A Winter Break message from the Halton District School Board | December 2023

Please view a Winter Break message from Amy Collard, Chair, and Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.

Hello everyone,

We are excited to bring you this Winter Break message and wish all of you a joyful and safe holiday season.

While it’s hard to believe another year is coming to a close, this time does allow us to reflect on the accomplishments and successes we’ve experienced and think ahead to 2024 and the goals we want to achieve.

To our Board of Trustees and HDSB families, I want to extend my personal gratitude for your partnership this year in helping us strive toward achieving our goals for student success and well-being.

We thank our staff for the incredible work they have done, and continue to do, for public education. Your commitment and dedication to student learning, success and well-being is truly appreciated. We see how hard you have worked to provide learning and working environments that are respectful, inclusive and support innovation and creativity.

To our students, thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment to learning. I have had the opportunity to visit many of our HDSB schools the last few months and I have seen firsthand your successes and contributions to creating a positive school culture and community. You make us very proud.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you this holiday season.

Our schools are vibrant hubs of learning, growth and community spirit. We head into the Winter Break confident that our students, staff and families have collectively contributed to the success and well-being of everyone in the Halton District School Board.

As we enter the final year of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, we are very proud of what has been accomplished so far. We continue to strive to promote positive learning and working spaces in schools consistent with our values, and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff and the community. We look forward to working with you on our 2024-2028 plan next year!

This year has not been without its challenges. Everyone’s mental health fluctuates and I want to remind students, staff and families that help and resources are available to support our mental health when we are coping with occasional stresses, feeling distressed or experiencing a crisis.

The HDSB Mental Health and Well-Being resources on the HDSB website are designed to provide students and families with information about mental health, how to promote and maintain wellness, and where to turn to for help at school or in the community if you are concerned about your own mental health or that of a friend or family member.

As we celebrate the holidays, let us cherish the moments of compassion, unity and understanding that define our school communities. Please take this time to rest, recharge and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

We look forward to welcoming students and staff in 2024 ready to learn, grow and inspire - together. Thank you, and be well.