Bernie Custis Secondary School is the newest high school in the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board. Opening in Fall 2019, the school is a 160,000 square foot, three-storey building with capacity for 1,250 students. The site features a green space and a unique partnership with the City of Hamilton that provides state-of-the-art physical education opportunities for its students. Nearby amenities include the adjacent Tim Hortons field, Jimmy Thompson pool, and the new City of Hamilton Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre.
Principal: Timothy Powell /tjpowell@hwdsb.on.ca
Vice-Principals: Krista Brodersen / kbroders@hwdsb.on.ca, Sirio Vacca / svacca@hwdsb.on.ca ,
Michael Grover/mgrover@hwdsb.on.ca
Superintendent: Gerry Smith/gersmit@hwdsb.on.ca
Trustee: Marie Felix Miller / mfmiller@hwdsb.on.ca
School Council Chair: TBD
Our School
Bernie Custis Secondary School is located in the East end of Hamilton, Ontario,Canada. BCSS is a new school, established in September 2019, was named after Bernie Custis, who was a former football quarterback in both American and Canadian leagues. Mr. Custis was known to be the first Black quarterback in modern era. He was also a football coach in the city of Hamilton and at McMaster University in Hamilton. Mr. Custis was also an educator, having taught in the Hamilton Board of Education, for many years. The values and the spirit of Mr Custis has shaped the school culture. The Bernie Custis Culture Code reads: Students, teachers and staff seek to know and help each other; we are in inclusive school where we work to make positive interactions happen; our behaviours are kind and intentional, so all may feel safe and learn.
At Bernie Custis, we offer a broad range of educational programs, supporting all possible learning pathways. We offer three Graduated support classes to prepare students for independent living after completing their secondary school experience. Bernie Custis has 3 Specialist High Skills Major programs, Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness and Hospitality & Tourism. English Language Learners will find our ESL/ELD programs supportive for their language acquisition and educational needs.
School Direction (2021-2022):
Bernie Custis staff is committed to creating the conditions for equitable outcomes for students. At the core of our school’s direction, is our dedication to prioritizing and centering students and student voice. We recognize that students need to access their learning at multiple points of entry and may require supports that recognize their various learning needs and lived experiences. Our BCSS School Direction includes commonly shared approaches to making instruction and assessment student-centered, supportive, and flexible.
