Message for families from Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board

I’m Curtis Ennis and I am very proud to be the new Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.

As we begin a new school year, I want to say how excited I am to be a part of the HDSB. As Director, I hope to bring to Halton a strong sense of collaboration, teamwork and open communication. I believe when students and families feel included and respected, it creates a better environment for learning. As parents and guardians, your input and partnership with our schools and Board are crucial to ensuring success for your children, our students.

We are thrilled to be welcoming everyone to a new school year. While COVID-19 continues to create challenges, we are prepared to handle all that we may face this school year. We have a detailed September 2021 plan in place that we are confident is flexible and responsive to this changing environment. This plan was developed in consultation with Halton Region Public Health and adheres to the Ministry of Education’s guidelines for opening schools and outlines priority areas school boards will focus on in the upcoming school year. This includes student mental health and well-being, early reading and math, and re-engagement of students.

Our plan, among many things, specifically addresses the safety and well-being of our students, our Board’s highest priority, as well as a return to co-curriculars and face-to-face activities, that adhere to the school opening guidelines. I encourage you to read our September 2021 plan available on our website at hdsb.ca.

Our schools are ready to welcome more than 66,000 students and 9,000 staff as our custodians and support staff have ensured our buildings are clean, safe and ready for students. For students learning remotely, we look forward to providing an effective and fulsome learning experience that will challenge, support and engage them on many levels.

In the Halton District School Board, we will continue to utilize the Multi-Year Strategic Plan to set direction and prioritize the collective actions of all stakeholders to ensure our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated. The Human Rights Equity Action & Accountability Plan: The Way Forward​ reflects our commitment to create and maintain safe, inclusive learning and working environments free from discrimination for students, families, staff and members of the public.

We are ready, prepared and excited to give our students the best and safest educational experience possible.

Together, we will learn, grow and inspire.