Hello Acton Families,

Firstly, let me wish all of our families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Heri za Kwanzaa as you celebrate this wonderful season. I hope you are able to focus on what really matters: family, friends, peace.

We held our wonderful music night this week and I thank more than 100 families for coming out to enjoy the musicians and be part of the community carol-sing. It was a wonderful way to get into the spirit. The grade 7-12 students, under Maestros Landry and Dugas, showcased their talent. Thank you also to the visiting Acton Alumni and the Acton Citizen’s Band for joining us!

Next week will be a blast–I can’t wait. On Monday our Bearcats Hockey Team will take on Nelson Lords in the Acton Arena. Our Jr. Girls’ volleyball team  will compete against Craig Kielburger on Tuesday here in our Acton gym. Parents are welcome to comein after the school day ends. 

Each day of the week students and staff will be decked out in spirit wear or holiday attire (see the schedule so you know what to wear!) and a variety of activities are planned. 

The highly awaited hockey tournament with students, staff and Halton Regional Police happens on Thursday. Parents are invited to come to Acton Arena and watch the games. Important: Please make sure you complete the permission for your student to let us know where you expect your student to be on that day. There are other options besides the game so make sure the form comes back. 

 We wind up the week with an awesome Talent Show our last day  (a half day that ends at 1:50). Then your kiddos come home to you for two weeks of family fun.We will miss them and wish everyone a safe and happy break. 

Thinking ahead–exams and summatives begin for our secondary students on Thursday January 23rd so please do not plan holiday trips or appointments that may cause your student to miss their finals. (Exam Schedule will be shared next week before the break!)

My Best,
Kelli 

Our school Library would like to give a huge shout out of thanks to all the parents, students, and community members that donated and purchased books in support of our Library. We raised enough money at the Holiday Market in November to purchase many new student-requested texts and games, as well as make a donation to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund. We’ll see you again next year, so please keep us in mind when you are wondering what to do with the gently used books you’d like to donate. 

Festive Festivities!
Student council has planned a variety of activities to lead up to winter break. Stay tuned or visit the @adsstudentcouncil instagram for details about our upcoming spirit week. Candy grams will be available for purchase next week to be Delivered December 18th.  Spirit dress up days will be happening Dec 16-20th with surprise activities to celebrate heading into the new year! 

ELEMENTARY-LAST CALL FOR PIZZA DAY ORDERS! Please visit school Cash online to order your pizza for term 2! 

More than 120 students in grades 4-8 from schools across the HDSB joined our own Elementary Robotics Team at the 3rd Annual Acton District Vex IQ Elementary Robotics Competition! Competing in 2-team alliances, participants worked together to complete the Rapid Relay Challenge. The team is looking forward to continuing their robotics journey at a series of competitions over the next few months. Special thanks to members of the Elementary Student Leaders who provided our robotics participants and their supporters with delicious snacks and beverages at the Bearpit snack bar! 

Acton’s GSA Celebrates the Season!

The Acton GSA celebrated the holiday season this week by decorating holiday cookies, drinking hot chocolate, and watching festive videos. It was a great way to spend time in the community before the winter break. If you’re interested in joining the GSA in the New Year, feel free to connect with Ms. Andrew for details or join us on Wednesdays at 3:30pm. New faces, friends, and allies are always welcome! Have a safe and wonderful holiday season Bearcats! 

The Senior showdown was a festive spectacle! Thursday, our senior volleyball teams put on a show of athletics with support for our bearcat community. All funds raised will continue to support student led initiatives and athletic programming. 

If you are interested in purchasing a graduation hoodie for your grade 8 graduate,  please visit school cash online to purchase. Hoodies are $43.75 and are on sale from now until January 10. 

Thank you to both our Junior and Senior bands for an excellent performance. Both bands did an amazing job of showcasing their musical talents! 

Grade 7&8 Skating

The Grade 7’s and 8’s are going skating in the new year! Four sets of ice times have been booked for each class at the Acton Arena. This will take place on the last block of the school day on the following dates:

7-1 and 7/8

Tuesday Jan. 14 

Monday Jan. 20

Monday Feb. 3

Tuesday Feb 11

8-1 and 8-2 

Wednesday Jan. 15

Wednesday Jan 22

Wednesday Feb. 5 

Wednesday Feb. 12

 7-2 and 7/8FI

Thursdays Jan. 16 

Thursdays Jan. 23

Thursdays Feb. 6

Thursdays Feb. 13

There is no charge for the ice time, but equipment is needed: specifically skates and HOCKEY helmets. No other type of helmet will be permitted, as per the OPHEA guidelines which HDSB follows. The arena does offer a LIMITED number of rentals for this equipment, but it's best that you try to source your own first. Start asking neighbors, family and friends over the break or hunt on Facebook Marketplace, Kjijij or your local used sports store. There is tons of used equipment out there for this age group! 

If your child does not know how to skate or is unsure of their ability, it’s a great place to learn. We’ve had lots of kids over the last few years that have had a blast being taught by their friends and teachers.

Forms will go home first thing in the new year. If you have any questions send them to Mr. Bloemendal: bloemendalt@hdsb.ca

Save the date! HDSB parents/guardians and community members are invited to the 2025 Parent Involvement Committee Conference: Getting Connected on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton.

This free event will feature informative workshops, community partners and displays and a keynote address by Dr. Alex Russell, Ph.D., C.Psych., Clinical Psychologist and author of Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement. Lunch will be provided and free childminding for children aged 4-12 is available. Further information and registration details will be shared in January! 

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!

Students are starting to receive offers from Colleges and Universities. Niagara College was kind enough to deliver an offer in person to Jovan G., along with a box of swag and cookies to celebrate with friends. Congratulations to all our students who have already received an offer! Many students have already accepted offers to go to Western, Dalhousie, Guelph, Sheridan, and more.   Students are always welcome to come to Guidance if they have questions about post secondary. 

• December 19 Hockey Tournament Day (School VS. Police)

• December 20 Last Day of Classes in 2024 (*early dismissal*) 

• December 23- Winter Break
  January 3

• January 6 First Day of Classes After Holiday

• January 22 Secondary Last Day of Classes for Semester 1

• January 23 - 29 Secondary Semester 1 Final Evaluations (Exams)

• January 30 Secondary Final Evaluations (Exam) Review Day

• January 31 PA Day (Secondary Only) – No Classes