CEO Connects: September Edition
Beginning the Year with Purpose, Possibility and Promise
Dear HWDSB Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year.
As we begin a new year filled with opportunity, I am delighted to connect with you through the first edition of CEO Connects, a refreshed name for the monthly message many of you have come to know and expect. While the Ministry of Education has renamed the Director of Education role to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), my commitment remains unchanged: keeping families informed, engaged and connected to the important work to lead and support student learning, achievement and well-being taking place across HWDSB.
The beginning of a school year can be filled with uncertainty, excitement, optimism, and possibility. Across HWDSB, classrooms, schools and learning spaces are ready to welcome students into places where they are valued, supported and inspired to reach their potential.
The beauty of a new school year lies in its unspoken promise. When parents and staff stand together as a community, we turn ordinary days into extraordinary opportunities for our children to thrive. HWDSB staff inside and outside the classroom are committed to creating conditions where students build confidence, are engaged in meaningful learning, develop relationships and discover their unique strengths.
At HWDSB, we know that every student can experience success, and every day, through our collective commitment, we turn that belief into reality. Success can look different for every student. It may be achieving a personal goal, grasping a new skill, overcoming a challenge, discovering a passion, building friendships or finding the confidence to try something new. Through the priorities outlined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan, we remain focused on ensuring every HWDSB student can grow, achieve and thrive in welcoming environments where they feel seen, heard and supported.
For any questions or concerns concerning your child’s education, we encourage you to first communicate with your child’s teachers, and then the Principal, if necessary. Strong partnerships with families and caregivers are essential to student success. For families seeking additional guidance or support, HWDSB's Student and Family Support Office is available to help families navigate. This service complements the supports already available in HWDSB schools and departments, offering families an additional point of connection when needed.
On September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Across our schools, students and staff will participate in reflection and activities that honour the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Reconciliation is not a single moment, but a continuous commitment. As reflected in the fifth pillar of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, we will continue to move this important work forward through ongoing learning, relationship-building and reflection.
As we begin this new school year, I encourage HWDSB students to embrace new opportunities with confidence, build relationships with peers, classmates and caring adults, and continue to learn and do incredible things with the support of HWDB staff.
I look forward to sharing stories of achievement, belonging, and success from across HWDSB in the months ahead. Typically, CEO Connects will be shared on the first Monday of each month.
The year ahead is full of promise. Together, we will ensure that every HWDSB student is welcomed, and inspired and supported to achieve their goals and realize their potential.
The future is bright at HWDSB because of your children. Their potential is limitless, their possibilities are endless, and we are proud to support their journey through the transformative power of public education.
Warm regards,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Chief Executive Officer
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
