This week approximately thirty thousand elementary and secondary students return to class.
Many of our students were able to enjoy camp experiences this summer – as campers and camp leaders – through Focus on Youth, an initiative that partners our Catholic school board with community agencies to provide learning, recreational, employment and faith formation opportunities for children and youth in the community. Other students took part in tutoring, mental wellness and engagement programs designed to give students a good start for the new school year.
In our Catholic secondary schools, many students took advantage of Summer School to upgrade or earn a new credit. Through the Passport to Grade 9 program, our incoming Grade 9 students had a chance to explore their new school surroundings and familiarize themselves with the people and school services that will help them settle into their new routine.
Our teachers, principals/vice-principals, curriculum and other support staff were also extremely busy this summer preparing programs, activities and resources to support our students in their learning as we implement Ontario’s curriculum. In elementary schools, teachers and students will be working with a newly revised Grades 1-8 Language curriculum, and a revised Social Studies curriculum that now includes mandatory Indigenous-focused learning for students in Grades 1-3 and Holocaust learning for Grade 6 students. At the secondary level, new de-streamed curriculum has been provided for Grade 9 English, Geography, Computer Studies, and French as a Second Language. There will also be a continued focus at both the elementary and secondary level on mathematics achievement.
As a result of the dedicated service of our facilities department staff, several capital renewal projects were completed this summer, including replacement HVAC units, roof repairs, playground improvements, paving, electrical upgrades, replacement flooring and ceilings, and masonry work. Our custodians, assistant custodians, maintenance staff and summer students worked tirelessly to ensure that our schools are clean and safe for the upcoming school year.
Finally, we look forward to working with parents, Catholic school councils, and parish communities to ensure that our students have an enriching, faith-filled and joyful school year.
To find out more about our different activities, we invite you to regularly visit our school and board websites, and consult our monthly school newsletters.
We pray that our loving God showers each of you with all of His blessings and assure you that all within the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School System remain committed to “placing Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre” of students’ learning experiences.
Best wishes for a safe, enjoyable and fulfilling school year.
School begins on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
