HDSB Director’s Panel Series

HDSB families, students, staff and community members are invited to a panel series to explore issues and themes impacting students and education today. Sessions are led by Director of Education Curtis Ennis and Human Rights & Equity Advisor Pardeep Nagra. Throughout the year, panelists in the Director’s Panel Series may include HDSB students, parents/guardians and subject-matter experts.

Upcoming Sessions:

Celebrating Excellence in Learning, Engagement and Achievement

Monday, Oct. 27 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Celebrating Excellence in Learning, Engagement and Achievement showcases how the HDSB delivers a fulsome education experience by creating vibrant learning environments where students are inspired and supported to thrive in their pursuit of academic excellence. This session will explore how the HDSB prioritizes strong foundational and core learning that equips students for success both in the classroom and beyond, while developing transferable skills and providing opportunities for students to pursue individual interests and pathways.

Panelists joining the session to discuss how HDSB schools support students in their academic pursuits will include Amy Collard, Chair of the HDSB, Dr. Tara Connor, Superintendent of Education, Sumona Roy, System Principal of School Programs, as well as students who can share firsthand insights into the outcomes occurring in schools.

Those interested in attending the event are invited to submit a question to the panel before the session through this Google Form.

Past Director's Panel Series Sessions

May 26, 2025 - Indigenous Rights and Education: A Shared Responsibility

Indigenous Rights and Education: A Shared Responsibility will explore the ways in which the HDSB promotes Indigenous Rights through education for students and staff that advances knowledge of true history, responsibilities and reconciliation, while amplifying Indigenous voices and addressing systemic barriers to support the achievement of Indigenous students. Join us as we discuss our shared responsibility and commitment to Indigenous Rights as outlined in the HDSB’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Joining the session as panelists will be members of the HDSB’s Indigenous Rights and Education Department.

April 7, 2025 - Strengthening Schools Through Kindness, Connection and Community

Strengthening Schools Through Kindness, Connection and Community
Monday, April 7 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Strengthening Schools Through Kindness, Connection and Community will explore the HDSB’s commitment to Kindness, Connection and Community, as outlined in the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, and how it is being brought to life in our schools and workspaces through meaningful actions. Join us as we discuss how centring a culture of kindness in learning and working environments supports staff and student success and well-being, creating a genuine sense of belonging and the conditions for students to thrive.

Note: Opinions and views expressed by guest speakers in the Director's Panel Series may not reflect the values of the Halton District School Board. The Director's Panel Series provides an opportunity to create awareness of multiple perspectives of insight and analysis on how individual identities can be reflected and engaged.

January 13, 2025 - Delving into the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan

Delving into the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan

In this session, we unpacked and explored the HDSB’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan and how the six commitments it is built upon work to create inclusive and welcoming learning environments. The panel discussed how this plan will be brought to life inside and outside classrooms to support the achievement and well-being of all and guide students toward a bright and successful future.

Note: Opinions and views expressed by guest speakers in the Director's Panel Series may not reflect the values of the Halton District School Board. The Director's Panel Series provides an opportunity to create awareness of multiple perspectives of insight and analysis on how individual identities can be reflected and engaged.

October 21, 2024 - Schools, Human Rights and the Canadian Charter

Schools, Human Rights and the Canadian Charter
Held on Monday, Oct. 21 from 6 - 7 p.m.

In this session we explored how human rights and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are applied within HDSB schools. We discussed emerging challenges and considered best practices for upholding human rights in a way that supports both individual freedoms and the collective well-being of our school communities.