As we step into October, I am filled with pride and excitement for all the achievements we’ve already witnessed in the first few weeks of school. From vibrant classroom discussions to dynamic extracurricular activities, our students from Grades 7 through 12 have been shining in so many ways.

October brings a season of change, reflection, and opportunity. It is a time to assess the progress made so far and set goals for the months ahead. Midterm assessments and projects are on the horizon, and I encourage each student to stay focused, manage their time well, and reach out to their teachers for support whenever needed.

This month also provides our students with opportunities to engage beyond the classroom. Our fall sports include Cross-Country Running, Volleyball, Golf and Flag Football. Other activities include Concert Band, Dungeons and Dragons Club, School Announcements. Our students have been involved in leadership initiatives including Bearcat Crew, Acton Fall Fair volunteers and Student Council. There are also opportunities for students to participate in community service projects, such as the Terry Fox Run, Orange Shirt Day and the School Green Team. These activities offer every student a chance to get involved, learn new skills, and contribute positively to our school environment.

We are placing a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being, recognizing that academic success is closely tied to personal well-being. Please make use of our counseling services and wellness resources, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you or your child needs it.

As always, I am incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm our students display every day, and of the incredible support provided by our staff. Together, we are building a community where everyone can thrive.

Wishing you a productive and fulfilling October!

Warm regards,
Mark Zonneveld
Principal (Acting)

Terry Fox Fundraiser:
Last week we held the Terry Fox run to raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation. We’re at $655 raised but donations are still trickling in! 

Also, a huge shoutout to our local Giant Tiger who is adding $500 and the Knights of Columbus for adding $150 to the pot! 

Last Monday September 30th was The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Equity Team created a number of events to help students acknowledge and reflect on the tragic history of the residential school system and the negative impacts it had on Canada’s First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Students had the opportunity to attend an “Every Child Matters” flag raising ceremony, pledge to #dosomething for reconciliation, and purchase baked goods made by the Foods classes to donate to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, of which Acton District is a Legacy School supporting this foundation throughout the year. This year we raised $150. To learn more about what it means to be a Legacy School and to help with our fundraising, please visit:
https://fundraise-for-dwf.raisely.com/acton-bearcats

Elementary Cross Country:
Students on the elementary cross country team headed to Sherwood Park in Burlington on Tuesday. Congratulations to our team; Rosey, Chloe, Zac, Ian, Cadence, Kaeleigh, Abigael, Campbell, John, Henry, Katelyn and Leland. A big thank you to Mr Bloemendal and Ms McKellar for supervising and cheering on the team!

Secondary 5th Week Reports

On October 10, 5th Week Progress Reports will be emailed to parents or guardians. Every Grade 9 student will receive an email for each of their courses. For students in Grades 10-12, 5th Week Progress Reports will be issued for any course in which, in the teacher’s professional judgment, the student’s performance and achievement requires careful attention at this early point in the semester. The 5th week report will be in the form of emails to the parents/guardians and will not have a mark assigned.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your student’s teacher to ensure steps are in place to support your student’s success at school. 

Parent interview night will take place on Thursday, October 17th beginning at 6:00 pm.  Teachers will be available in the cafeteria between 6:00 and 7:00 for informal interviews.  To book a formal interview with a teacher between 7:00 and 8:00 please contact the main office at (519) 853-2920. If you require accessibility accommodations please let us know.

Acton Bearcats Fall Swag is here!

Please place orders directly through the QR code on the poster. The online store will close on October 20,2024 and orders will arrive at the school approximately 6 weeks after that.

If you need financial support to order spirit wear or grad wear for your student, please reach out to our office directly to work together.

The Halton Hills Active Transportation/Bike it Group exist to promote safe biking in and around Halton Hills and this is the group that organizes the yearly bike swap.  What a super organization to support here in the Hills! 

Help your child prepare for adolescence

Being involved is one of the most important things you can do as a parent/guardian to help your child transition into adolescence. Involvement may look different with teens as they gain confidence and experience.

Tips on how to be an involved parent/guardian:

• Provide support. Find moments to connect during the day. Talk to your child, listen actively, and help them problem solve.

• Encourage independence. This will help them learn new skills, be responsible, improve self-esteem and give them a sense of accomplishment.

• Monitor. It’s important to know where your child is, who they are with and what they are doing

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• . This shows your child that you care and helps identify concerns early.

• Help children manage their time with a calendar. This will help them learn to juggle family life with school, friends and outside activities.

• Encourage extracurricular activities. This creates friendships, promotes active living and reduces screen time.

• Support a homework routine. Structure and routines help build lifelong habits.

• Role-model stress management skills. Take a walk, breathe deeply, read, take a hot bath, listen to music, or talk to a friend.

• Promote a healthy lifestyle. Reinforce the importance of healthy eating

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• Eat healthy meals together and be active as a family.

• Stay involved. Look for ways to stay connected as your child starts high school (e.g., join a committee, volunteer, attend school events, etc.).

For more information, visit Halton Region’s Parenting Teens web pages.

At ADS., we use School Cash Online for all payments made to the school. It is recommended that you set up your account so you are prepared for any fees that pertain to your student throughout the school year.

Some of the benefits of using School Cash Online include:

· Ability to pay by credit card and Visa debit

· Receive reminder emails so you never miss a payment due date

· See only items available to purchase online that are applicable to your student(s)

· Uses Google Translate in over 100 languages to assist you when making purchases

· Make an online donation and receive your tax receipt by email

· Support available 24 x 7

Visit hdsb.schoolcashonline.com to sign up today and have the ability to track all payments made. You will need the Halton student number for your student (not the OEN)  in order to set up an account. Please contact the school at
519-853-2920 if you don’t have your student’s number (it should start with either 002, 003, 004, or 005).

The HDSB wants to hear your questions and concerns. To ensure your questions and concerns can be addressed as quickly as possible, please review the following information to know who you should reach out to and when. As issues are best addressed at the level closest to the issue, your child’s school is the first point of contact in any situation.​

• October 7 Parent Council Meeting

• October 9 Gr 7 Immunization Clinic

• October 10 Secondary 5th Week Reports Distribution

• October 10 Forest Festival

• October 11 PA Day (Elementary & Secondary)

• October 14 Thanksgiving - School Closed

• October 17 Secondary Parent/Teacher Night

• October 24 Photo Retake Day

• October 30 Student Awards Night

• November 6 Grade 9 - Take Your Kids to Work Day

• November 7 Grade 9 Parents/Guardians Night

• November 11 Remembrance Day Ceremony

• November 11-15 Bullying Prevention and Intervention Week

• November 18 Grade 7 & 8 Progress Reports go home

• November 21 & 22 Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

• November 23 Acton District School Holiday Craft Sale

• November 29 PA Day (Elementary & Secondary) 

 Grade 7 & 8 Student Led Conferences, and Secondary Staff   Learning Day