Halton District School Board welcomes students and staff to a new school year on Wednesday, Sept. 3
Aug. 28, 2025 - The Halton District School Board (HDSB) looks forward to welcoming approximately 65,000 Kindergarten to Grade 12 students on the first day of school on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025.
View a Welcome to a New School Year message from Chair Amy Collard and Director of Education Curtis Ennis.
To make the beginning of a new school year as smooth as possible, parents/guardians can visit the HDSB Welcome to a New School Year webpage for helpful information and resources about transportation, before and after school care, getting involved in your child’s school, mental health and well-being resources and more.
Across the HDSB, more than 2,870 elementary teachers, 1,360 secondary teachers, 2,400 support staff and 230 principals and vice-principals have been hard at work getting classrooms and learning spaces ready, and organizing schedules to prepare for a successful school year. Tuesday, Sept. 2 is a PA Day and staff across the HDSB will be engaged in professional development to further strengthen their skills, support the Ontario Ministry of Education’s priorities and bring quality education to Halton students.
The HDSB is excited to welcome students, families and staff to Harvest Oak Public School, opening this year as a brand-new elementary school in Oakville. Harvest Oak PS is opening as a Sustainable Future School (SFS) and will accommodate more than 750 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. The three-story accessible school features innovative learning spaces with significant natural light, an open-concept library, a music room, a stage and gym. The school, located adjacent to a city park, also has five childcare rooms which will accommodate 88 students.
HDSB parents/guardians and students interested in learning about secondary program opportunities in the HDSB are invited to the HDSB Open House on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton. The event will be an interactive experience for families to learn more about secondary school academics, co-curriculars, programs and pathways and more.
Quotes
“We warmly welcome all students to a new school year – whether it’s your very first day of school or you are returning for another year – we are thrilled to have you with us for a year filled with meaningful and engaging learning,” says Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “We are committed to providing every student with the support and resources needed to succeed. Guided by our 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, we remain focused on creating engaging learning spaces where every student feels inspired to explore, discover and pursue their passions while growing as confident, lifelong learners. Thank you for choosing the HDSB to support your education. We look forward to sharing a year filled with growth and success together.”
“As a new school year begins, we are reminded of the incredible opportunities ahead for students,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “At the HDSB, our focus is on preparing students for their futures by ensuring they build a strong foundation that will set them up for lasting success in all their endeavours beyond the classroom. We remain committed to delivering the highest standard of education and creating learning environments where every student can achieve academic excellence. By providing the resources students need and equipping staff with the tools to inspire and guide, we are shaping classrooms that encourage curiosity, celebrate achievement and support each learner on their unique learning journey. We can't wait to celebrate the many successes that lie ahead.”
HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 65,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.
Background resources
2025-2026 School Year Calendar
For additional information, contact: Amy Mejia, Communications Specialist
