Spotlight on Schools

Kindness. Connection. Community. These are the guiding principles that shape Curtis Ennis’ leadership as Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. They are also what earned him the 2026 Community Builders Award from BurlingtonToday.

Elementary students with special education needs from across the Halton District School Board recently participated in a series of Sports Festivals at the Milton Velodrome. Held over multiple days in October and March, the events brought together young athletes for a unique opportunity to engage in physical activity tailored to their specific strengths.

When the Toronto Sceptres hit the ice, they aren’t just representing the city: they are showcasing the deep pool of talent nurtured within the Halton District School Board. In a remarkable alignment, three HDSB alumni earned spots on the Sceptres' 2025-26 roster, turning professional dreams into reality while remaining deeply connected to their local roots.

The Young Women in Leadership club at Abbey Park High School recently hosted its annual International Women’s Day Breakfast. With tables adorned in floral arrangements and a spread featuring everything from fruit and cheeses to pastries, the event brought together approximately 120 attendees, including elementary students from Heritage Glen and Pilgrim Wood public schools.

Students at Abbey Park High School in Oakville recently demonstrated how technology and compassion can work hand-in-hand, building more than 80 devices for children with disabilities as part of the Hacking for the Holidays campaign.

Breaking five GHAC (Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference) records—one of which had stood for two decades—and earning two individual OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) gold medals, this year the T.A. Blakelock swim team has cemented its place in school history.

T.A. Blakelock High School student Michael Ekeng recently had the unique opportunity to share his work on CBC Radio’s Here and Now with Farrah Merali. Michael was interviewed about his role in the “We Are Canada” exhibit, a student-led project celebrating Black professionals in the Greater Toronto Area for Black History Month.

As hospitalist and firm chief of the Robinson Firm at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Kanjee is creating positive impact through patient care and education. “I feel very lucky to have a role where I can care for patients and also teach the next generation of doctors,” Dr. Kanjee says.

Energy and anticipation filled the room as approximately 150 students from nine HDSB high schools gathered for the annual Arrive and Thrive Conference. The day-long event focused on well-being, identity and building a sense of community among newcomer and international students, providing a space for meaningful learning and connection.

Students, families and staff gathered at Rattlesnake Point Public School on Feb. 26 for Brilliant Black Futures: A Celebration in Honour of Black History Month.

The event prioritized meaningful connection and learning, bringing together members of the community to celebrate Black excellence and learn about how the HDSB supports Black students and families.