Celebrating Education Week 2026: Spotlighting the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The Halton District School Board joins school boards across Ontario in celebrating Education Week from May 4-8, 2026. This week provides an opportunity to showcase the meaningful work taking place across HDSB schools and workspaces, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of students, staff and the broader school community.
Throughout the week, the HDSB is sharing stories and initiatives that demonstrate how the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) is shaping learning environments and supporting student success and well-being.
Today, Monday, May 4, we are Spotlighting the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan and sharing how the commitments in the MYSP are being put into practice through meaningful actions across HDSB schools and workplaces to support positive outcomes for students and staff.
Introducing the MYSP
In December 2024, shortly after the new plan was launched, Chair Collard and Director Ennis visited with students, staff and community members to talk about the plan.
In January 2025, in an episode of the Director’s Panel series, we unpacked and explored the new Multi-Year Strategic Plan and how the six commitments it is built upon work to create inclusive and welcoming learning environments. The panel, consisting of Amy Collard, Chair of the HDSB, Joanna Oliver, Vice-Chair of the HDSB, Charlie Ochu, Student Trustee, Eleanor McIntosh and Tara Connor, Superintendents of Education, Allison Ippolito, Superintendent of Human Resources, Gabriela Echeverria, System Principal of Indigenous Rights & Education, along with Director Ennis and Human Rights & Equity Advisor Pardeep Nagra, discussed the development and implementation of the plan. The group explored how this plan will be brought to life inside and outside classrooms to support the achievement and well-being of all and guide students toward a bright and successful future.
It’s been inspiring to see how our schools and workspace are already bringing this plan to life. Here are some examples from this school year:
Halton Skills Competition
The 34th annual Halton Skills Competition brought together more than 1,200 elementary and secondary students from across the region to showcase their talents in a dynamic, hands-on environment that extends learning far beyond the classroom. From LEGO robotics and animation to welding, automotive technology and architectural design, students at every level connected classroom learning to real-world skills and careers, aligning with the HDSB's commitment to Learning, Engagement and Achievement.
T.A. Blakelock HS Students Attract Investors with Innovation Designed to Protect Marine Life
Three Grade 11 students in the I-STEM program at T.A. Blakelock HS are earning widespread recognition for an innovative project designed to reduce accidental shark capture. Emmy Nah, Amrutha Kosuri and Veera Kalsi created Bye-Catch, a fishing net designed with recycled materials that uses electromagnets and blue LEDs to deter sharks without affecting fish. What began as a Grade 9 innovation assignment has evolved into a fully developed entrepreneurial project that has attracted investor funding, pitch opportunities and strong interest from business and community leaders across Ontario.
Learn more: https://www.hdsb.ca/news-spotlight-on-schools/posts/ta-blakelock-hs-students-attract-investors-with-innovation-designed-to-protect-marine-life/ Maclean's
Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS Student's Bionic Turtle Robot Wins National and International Science Awards
Evan Budz, a Grade 10 student from Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS, is earning top national and international honours for his innovative science project. Evan won first prize at both the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton and the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Riga, Latvia. His project has garnered significant media attention, with features on CP24 and CBC.
Students from Aldershot School Secure $15,000 for Local Charities Through Burlington Community Foundation
What began as a classroom assignment became a chance for students to connect with their community, support meaningful causes and see firsthand the difference they can make. Students at Aldershot School took philanthropy beyond the classroom this year, turning research into real-world impact through the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).
