James MacDonald

All students can be upstanders to bullying. Please tell a teacher, vice-principal or principal, if you are comfortable. Or use the free, anonymous HWDSB Helps service to share a tip with school staff. hwdsb.on.ca/elementary/sup…

“Staff have identified cyberbullying as a priority they want to tackle. We need to continue to engage on the issue, and these materials can help.” Read our full message to learn how HWDSB is marking Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week 2022! Details: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/hwdsb-mar…

The Elementary French Immersion Information Night takes place November 23 (tomorrow) at 7 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Families considering French Immersion will learn about the 2023-24 application process. Link to attend: hwdsb.info/InfoNightFI More info: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/french-im…

"As we near the end of another school year, let me first thank our students, families, staff, and partners for your cooperation as we responded to the pandemic." Read the full Director's Message in our latest COVID-19 Update: #director" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">hwdsb.on.ca/blog/covid-upd…

HWDSB has engaged in years of pupil accommodation reviews (PARs) to help improve the condition of schools. This work has led to school construction, additions, consolidation and surplus properties that may be sold to support future needs. More info: hwdsb.on.ca/community/prop…

Education Week is the perfect time to check out some wonderful summer programs for elementary students 🌞 Continuing Education has shared a wide variety of FREE programs to help students build or retain skills needed to be successful in school. Details: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/continuin…

HWDSB calendars are now final for the 2022-2023 school year after Ministry of Education approval 🗓️ We thank those who shared thoughts during the recent consultation and look forward to an exciting 2022-2023 school year! View the 2022-2023 calendars: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/2022-2023…

Time is running out on our About my School survey! HWDSB students, the deadline for you to share feedback is Friday, April 29. The information you provide will help guide the work of our @HWDSB_FM team 🏫 Survey link: hwdsb.info/AboutMySchool More info: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/students-…

Children ages 6 to 12 can now travel for free on @hsr transit with a valid PRESTO card, available from @HamiltonLibrary 🚌 Visit a Hamilton Public Library branch to get your child’s free library card and PRESTO card! Details: hpl.ca/bus-card

Emotion Coaching is a communication strategy that can help improve relationships with your child/youth 🧡💙 @HWDSB_WeHelp Register for our March 30 webinar: hwdsb.info/EC-Mar30 Learn more about Emotion Coaching: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/emotion-c…

Children learn at different rates and in different ways. Our team of educators recognizes the unique strengths, interests and needs of children and adjust teaching methods and materials to support growth 📚🖍️🧮 Register for kindergarten at HWDSB today: hwdsb.on.ca/kindergarten/

Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) will be hosting a virtual session on Human Rights and Equity at HWDSB. The event takes place Tuesday, March 29 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. All HWDSB families and educators are invited to attend. Learn more: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/parent-in…

March 23 is Ontario's School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day 🛑 💛 Thank you for keeping our students and community members safe! Be sure to tell your crossing guards how much you appreciate them.

Welcome back, HWDSB! We hope March Break treated you well 🌅 Please continue to self-screen daily using the COVID-19 Screening Tool at hwdsb.info/screening and stay home if sick. Educators no longer need to verify results. COVID-19 Protocols Overview: hwdsb.on.ca/about/covid19/

Students and staff are reminded to wear a mask until April 1, 2022. A Mask Exemption Form is available online and in Parent Portal for those who wish to exercise that choice. Masking Requirement and Board Motion: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/letter-fa…

The 2022-2023 Trustee Ward Allocation survey closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 11! We hope you are able to provide feedback on a preferred option for how to couple wards so that there are enough trustees to serve every ward. Participate here: ca.research.net/r/HWDSBwards

Ontario has announced that it will be removing masking requirements in most places, including schools, on March 21. Other measures in schools, such as cohorting and daily on-site screening, will also be lifted. Board Chair Dawn Danko has responded with the following statement.

The pandemic has increased stress for children and youth – and this has challenged the caregivers who support them. In response, HWDSB invites parents and caregivers to explore Emotion Coaching: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/emotion-c… Register for the March 3 webinar: hwdsb.info/EC-Mar3

HWDSB Trustees are thanking community members for assisting in the development of the Candidate Profile for the next Director of Education. The Candidate Profile is now released as the search for the next Director begins! View it on our website: hwdsb.on.ca/blog/chair-tha…

Pink Shirt Day is recognized annually in Canada as schools and workplaces come together by wearing pink to show they are against bullying. The day was started in Nova Scotia in 2007, when two Grade 12 students stood up for a Grade 9 student being bullied for wearing pink.