The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically ... intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Character Builds is HWDSB's character development initiative that will help every student strengthen their character, become caring and contributing citizens, and reach their full potential. There are 10 attributes associated with Character Builds and they are acceptance, caring, citizenship, courage, empathy, honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness.
A focus on character development includes student engagement and supporting youth empowerment, which includes building a student's capacity to learn and grow while contributing to a positive school climate and a strong community.
Character Consultations
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is committed to being open and accountable to the communities it serves through the process of open consultation. When we decided to put a greater emphasis on character development across the board, we wanted every part of this initiative to come from you - the students, staff, parents, and community.
December 2006 marked the end of our three-month consultation with staff, students, parents, and community members on the ten attributes that formed the foundation of character development in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. The attributes are acceptance, caring, citizenship, courage, empathy, honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness. This consultation was one of the largest in HWDSB history. Over 1200 individuals responded. Submissions were accepted online and in paper format. Surveys were available in 13 languages.
The consultation process confirmed how effective character education is and how enthusiastic people are towards this exciting initiative. We heard stories from those who have been touched by innovative and creative ways that teachers have been teaching character in the classroom. The stories are uplifting and inspiring. The teachings are invaluable for our students and help to reach their full potential.
Character building begins by reconnecting with the values and principles we already have as a board and now it is our job to reinforce them. Thank you to all who participated in the consultation process. We could not have done it without you!
Download our Character Builds Attributes.
