Kindness, Connection and Community
What This Commitment Means
We’re building a culture rooted in kindness that strengthens trust, empathy and respect across our organization. This includes supporting grassroots efforts that nurture compassionate spaces, modeling positive and respectful behaviour and deepening relationships among students, staff, families and the broader community so our schools remain welcoming, connected places for everyone.
Highlights from 2024-2025
- Began system-wide implementation of the HDSB Kind Campaign, setting a unified direction for building kindness across schools and workplaces.
- Launched the We Are HDSB video series, celebrating students, staff, families and community members. These stories highlight everyday acts of kindness, connection and belonging, offering an authentic look into life in HDSB schools.
- Continued development of new websites and communication tools to improve clarity, accessibility and timely information-sharing.
- Strengthened partnerships with municipalities, police services and the Ministry to support coordinated communication during critical issues.
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 students and staff reported high perceptions of kindness, establishing a strong baseline for this MYSP commitment.
- Fashion Forward program allows HDSB students to access free, donated formal wear for prom and graduation season
- HDSB Trustees and senior staff raise funds and awareness for HLF month
- Abbey Park HS participated in Pink Shirt Day to support a positive school environment
- White Oaks SS prepares free meals for those in need in the local community
- Recap of the 38th annual Special Athletics Track Meet at Garth Webb SS
- HDSB I-STEM students winning top national honours in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
By The Numbers
Kindness Perceptions
- Kindergarten to Grade 3 (parent/guardian report): 96% agree that adults model kindness in school, and 97% agree students are encouraged to be kind in school.
- Grade 4–8 students: 91% agree that adults model kindness in school, and 95% agree that students are encouraged to be kind in school.
- Grade 9–12 students: 88% agree that adults model kindness in school, and 90% agree that students are encouraged to be kind in school.
- Staff: 90% report that kindness happens regularly in the workplace, and 95% say they are encouraged to be kind.
Bullying
- Grade 4–8: Increase in reported experiences of physical, verbal, social and sexual bullying.
- Grade 9–12: Notable decreases across every bullying category.
Belonging & Safety
- Student perceptions of teacher care remain very high (88–94%).
- Sense of belonging and safety dipped slightly across both elementary and secondary.
What’s Next
- Launch The Connection Effect: Service Leadership course for staff to deepen relational leadership.
- Implement the HDSB Kind Campaign, including new messaging, consultation opportunities and storytelling features.
- Increase targeted prevention and intervention strategies for elementary bullying.
- Strengthen belonging and safety initiatives, especially in grades where declines were noted.
- Keep growing communication channels and community partnerships to support trust and connection.
2024-2025 Director’s Annual Report Sections
Six Commitments to Student Success
