Spotlight on Schools

Grade 10 Burlington Central School student, Josephine Ankomah, was recently crowned the Canadian National Brain Bee Champion, earning the opportunity to represent Canada at the International Brain Bee World Championship this November after competing against more than 800 competitors. She will also complete a neuroscience laboratory internship at McMaster University this summer.

Students across the Halton District School Board (HDSB) had the opportunity to learn from internationally recognized Indigenous rights and water advocate Autumn Peltier during a series of school visits in June. As part of her visit to Halton, Peltier met with students and staff across Burlington, Oakville and Milton, sharing her experiences as a water protector and encouraging young people to use their voices to create positive change.

Aahan Ghode, a Grade 12 student from Iroquois Ridge High School, has been selected as a 2026 Schulich Leader, one of Canada’s most prestigious STEM scholarships. Recognized for his academic excellence, leadership and entrepreneurial mindset, Aahan will receive a Schulich Leader Scholarship worth $120,000 to pursue his post-secondary studies in computer engineering.

Following a highly successful run at the regional Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF) earlier this spring, students from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) have taken their innovative projects to the national stage, earning prestigious accolades at the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF).

Halton District School Board students took centre stage at this year’s National Theatre School (NTS) DramaFest, capturing major provincial accolades, thousands of dollars in scholarships and a coveted spot in the provincial showcase.

Grade 11 student Jonah Lim-Tran turned his passion for STEM into meaningful action by founding a Makers Making Change club at T. A. Blakelock HS. The club produces assistive devices for individuals and organizations across Canada, helping improve accessibility for people living with disabilities.

Students from across the Halton District School Board's (HDSB) Community Pathways Programs (CPP) came together at Nelson High School for the first Futures CPP Athletics Day, a celebration of connection and achievement that marked the culmination of a year of shared experiences and learning.

This spring, two designs created by students in Iwona Kulpa's Grade 5/6 class at James W. Hill Public School were chosen for the Bronte BIA Muskoka Chair Project, an initiative that brings uniquely painted Muskoka chairs to Bronte's waterfront. What began as a classroom project evolved into a meaningful art installation that will be displayed along the lakeshore for years to come.

Students from across the Halton District School Board returned home from MusicFest Canada Nationals this month with seven gold awards, a remarkable result that reflects the depth and quality of instrumental music education across HDSB schools.

More than 80 Grade 7 and 8 students from across the Halton District School Board gathered at Viola Desmond Public School on May 28 for the annual Halton Youth Leadership Symposium (HYLS), an evening dedicated to developing leadership skills, fostering community and creating meaningful connections.