Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board

How to Register or Change Your Support 

 

STEP 1: Confirm Your Current School Support 

Check where your school support is currently directed by: 

• Reviewing the assessment section of your tax bill or property assessment notice. 
• Calling MPAC at 1-866-296-6722 or 1-877-889-6722 (TTY). 
• Contacting the Assessment Department at 905-525-2930, Ext. 2006 or emailing [email protected]. 

 

STEP 2: Change Your School Support Designation 

You can change your support in several ways: 

Option 1: Online via MPAC 

Residential property owners or tenants registered with MPAC can view and update their school support designation online: 

👉 I am a property owner

👉 I am a tenant 

A user guide is available to help navigate the process: English | French. 

This is the most efficient method as processing typically takes 24 hours, and you’ll receive email confirmation once complete. 

 

Option 2: By Completing the Form 

If you cannot access the online portal, complete the Application for Direction of School Support (ADSS) Form. 

• Please note: MPAC does not accept digital signatures; the form must be printed on legal-size paper and physically signed. 

For instructions on how to complete the ADSS form, please see the Instructions on Completing the Application for Direction of School Support Here.

Once signed, you can submit the form in one of the following ways: 

A. Email to HWCDSB Assessment: 

• Scan (no photos) the signed form and send it to [email protected].
• The Assessment Department will ensure your roll number is added and submit it to MPAC for processing. 

B. Email to MPAC: 

• Ensure your roll number has been added and that all sections are properly completed before submission.
• MPAC Contact Information 

C. Drop Off at a Catholic School: 

Bring your completed and signed form to any Catholic school in your area — school staff will forward it to the Assessment Department on your behalf. 

 

Option 3: By Phone 

Call MPAC directly to update your designation. Changes are typically processed within 24 hours. 

 

STEP 3: Need Help? 

If you experience any technical issues while using the online portal, please contact MPAC’s Customer Contact Centre: 1-866-296-6722 or 1-877-889-6722 (TTY) 

 

Additional Information 

School Support Designation 

• Every Ontario property owner must direct their property’s school support, even if they do not have children or their children are not currently attending school. 
• By default, support is directed to the English Public School Board. 
• Tenants can also direct their support designation for the property they occupy. 
• MPAC is legislatively required to collect this information and share it with all municipalities and school boards. 

 

 

Why It Matters 

Catholic schools have been educating students in Ontario since before the birth of the province. Currently, Catholic schools offer Christ-centred learning to approximately 550,000 students in Ontario. 
 
In Hamilton, the first Catholic school was opened in 1855. Today, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board provides a quality, distinctly Catholic education to approximately 30,000 students, K to Grade 12, at 49 elementary and 7 secondary schools each year. 
 
As a Roman Catholic, you have the right to designate your support to your local Catholic School Board whether you own, rent, and have children attending school or not. 
 
It is important now as ever to come together to protect and promote the precious gift of publicly funded Catholic education, and one way to do so is by directing your school support to the separate school board.