The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board recently hosted its 33rd Annual Parent Conference, themed Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness, at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School. The annual gathering brought together parents and guardians from across the Board to support them in their role as the primary educators of their children.
The event opened with greetings from Parent Conference Co-Chairs Stephanie MacDonald and Beth Dittel, who reflected on the theme Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness and reminded participants that “hope is foundational to our faith and our learning.”
Trustee John Valvasori brought greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees, welcoming His Excellency, Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, who honoured the conference with his presence in celebrating Mass, and expressing gratitude to the many parents and guardians who took part in the day.
Valvasori noted that parents and guardians were present for three meaningful reasons: because they are caring parents dedicated to their children’s educational journeys, because, as lifelong learners, they seek to deepen their knowledge and understanding of educational issues, and because their prayers and faith-filled example increase hope for all students who benefit from a true Catholic education. He reaffirmed that, as trustees, the Board remains committed to supporting parents and guardians in their efforts, with all decision-making guided by one central focus: what works best for students.
The morning began with Mass celebrated by His Excellency, Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, with music led by the Gryphon Vocal Ensemble from Annunciation of Our Lord CES. The young choir sang with joy and pride before their families gathered in support.
During his homily, Bishop Lobsinger offered blessings and reflected on the importance of knowing and sharing our faith story. Through the intercession of St. Luke, he encouraged all to “be inspired by our faith’s story as Catholics and be renewed in our desire to lift up our faith and share it with our children, to help them understand why it is important as part of who we are.” He reminded parents that “these truths are our story as Christian believers, our family history, and they shape who we are.” Drawing a connection to the day’s keynote, Bishop Lobsinger reflected on the importance of using new technologies with wisdom and discernment: “Why AI? What difference does that make? Well, because it can ruin our whole story if we do not use it properly. If we do not know who we are, we cannot possibly share ourselves with another.”
Following the celebration of Mass, Director of Education David Hansen brought greetings on behalf of Senior Administration, speaking about the shared mission of Catholic education and the importance of faith-filled partnerships between home, school, and parish. “We are called, in education, to be part of that journey with you,” he said. “Our schools, alongside our parishes and your homes, are the principal meeting point for young people with their faith. In our schools, we promise that your children will encounter Christ every single day.”
Parents and guardians then participated in a variety of workshops and exhibits designed to strengthen family faith, student well-being, and learning at home.
Workshop Offerings
• Student Success in Secondary School
• Secondary Pathways, Programs and Supports
• Fostering Hope and Holiness in the Home
• Millennial Saints
• Supporting Young Readers (PreK–2)
• Vegetarianism: To Be or Not to Be
• Triple P (Positive Parenting Program): Ages 4–12
• Triple P (Positive Parenting Program): Ages 13–18
• Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (80-minute single session)
• CONTACT Hamilton for Children’s and Developmental Services
After the workshops, participants gathered for the keynote presentation by Dean Shareski, consultant with Advanced Learning Partnerships. In his engaging talk, What Every Parent Should Know About AI, Shareski explored how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we live, work, and learn. He encouraged parents and caregivers to approach new technologies with awareness, curiosity, and discernment, recognizing both the opportunities and challenges they present for families and schools.
A light lunch followed, providing parents and guardians time to reflect, connect, and share insights from the day.
Co-Chairs Stephanie MacDonald and Beth Dittel extended heartfelt thanks to the Parent Conference Committee, workshop presenters, volunteers, and all those who contributed to the day’s success.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this year’s Parent Conference possible,” said Co-Chair Stephanie MacDonald. “The time, care, and collaboration that went into planning this event truly reflect the spirit of our Catholic community and the hope that continues to guide our families and schools.”
Rooted in faith and guided by hope, the 33rd Annual Parent Conference once again affirmed the strength of Catholic education’s partnership between home, school, and parish, and celebrated the precious gift of publicly funded Catholic education, a community walking together as true Pilgrims of Hope.
