Halton District School Board welcomes students and staff to a new school year
Sept. 8, 2026 - The Halton District School Board (HDSB) welcomes approximately 64,000 Kindergarten to Grade 12 students today, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026 for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
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 2,800 elementary teachers, 1,300 secondary teachers, 2,300 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.
HDSB parents/guardians and students interested in learning about secondary program opportunities in the HDSB are invited to the HDSB Secondary School Open House on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton. This interactive event is designed to help students in Grades 6–10 and their families explore the full range of opportunities available across our secondary schools, including programs and pathways, academics, athletics, clubs, community and support and student life.
“We warmly welcome all students to a new school year – whether it’s your very first day of school or you are returning – we welcome you to a year filled with meaningful learning,” says Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “We are 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.”
“There is much joy and excitement for students, their families and educators as we begin the new school year,” says Curtis Ennis, Chief Executive Officer for the Halton District School Board. “We are proud of the role the HDSB plays in preparing students for their futures, ensuring they build a strong foundation that will set them up for lasting success in all their endeavours. We are ready to inspire, encourage and support students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12.”
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 64,000 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
Welcome to a New School Year
2026-2027 School Year Calendar
@HaltonDistrictSchoolBoard | @HDSBschools | @HaltonDSB | @HDSB | hdsb.ca
For additional information, contact: Jennifer Brett Fraser, Communications Specialist
communications@hdsb.ca | 905-335-3663, Toll free: 1-877-618-3456
