ADS Newsletter
April 4th, 2025

Hello Acton Families,

I am here at school today enjoying some fantastic collegial learning this morning at our Professional Development Day including a wonderful speaker Dr. Bisleen Attli on Mental Empowerment, and some trained teachers delivering a presentation on Emotional Validation, Eliminating Anti-Black Language, as well as time well spent to re-group and plan together as a staff for the remainder of the year. I encourage parents to take advantage of HDSB learning opportunities (see links provided in newsletters) for you to be able to support your child with their mental health at home as well.

Students are writing the OSSLT next week on Thursday and Friday. On April 22nd, mid-term report cards will be sent home.

As we come into the more stressful (but exciting) months of the year our students need many outlets to manage stress. Encourage your student to spend time outdoors, doing their favourite hobby, listening to music and other personal strategies for coping. As you know, our teachers are always here to support your student through the challenges.

Enjoy the spring weather,

Kelli

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

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.

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!

Women As Career Coaches Field Trip

Ms. Thatcher and Ms. Fossey took several students to the Burlington Convention Centre on Wednesday evening in order to bring students together with Career Coaches. They learned about a variety of career opportunities and were empowered by strong role models from a variety of professions. The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and left feeling motivated and excited about their future.

PROM TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Grade 11 & 12 Students are invited to this years Prom on May 15th at Victoria Park East Golf Course. Tickets are on sale now through SchoolCashOnline for $90.00 and include an Enchanted Forest Theme evening with 3 course meal, and dancing to follow.

https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/155236/181/False/True

LAST CHANCE: SPRING FORMAL TICKETS!!

Spring formal tickets are on sale for only a few more days! Buy your ticket online for only $5.00 for our Spring Formal on April 17th, 2025 using the link below: https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/156495/181/False/True

Grade 7 and 8 Immunization Clinic

Grade 7 and 8 Immunization Clinic: on Thursday April 10th, Halton Public Health will be on site continuing routine vaccinations for grade 7 and 8 students.

Army Reserve Co-op Program: A Unique Opportunity for Students

The Army Reserve Co-op Program offers high school students the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience with the Canadian Forces while developing important skills. Participants engage in paid military training at the Col J. R. Barber Armoury (The Lorne Scots Regiment) on Todd Road in Georgetown, where they take part in Basic Military Qualifications (BMQ), physical fitness, and leadership exercises.

This program combines practical military training with physical education, encouraging students to stay active and develop discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Training includes everything from fitness routines to learning basic military tactics.

Graduates of the program gain invaluable experience that can set them apart in future careers, whether in the military or other fields. The program prepares students for a successful future with skills that go beyond the classroom, emphasizing physical fitness, leadership, and a strong work ethic.

See Mr Brown for more information, and the deadline for the Feb 2026-June 2026 intake is October 2025.

The BMQ graduation ceremony for the 2025 cohort took place at the Fort York Armoury in Toronto on March 29, 2025, marking a key achievement for the students involved in the program. Seen below are Pvt(R) Norris (left), Pvt(R) Rusk (right) along with their Co-op Supervisor, Mr Brown.

Career Exploration Opportunities Coming Soon!

We are excited to announce that Acton DS will be hosting guest speakers through the Ministry of Education’s Career Coach Program, which is being led by the non-profit HIEC. This initiative connects students with industry professionals to explore career pathways and develop essential skills for their futures.

Students will hear directly from experts about career options, industry insights, and ways to pursue meaningful opportunities.

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Time: Secondary Period 3 - 11:25-12:40

Location: The Cafetorium

More information, including sectors represented, coming soon!

If you are interested in becoming a career coach click here.

For more information, please contact Shawn Brown at brownsh@hdsb.ca

Thank you for supporting meaningful learning opportunities at Acton District School!

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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.

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)

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.

Guidance Staff:

Mrs. Schnekenburger - Head of Guidance

Mr. Brown - Guidance (Period 4)

Mrs. Sint Maung - Guidance (Period 1)

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

Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) Month is here! April 2025 is the second annual HLF Month and HDSB schools and community members are coming together to help raise awareness and funds for the financial support, provided by HLF, that many HDSB students need to fully engage in learning such as school supplies, food and clothing.

Each year, HLF supports more than 3,000 students in the HDSB by providing financial support that removes educational barriers and providing the essential resources students need to focus on schoolwork and thrive to their full potential. HLF’s goal is to ensure that they can continue to say ‘yes’ to every request for support received.

Families can learn more about the Halton Learning Foundation and how to support HLF Month by visiting the HLF Month webpage on the HLF website (haltonlearningfoundation.ca).

The School Year Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year has received final approval from the Ontario Ministry of Education. To view the calendar, visit the HDSB School Year Calendar webpage. This calendar is developed with input from the School Year Calendar Committee, consisting of representatives from the school communities including parents/guardians and employee groups. The calendar outlines the Professional Activity days (PA) for staff when schools will be closed to students, as well as school breaks and holidays. The first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year is Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

The Halton District School Board has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring.

The upcoming sessions include:

Emotional Validation, Building Positive Relationships and Managing Conflict - Tuesday, April 8 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Child: Resource Overview, Relationships and Self-Care - Monday, April 14 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn more about the sessions available by visiting our Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions webpage and register online by completing the registration form. When you register, you can also submit a question for the presenters.

Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. Registrants will be emailed a Google Meet link to access the session. Captioning in various languages is available.

School Mental Health Ontario - Supporting Your Child’s Well-being: Free webinars

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) is offering a free webinar series designed to help parents/guardians 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

Sessions will be facilitated by Ontario parents/guardians and caregivers, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask presenters questions before and during each session. Learn more and register.

Mental Health Supports for students:

Support Services are available to students year round! If you find yourself in need with your mental health and well-being over the break, you are not alone. Be sure to use one of the resources that are available to you:

ROCK 24 hr crisis line support: 905-878-9785
COAST (16+): 1-877-825-9011
Kids Help Phone (up to age 24): 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline (24 hr support for all ages): call or text 9-8-8.
One Stop Talk Connect with a Therapist: www.onestoptalk.ca or 1-855-416-TALK
Visit HDSB Student Support Services website.

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!