Public school board ready to welcome back more than 67,000 students in Oakville, Milton, Burlington

Tens of thousands of public school students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Oakville, Milton, Burlington and Halton Hills will be heading back to school next week.

And the Halton District School Board wants them to know they’re ready for the first day of school on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

“I want to extend a warm welcome to our more than 67,000 students and nearly 11,000 staff as we share in the excitement, possibilities and enthusiasm that a new school year brings,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “We are proud that the Board is a place where everyone belongs, a place where students can feel safe and united in their love of learning and discovery, and a place where empathy, kindness, inclusivity and student success is at the centre of everything we do.”

Tuesday, Sept. 3 is a PA Day and staff will be engaged in professional development to further strengthen skills in their roles to bring quality education to students.

“Whether you’re returning to class or joining us for the first time, we want you to know this is a place where you belong, and we thank you for choosing us to support your education,” says Amy Collard, chair of the Halton District School Board. “We are committed to ensuring our schools are environments where every student can thrive and see themselves reflected in their learning. We remain focused on providing a culture of kindness, respect, inclusivity and excellence in every classroom.”

The HDSB’s 2,915 elementary teachers, 1,407 secondary teachers and 2,610 non-teaching and support staff, as well as more than 200 principals and vice-principals have been busy outfitting classrooms, cleaning buildings and organizing schedules in preparation for a productive, engaging and fulfilling school year.

“Over the last 12 months, the HDSB has completed almost $30 million in capital renewal and maintenance across the region including new roofing, windows, electrical, mechanical, building automation, accessibility and paving upgrades,” said a spokesperson.

“More than $170 million of new school construction is approved and in design or construction. All of this work is in addition to summer cleaning and preventative maintenance work completed in preparation for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.”

To make the beginning of a new school year as smooth as possible, parents/guardians can visit the Board’s Welcome to a New School Year webpage for helpful tips and resources including links to information on transportation, before and after school care, mental health and well-being resources and more.