Colin Hinds of Brampton, ON, Longtime Alternative Education Teacher with Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, Has Died
Brampton, ON – The educational community in Brampton and across Ontario is mourning the loss of a remarkable and beloved teacher, Colin Hinds. A dedicated educator with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB), Hinds passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to helping at-risk students succeed.
For over 22 years, Colin Hinds faithfully served the DPCDSB as an Alternative Education teacher, starting in September 2002. Based in Brampton, Ontario, Hinds worked with both at-risk and mainstream secondary school students, providing them with mentorship, academic support, and life skills guidance. His mission was clear—to offer students who faced adversity the tools and encouragement they needed to graduate and thrive.
A Lifelong Commitment to Education and Empowerment
Colin Hinds was more than just a teacher—he was a mentor, a role model, and a lifeline for students who often felt left behind by traditional education systems. Through his work in Alternative Education, Hinds built lasting relationships with students by showing them patience, respect, and unwavering belief in their potential.
His approach combined academic rigor with real-world empathy. Whether it was helping a student navigate personal hardships or finding creative ways to make learning more accessible, Hinds went above and beyond his professional duties. Former students and colleagues have described him as “an educator who truly cared,” someone who “never gave up on a single student.”
Educational Background: Wilfrid Laurier and University of Windsor
Colin Hinds was an alumnus of both Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Windsor. His academic background prepared him not only with knowledge but with a strong foundation in community service, leadership, and student advocacy. These values were evident in every classroom he entered and every life he touched.
His career with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board was marked by consistency, excellence, and an ongoing dedication to the Catholic values of compassion, respect, and service. The school board, headquartered in Mississauga, ON, oversees schools in Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga, and surrounding areas.
Mourning a Profound Loss
News of Colin Hinds’ death has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from across the DPCDSB community and beyond. Teachers, administrators, and students alike have expressed their condolences and shared personal memories of how Colin impacted their lives.
In a public statement, a DPCDSB representative wrote:
“Colin’s passing is a profound loss to our school board. His work in Alternative Education changed lives. He was the kind of teacher who made you believe in second chances, in growth, and in hope.”
Social media has since been filled with heartfelt tributes from former students who credit Hinds with helping them finish high school, avoid harmful paths, and pursue their goals.
A Legacy That Lives On
While details surrounding Colin Hinds’ death and funeral arrangements have not yet been released, the legacy he leaves behind is undeniable. In a world where Alternative Education often goes unrecognized, Colin stood out as a champion for every student, regardless of their background or circumstances.
He leaves behind not just a gap in the faculty of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, but a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who had the privilege of learning from and working alongside him.
The Brampton community will remember Colin Hinds as a beacon of hope and resilience—a teacher who truly made a difference.
Final Thoughts
The passing of Colin Hinds is a reminder of the profound impact educators can have on their communities. His decades of service in Brampton and throughout the DPCDSB reflect a career built on compassion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to student success.
As we reflect on the life of Colin Hinds, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students. May his memory continue to inspire educators and students for generations to come.
