Acton District School has been honored with the Environmental Awareness Award at the 2025 Friends of the Credit Conservation Awards, presented by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). This honour recognizes individuals and groups that connect communities with nature through education and outreach, promoting environmental awareness, appreciation, and action.

Our  commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among students and the broader community has significantly contributed to enhancing environmental awareness in the catchment of Acton District. By integrating environmental education into our curriculum and organizing community outreach programs, our school has inspired action towards a more sustainable future.  

These are just some of the ways we've been active within our curriculum:

• Participated in Take Me Outside Day, holding lessons in the forest;

• Grade 7 Science class was held outdoors every week in September and October;

• Outdoor classroom used regularly, with forest lessons after building trust;

• Reusable worksheets with markers used in grade 7 classes  (math, science, health) to reduce paper waste;

• Nature journals used to connect with the land and understand human impact on the environment;

• Reading Braiding Sweetgrass to learn Indigenous perspectives on treating Earth and all living things as kin;

• Completed Inquiry Project, where students connected with local professionals to explore environmental impacts in Acton;

• Planned and executed the 2nd annual Forest Festival for feeder schools;

• Plan Earth hour;

• Grade 11 English classes learning and working with Indigenous knowledge-keepers on Land Acknowledgements and to develop land/water stewardship;

• Secondary Foods Classes utilize indoor growing station;

• Secondary Geography classes frequently plant trees in conjunction with CVC;

• The Bearcat Recycle Rack (part of the ICT SHSM program) reclaims gently used fashion and resells it in an online store.

• The Grade 12 Leadership class running the annual Halton Forest Festival for grade 4 students.

Secondary Pizza Day April 24th, 2025

Our school is offering a Pizza Day for our Secondary Students. Our pizza is being supplied by Twice the Deal Pizza - Acton.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU RECEIVE A RECEIPT AND CHECK YOUR ORDER HISTORY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR ORDER WAS PUT THROUGH.

• Choose EITHER Cheese OR Pepperoni- We are not able to provide a combination of both.

• Late orders cannot be accepted.

• NO REFUNDS if a student is absent on purchased lunch dates. Food cannot be saved due to student absence.

-Students will pick up their pizza in the Cafe on their lunch hour

Proceeds will be used to support extra curricular clubs, student resources, activities and school initiatives.

Important Announcement for Parents and Caregivers: Free Webinar Series on Substance Use, Addictive Behaviours and Youth Mental Health 

We are excited to share a valuable opportunity to support your child’s well-being. School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free webinar series as part of the By Your Side learning hub, designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviors. 

This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on: 

How to talk about substance use at home 

The intersection of addictions and mental health 

Recognizing signs of substance use and behavioural addictions 

Current trends in student substance use in Ontario  

Technology overuse and problematic gaming  

The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can provide ahead of the webinar, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain practical guidance. 

Sessions run throughout April and May 

Register for free today  

Please also see community webinars coming up from the ROCK - Focusing on Access and System Navigation - Information on How to Access Services.

We encourage all parents and caregivers to participate in these learning opportunities. Together, we can support the well-being of our children and communities. 

Elizabeth Fry Group for Girls Grades 9 & 10 

The Empowering Against Exploitation group aims to teach young women about exploitation in it’s many forms, how girls can both avoid and combat it. Topics include healthy relationships, self-esteem, online safety, empowerment, and provides resources on health and safety through discussion and group activities. 

The EAE group at Acton will take place once weekly, between May 8th and June 12th for a total of 6 sessions. It will run during the period 4 lunch break. Pizza and community service hours for attendance will be provided.   

There is space for a maximum of 15 participants. If interested or have questions, please contact our School Social Worker, Lisa O’Halloran at ohalloranl@hdsb.ca to obtain permission forms and secure a spot. 

YEARBOOK ORDER OPEN!

Hello Acton Families,

Softcover and hardcover yearbooks are now available for purchase on School Cash Online.

To order, please visit your student(s)' School Cash Online account.

Deadline to order: May 9th, 2025

Don’t miss out on the memories—order your yearbook today!

Grade 12 Graduation 

Grade 12 Graduation will be on Thursday June 26 at 5pm here at Acton District School. More details will be shared closer to the time.

Grad packages are now ready for purchase on School Cash Online for $45 and the package includes:

https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/157880/181/False/True

A Gown and Class of 2025 Cap

Grad Breakfast (June 6th-more details to follow) and commemorative gift

Decorations

Photobooth and Photos

Printing Services

Please order your packages as soon as possible and before the deadline on June 2nd.

Please note that all students who are attending Commencement must purchase a grad package. If you need financial assistance with this purchase, please reach out to our principal. 

Extended Absence Reminder

Parents/guardians who withdraw students during school time are advised that, depending on the timing and length of the absence, academic performance of your student may be affected. It is the student’s responsibility to catch-up on missed work.

In secondary school, any absence that is longer than 3 consecutive days is referred to as an extended absence. If you know that your student will be away for more than 3 consecutive school days, please print this Planned Absence Form and fill it in with the information requested 2 weeks prior to the planned absence (hard copies are available in the office). Students should ask their parent/guardian and teachers to fill in the form and once it is complete, the form should be handed in at the main office. The Vice Principal will then review the form and it will be given to the attendance Administrative Assistant for attendance to be entered (absences longer than 3 days are not able to be entered into School Messenger by parents). If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to the main office at 905-847-6875. Thank you. 

Please visit our Student Services Page on our website for the most up to date information:

https://act.hdsb.ca/student-services

Timetabling Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

We want to inform our school community that the timetabling process for the 2025-2026 school year has begun. As part of this process, we have reviewed course requests, and, unfortunately, some courses with low enrollment have been cancelled.

Students who have been affected by course cancellations have received an email with details about the cancelled course and the alternative course they’ve been enrolled in. Please note that the alternate course is a holding course. If students wish to make any changes, they are encouraged to speak with their guidance counsellor for further assistance.

We encourage families to check in with their child regarding this update and reach out to the school if there are any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we strive to provide the best learning experience for all of our students.

Grade 12 Students - Community Hours are due by May 30th.  This is a requirement to graduate.  If you need assistance finding a placement to complete your hours, please come to Guidance, check the Google Classroom, listen to the morning announcements, and check the Bearpit TVs.

If you are looking for Volunteer opportunities, please visit Student Services for assistance.

Are you part of a SHSM and want to see the available Awards and Scholarships? Please click on the link:

SHSM Awards and Scholarships

For additional awards and scholarships, please see the Acton District School website

If you would like more information about SHSM, Dual Credit, OYAP or OYAP FAST please stop by Student Services.

Course changes for next year are now closed while the timetable is being created.  You will have an opportunity to meet with your counselor about changes before September.

HDSB needs Homestay Hosts in the Acton Community

Homestay Hosts in the Acton Community Needed for Students in the HDSB International Student Program (ISP)

Dear Halton District School Board families:

The HDSB welcomes international students to our schools every year.  International students benefit our programs, our communities, and provide experiences that positively shape the worldview of our local students.  International students perform better in school when they live in a home that welcomes them and provides a supportive, safe and nurturing environment. We are looking for Homestay Hosts in the Acton area - You can help by inviting international students to stay with your family while they study with us. 

Our partner homestay agency works with public schools boards; colleges and universities across Canada.  They are well established and provide support to host families 24x7.

Host families who welcome international students into their home:

• Grow their understanding of the world’s cultures 

• Make life-long friendships

• Get to share the beauty of their home and community

• Receive a generous allowance to offset expenses

What you provide:

• Three nutritious meals / day

• Utilities including laundry and internet

• A private bedroom, desk and closet

• A patient, caring, and friendly home atmosphere

• The same guidance and attention you would want for your loved ones travelling overseas!

Please share your interest by completing the following form:  https://forms.gle/fnHzpFjXpb48Cxxw8 

Thank you!

The HDSB International Student Program Team

Upcoming Fashion Forward events

The Halton District School Board will host Fashion Forward Open Houses in the spring for students to select, at no cost, donated formal wear for upcoming prom/graduation celebrations.

Students will have the opportunity to view and try on formal wear in a friendly and welcoming environment. Students may select from a variety of new and gently-used attire that has been donated for proms, graduations and other special events. Many different styles, colours and sizes of formal dresses will be available as well as suits, shirts, ties, shoes and accessories.

The dates and locations of the Fashion Forward Open Houses to browse for formal wear are the following:

Wednesday, May 7 from 3:30 - 8 p.m. at W.I. Dick Middle School (351 Highside Dr., Milton)

By Your Side Toolkit for Parents:

A few weeks ago, we shared a new resource called “By Your Side Toolkit” from School Mental Health Ontario, a new parent/caregiver online resource hub and school-facing toolkit designed to support Ontario parents and caregivers in fostering their children’s mental health and well-being. 

School Mental Health Ontario has now created a YouTube playlist to support By Your Side. These videos can be used to support communication with parent(s)/caregiver(s) and used alongside the By Your Side toolkit resources. 

With temperatures still keeping us guessing, winter weather could surprise us any time! To stay prepared, families are encouraged to review the HDSB Inclement Weather Reminders to know how we communicate important updates about school closures and bus cancellations. A printable version of this information is also available. If your child is bused to school, please ensure you know which transportation zone you are located in. Let’s stay connected and safe when wintry conditions arrive!

• April 17 Spring formal (6:30PM to 930PM)

• April 18 Good Friday (School Closed)

• April 21 Easter Monday (School Closed)

• Apr 23 OUAC/OCAS Upload

• Apr 25 Semester 2 Mid-Semester Reports Issued

• Apr 30 to May 2   School Play Nights!

• May 15 Prom

• May 19 Victoria Day (School Closed)