Created by the Canadian Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a nationwide movement that honours those who have been impacted by cancer while raising funds for life-saving research. At St. FX, more than 240 students participated, each committing to raise a minimum of $100. To reach their fundraising goals, students showed their creativity and commitment to the cause. Some collected donations from family and friends, while others raised funds by mowing lawns, walking dogs, and organizing other community-based initiatives.

The idea to bring Relay for Life to St. FX was introduced by students in Ms. Johnston’s Sports Leadership class. What began as a classroom discussion quickly grew into a school-wide initiative.

“Relay for Life had been discussed in our Sports Leadership class before, and this year there was a lot of interest in making it happen,” said Makayla Turjuman, Grade 12 student and member of the planning committee. “After learning more about the impact of the event, we were committed to bringing it to life.”

Chloe LaPlante, fellow classmate and committee member added, “Many students in our class have been affected by cancer in some way, whether personally or through family and friends. We had seen other schools host Relay for Life and knew it was something we wanted to bring to St. FX. It was about supporting a cause that means a lot to us and creating an opportunity for our school community to make a difference.”

Students played a leading role in every stage of the event, including fundraising, marketing, finance, and ceremony planning. The experience offered valuable opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and event-planning skills while supporting a cause that holds personal meaning for many participants.

Throughout the day, the school track became a space of celebration, remembrance, and support. Students participated in teams of 10, taking turns walking themed laps while encouraging one another and reflecting on the importance of the cause.

Among the day’s most powerful moments were the opening ceremony and Survivor Lap, which honoured cancer survivors and celebrated their strength and resilience. These moments provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the many friends, family members, and loved ones whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

The success of St. FX’s Relay for Life highlighted student leadership, community generosity, and the power of collective effort. With its overwhelming success, the school has set a strong foundation for future relays while continuing to inspire action, compassion, and hope in the fight against cancer.

The year-end celebration recognized the program’s smallest participants, also known as “Tiny Teachers,” and the important role they play in helping students understand emotions, relationships, and human development. During the celebration, Grade 7 and 8 students from St. Scholastica shared their experiences throughout the 27-week program and sang songs with families as a warm send-off.

“The impact we see on students speaks to how powerful this program is,” said Elaine Mulcahy Rolfe, Child and Youth Counsellor with HCDSB. “By focusing on the relationship between a baby and their caregiver, it brings those lessons into the classroom and helps students develop emotional literacy skills and strengthen their relationships with one another.”

For 16 years, HCDSB has partnered with families to bring Roots of Empathy into elementary schools across the system. Led by Child and Youth Counsellors (CYCs) and Designated Early Childhood Educators (DECEs), the program has supported more than 700 students this year.

About the Roots of Empathy Program

At the beginning of the school year, “Tiny Teachers” and their caregivers are paired with a designated classroom that they visit monthly. During these visits, students gather around the program’s signature “Green Blanket,” and witness the baby’s growth as they reach developmental milestones such as rolling over, clapping, and communicating their needs.

that children who participate in Roots of Empathy demonstrate decreased aggressive behaviours, including bullying, and increased prosocial behaviours such as empathy, sharing, and helping others. Through observation, students learn to recognize and label the baby’s feelings and can begin to reflect on their own, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of others.

As HCDSB celebrates another year of the Roots of Empathy program, we are reminded that learning can come from unexpected places – even from the youngest members of our community. Thank you to all the families who generously volunteered their time to participate in this year’s program.

Become a Roots of Empathy Family

HCDSB is currently seeking volunteer families to participate in Roots of Empathy for the 2026-2027 school year.

Families with a baby who will be between two and four months old by October 2026, are invited to consider becoming a Roots of Empathy Family. For more information about the program, please contact Elaine Mulcahy Rolfe by email at MulcahyRolfeE@hcdsb.org.

The event is St. FX’s largest musical showcase of the year and brought together nearly 200 students from the school’s music program. Under the direction of Ms. Karen Caruana-Darling and Mr. Carlo Pedulla, the evening featured a variety of ensembles, including the Senior Concert Band, Junior Band, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, Vocalists, and Choir. Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to an impressive variety of performances that highlighted different musical styles and genres.

The annual tradition gives students the spotlight to share their talents and love of music with family, friends, staff, and the wider community all while celebrating a year of musical growth and achievement. Behind each performance were months of preparation. Students dedicated time to developing their musical skills by attending weekly practice, with some even committing their personal time to further develop their craft.

The event also served as a special farewell for graduating students, many of whom have acted as mentors for younger students. It was a celebration of the strong sense of community and friendship that has grown within the St. FX music program. Students supported one another throughout the evening, while families and friends filled the theatre with encouragement and applause.

St. FX’s 13^th Annual Music Night was a wonderful showcase of student talent, creativity, and dedication. Congratulations to the student performers, Ms. Caruana-Darling, Mr. Pedulla, and everyone who helped create an evening that entertained, inspired, and showcased the incredible musical talent within the St. FX school community.

What is the Business Leadership Conference?

Notre Dame’s Business Leadership Conference is a student-run event organized by the school’s . Under the guidance of their teachers, students plan and execute every aspect of the conference, from selecting the theme and speakers to coordinating the day’s activities. The event offers interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and a keynote presentation designed to inspire attendees, encourage personal growth, and connect students with industry leaders.

Each year, Business Leadership students select a theme that shapes the conference experience. This year’s theme, Enlighten, encouraged students to learn more about themselves, reflect on their aspirations, and consider how they can make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Celebrating Community Excellence

A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of the , which recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and make positive contributions to the Notre Dame community. The awards, established in 2008, honour previous and current Notre Dame faculty members and graduates.

An Inspiring Keynote Address

Over the past 24 years, the conference has welcomed an impressive roster of keynote speakers who have shared their experiences. This year’s conference featured a highly anticipated keynote address from actor, musician, and producer Penn Badgley, best known for his roles in You and Gossip Girl. Badgley spoke candidly about success, personal growth, and his experience navigating the entertainment industry from a young age. His thought-provoking presentation featured a Q&A session where attendees connected directly with him and gained a deeper understanding of his journey.

The conference offered both attendees and student organizers valuable experiences, fresh perspectives, and new connections. The 24th Annual Business Leadership Conference once again showed the impact of student leadership, experiential learning, and the value of opportunities that inspire young leaders to discover their potential.

During the ceremony, candidates recited the Oath of Citizenship and received their certificates from Judge Anthony Blair. Family members, friends, dignitaries, and HCDSB staff joined in the celebration as speakers reflected on the meaning of belonging and community, some sharing their own personal connections to immigration. The ceremony concluded with a special performance of O Canada, sung by the St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School Choir.

For many, the day represented years of dedication, perseverance, and hope. It emphasized the value of civic participation and the shared responsibility of building an inclusive society.

Hosted at Thomas Merton, the event also highlighted the centre’s commitment to lifelong learning, newcomer support, and community connection. New citizens were warmly welcomed and celebrated for the perspectives and contributions they bring to Canada and to the places they now call home.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a reception, offering an opportunity to share congratulations, and celebrate this important milestone together.

HCDSB is honoured to support initiatives that build connections recognize the diverse journeys and experiences that strengthen the fabric of our communities across Halton.

The wind phone was installed at Lighthouse and officially unveiled on May 7, 2026, during a gathering that brought together students, staff, and community members.

What is a Wind Phone?

A wind phone is an unconnected phone, installed in a quiet, reflective space. People grieving the loss of a loved one can use the phone as comforting way to express their emotions, offering an opportunity for healing.

The project was the result of an ongoing partnership between Lighthouse and the 91proĘÓƵ (HCDSB). The idea to create a wind phone was first introduced by Lighthouse’s Program and Services Committee, and students from Bishop Reding’s Woodshop Club were invited to bring the vision to life.

A shared goal throughout the project was ensuring students played a central role in creating something special that would support other youth and families in the community.

Students Matteo Mayer and Lucas Freitas, who worked on the project alongside their woodshop teacher Sam Mamone, attended the unveiling to officially install the wind phone and see the impact of their work firsthand. “Working on the wind phone has meant a lot to us. Giving back to the community was our main driving force with this project,” shared Lucas.

Both students expressed their appreciation for the work Lighthouse does and their hope that the wind phone will provide comfort and encouragement to those who use it. “I think the Lighthouse community is amazing, and the wind phone is a great motivator for people to start speaking about problems they may be going through,” said Matteo.

Teacher Sam Mamone spoke about the importance of community involvement within the Woodshop Club. “There’s always a way to give back. It comes with the shoes you wear as a woodshop teacher, and I want to teach my students those lessons early.”

This project is a powerful example of youth supporting youth. With the creation of the wind phone, the community now has a dedicated space to reflect, remember, and begin to heal while navigating grief and loss.

Thank you to the Bishop Reding Woodshop Club, Lighthouse for Grieving Children and Families, Lighthouse Programs and Services Committee, and everyone involved in bringing the vision of the wind phone to life.

What is Catholic Education Week?

Celebrated each year in May, Catholic Education Week recognizes the important role of Catholic education across Ontario. Throughout the week, schools across the 91proĘÓƵ (HCDSB) take part in activities that promote faith, learning, and service.

Learn more about Catholic Education Week

The Bishop’s visit began at St. Timothy, where he met with students and staff before participating in Journeying with Jesus, a yearly tradition celebrated across HCDSB schools during Catholic Education Week. The group then walked to Notre Dame, where they were welcomed by students and staff and shared lunch together. The gathering provided an opportunity to ask questions, share stories, and build connections.

After lunch, Bishop Dabrowski visited Notre Dame’s specialized programs, including Green Industries, Life Skills, and Construction. During his classroom visits, students and teachers shared about the hands-on projects they have been working on throughout the school year, including initiatives that support and give back to local communities. Students proudly spoke about their learning experiences, the skills they are developing and the meaningful impact of their work beyond the classroom.

The day ended with a Liturgy where students, staff, and guests gathered in prayer and reflection. The celebration included a blessing, dedication to Our Lady in Bloom, and the praying of one decade of the Rosary to bring Bishop Dabrowski’s visit to a memorable close.

Thank you to the students and staff at St. Timothy and Notre Dame for helping make Bishop Dabrowski’s visit so memorable. A special thank you to Bishop Dabrowski and the Diocese of Hamilton for spending the day with our school communities in celebration of Catholic Education Week!

BASEF is open to all Grades 7-12 students from Halton Region, Hamilton, Haldimand County, Norfolk County, the County of Brant and Six Nations. The fair attracts over 500 students per year, with $300,000 worth of prizes awarded to those with the top science and engineering projects!

BASEF provides opportunities for students to compete at national and international levels. Congratulations to our incredibly talented student participants and winners!

2026 Award Winners:

Learn more about .

Creating Space to Learn and Belong

Organized by the Human Rights and Equity team, the symposium invited students to engage in interactive workshops, thoughtful discussions, and hands-on activities. The event’s theme, Take Space–Make Space, encouraged students to “take space” by expressing their identities with confidence, and to “make space” by listening, learning, and uplifting those around them.

Learning Together Through Experience

Students from each elementary school across HCDSB attended alongside staff advisors, forming a diverse group of learners ready to share perspectives and ideas. Throughout the day, community partners led engaging workshops that encouraged collaboration, reflection, and creative problem-solving.

Together, students explored the following workshops:

Introduction to Leadership
A training session focused on promoting healthy, positive, and active communities. Students learn how to develop their leadership skills, maintain positive connections, and become active contributors to their communities.

Power of Diversity
Through storytelling and group activities, students gained an understanding of how different perspectives strengthen communities. The workshop encouraged creativity, curiosity, and insight on the unique experiences each person brings.

“Nothing About Us Without Us” – Community-Based Research Skills for Collective Problem-Solving
Interactive workshop where students examined real-life challenges in their school communities and discussed ways to be part of positive change. They explored how different voices can come together to shape solutions and how students can play an active role in decision-making.

The Elementary Student Equity Symposium offered a space of belonging to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you to the students, staff, volunteers, and community partners whose time, care, and collaboration made this event possible. By coming together in this way, we continue to nurture a community where everyone can grow, achieve, and feel a true sense of belonging.

Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of engaging and meaningful learning experiences that focused on healthy living and informed decision-making, closely aligned with the expectations of the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum. Sessions invited students to explore wellness through a holistic lens, integrating Catholic faith perspectives with learning about mental health and well-being, mindfulness, nutrition, and physical activity. One student reflected on the experience, sharing that it was “really important learning about online safety,” highlighting the relevance of the sessions to their everyday lives.

Interactive workshops also highlighted Indigenous teachings about living in balance through art, encouraged healthy choices around screen time and social media use, and supported students in learning how to respond positively when mistakes happen. These rich learning opportunities empowered students to reflect, connect, and build practical skills they can carry into their daily lives.

“The idea for this day developed from a review of our Student Achievement Planning data and the HCDSB MYSP plan,” said conference coordinators, Jaclyn Priest-Brown and Vanessa Hurley. “We built a day focused on unplugging and making connections that would give our intermediate students a variety of practical learning tools and strategies they could apply inside and outside of the classroom.”  

Feedback from both students and educators was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the relevance of the sessions and the inspiring atmosphere of the conference. As one student simply put it, “It was a great day, and I’d recommend this conference to everyone!”

The success of this inaugural event underscores HCDSB’s ongoing commitment to nurturing healthy, active, and faith-filled learning communities.