Take Our Kids To Work Day

Dear Parents/Guardians of Grade 9 students:

The Halton District School Board is proud to be involved in Take Our Kids to Work Day, now coordinated through The Students Commission of Canada.  Since 1994, Take Our Kids to Work™ has grown from a regional program into a nation-wide project involving millions of Grade 9 students and hundreds of thousands of workplaces.  This year, based on the strong support for the 2025 event, we expect that even more students and workplaces will participate.

November 4, 2026 is the date of this event.  Grade 9 students across Canada will go to work with a parent, relative, or other trusted adult.  Students who are unable to accompany a parent, relative, family friend to their workplace will be supported in finding a placement, where possible. Virtual placements are also an option with family approval.

Learning first-hand about work and a range of career opportunities is an integral part of the curriculum and of the education and career-life planning program at every HDSB school.

Take Our Kids to Work™ provides opportunities for our Grade 9 students to:

• see their parents/guardians in different roles and responsibilities and understand what they do to support the family;
• develop a closer dialogue with their parents/guardians or other caring adults;
• enhance their understanding of individual jobs in the context of the diverse working community;
• directly link classroom and workplace experiences;
• recognize the importance of continuous learning in pursuing career opportunities; and,
• see the realities and demands of the current workplace

A day at work will demonstrate the relevance of classroom lessons for participating students and allow them to see how the skills they are learning are transferable to the workplace.  The day provides companies with an opportunity to showcase their work and to connect with members of tomorrow’s workforce.  Employees can demonstrate how they work and the skills and knowledge they require to work effectively.

What Can Parents/Guardians/Caregivers Do to Assist?

Please encourage your Grade 9 student to become enthusiastically involved.

• Please ensure that the Take Our Kids to Work Day Permission Form is signed and returned to their Period 4 classroom teacher by the following date: November 2nd, 2026.
• Electronic copies of  the permission are linked below
• If students have difficulty finding an appropriate placement, please have them see a Guidance Counsellor before October 23rd, 2026.
• Encourage your place of employment to endorse this program and to consider offering an invitation not only to Grade 9 children of employees but to other Grade 9 students who could benefit from the experience.
• For more information, review the Family Guide HERE. 

This initiative is a beneficial one from all perspectives - workplaces, educators, parents, guardians and most importantly, our youth.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Sincerely,

The GDHS Guidance Department