Minister of Education, Liz Sandals with Halton Catholic students.

On Wednesday, September 3, 2014, the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) welcomed Education Minister, Liz Sandals to Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Burlington. The event served as an opportunity for students and staff to showcase the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program available at Notre Dame, and to share some of the great initiatives available in Catholic Education.

Minister Sandals was greeted by friendly students and staff as they guided her into a tour of the Horticulture, Landscaping, and Agri-Business classroom and greenhouse. In addition, teacher, Allan Nason presented the collaborative and innovative work occurring within his class, and the positive learning outcomes for students involved in SHSMs at the school.

Following the classroom tour, the Minister of Education held a press conference where she made a special announcement about the government’s commitment to expand and enhance the SHSM program in Ontario schools. The tour and special announcement by Minister Sandals demonstrated how the Catholic community has provided exceptional educational experiences to students in Ontario!

This year, we have added four new SHSMs: Construction at Christ the King Catholic Secondary School in Georgetown; Hospitality and Culinary Arts, alsoat Christ the King Catholic Secondary School; Hospitality and Culinary Arts at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School in Oakville; and Sport Performance at Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Milton.  More information on the Board’s SHSM program is available on the Board’s website at: http://ow.ly/B88b0.