From the Director's Desk: June Edition
Dear HWDSB Community,
June is a meaningful month for many reasons. It marks the beginning of the last instructional month for the 2025-2026 school year, bringing with it a season of transition, achievement, and new beginnings. It also marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as well as Ontario Day, when we reflect on what it means to call this province home.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. It is also an opportunity to recognize the work that remains to ensure everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves—both within our school board and across Ontario.
June is also National Indigenous History Month, a meaningful time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Across HWDSB, this month provides an opportunity for students and staff to deepen learning, reflect on our shared history, and advance the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation. This commitment directly reflects our Multi-Year Strategic Plan pillar of Reinforcing Indigenous Educational Wellness and Reconciliation, as we continue to centre Indigenous voices, support student well-being, and foster respectful, inclusive learning environments for every student and every staff member.
When we reflect on our shared values of Dignity, Trust, Compassion, and Joy, we see how deeply they connect to this commitment. Dignity reminds us to honour each person’s identity and lived experience. Trust calls us to create spaces where students and colleagues feel safe to be themselves. Compassion guides us to listen, learn, and support one another with empathy and care. And Joy encourages us to celebrate the richness of our diverse community and the strength it brings.
Ontario Day similarly invites us to reflect on what it means to truly belong in this province we call home. To learn more about Ontario Day, read the CEO’s message here.
Together, these celebrations remind us of our shared responsibility to create spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and equitable. Each of us plays a role in fostering a culture of respect and belonging.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Chief Executive Officer
HWDSB
JUNE IS:
National Indigenous History Month (1)
Filipino and Portuguese Heritage Month (1)
Pride Month (1)
Ontario Day (1)
Italian Heritage Month (1)
All Saints Day (6)
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (16)
Last Day of Semester (16)
Hijra / Muharram (17)
Summer Solstice (21)
Litha (21)
National Indigenous Peoples Day (21)
Father's Day (21)
National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism (23)
P.A. Day (Secondary) (24)
Last Day of School (Elementary) (25)
Ashura (25)
Canadian Multiculturalism Day (27)
P.A. Day (Elementary and Secondary) (26)
Maidyoshem Ghambar (29)
