day. We are honoured to be part of your child's educational journey and deeply value the partnership that helps students learn, grow, and succeed. 

To all HWDSB students: As you begin this new school year, I encourage you to embrace new opportunities, build meaningful connections, and take pride in all that you accomplish. There will be moments that challenge you and moments that inspire you, but each one will help shape who you are becoming. Stay curious, dream big, and be confident in your ability to achieve great things. Your future is being shaped by the learning, experiences, and relationships you build today.  

As we begin the 2026-2027 school year, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead. HWDSB students inspire us every day with their curiosity, resilience, and limitless potential. Across our system, staff, families, and community partners share a commitment to helping every student learn, belong, and succeed.