New Parent/Caregiver resource hub to support your child’s mental health and well-being.

School Mental Health Ontario has introduced By Your Side, a suite of resources to support mental health and well-being for every family. 

We know that parents and caregivers want their children to be physically and mentally healthy, and already have many effective tools and strategies in place. 

By Your Side recognizes the expertise of parents and caregivers and offers resources to support and strengthen mental health and well-being in every family.  

The new Learning Hub is an online resource centre co-created by Ontario parents/caregivers and school mental health professionals designed to meet the needs of Ontario’s families. Resources and supports are made available in multiple formats—including web content, PDFs, videos and webinars (coming soon!)—the Hub ensures families can access information and strategies that promote mental health and well-being at home. 

Key topics in the Parent/Caregiver Learning Hub include: 

• understanding mental health 

• promoting mental health at home 

• supporting mental health at school 

• stress and anxiety management  

• substance use prevention  

• navigating digital technology use  

• reaching out for help 

We are excited to share these new supports with you!

If you have questions about this learning or mental health supports, please contact:

Kelli Pfeiffer- Principal

Kate St. Onge Vice-Principal Secondary

Jean Marc Raymond Vice-Principal Elementary

Lisa O'halloran School Social Worker

QR Code: https://act.hdsb.ca/student-services/advanced-placement-grade-9-2025-school-year

Registration form:  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefny1r_66ecK6SrniiYhbFSmO0DpVe4S_YmrpSEpSy9wdFfw/viewform

HDSB AP SIte: https://www.hdsb.ca/learning-and-resources/Pages/Secondary%20Education%20and%20Pathways/Advanced-Placement.aspx

AP site: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/stand-out-in-high-school/learn-about-the-ap-program

Grade 8 Grad Photos (Last Chance): 

Given that our February 6th Grad Photos took place on an inclement weather day, we have arranged a photo retake day with Edge Imaging on February 18th. These photos will be available to any student who missed their photo, please have your child inform their homeroom teacher on the day of the retakes if they want to have their photo taken.

A reminder that Edge Imaging recommends wearing a white collared shirt under the gown as it photographs best. Should your child not have a white collared shirt, they typically bring extras. 

All orders will be through Edge Imaging, please direct any questions about ordering etc to Edge Imaging. Please see attached flyer. 

Grade 8 Graduation- Save the date!

June 25 at 6pm at Acton District

Please join us for an upcoming community information session regarding Well Being and Mental Health for students and families. I am the ESL teacher that supports Sam Sherratt, E.W.Foster, MSB and AE. Also present in the session will be CYC Simon Davis-Power and YSS's Zebun Khan and Ganna Vizhevska. This will be an online session that is open to all families.

This session is being offered through Google Meet on February 21st beginning at 12:30 pm. Please RSVP to my email: fellnerstagge@hdsb.ca and a Google Meet link will be shared with you closer to the session date. Looking forward to seeing you online soon!

Youth Leadership Program at the Youth Centre During March Break

The program runs every day, March 10-14, from 9:00am-1:30pm. Below is the program description:

Through hands on activities, workshops and special guests, youth ages 15-21 years old will learn about different leadership styles, communication techniques and problem-solving strategies. The goal is to help build competencies that will support and launch youth towards volunteerism, employment and leadership roles. Youth will connect with local organizations to learn about opportunities in our community, build their resume, and obtain a certification in HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development as well as Standard First Aid (booked on a future weekend at the Acton Youth Centre). The jam-packed program provides meaningful and exciting experiences including cooking, special guests, personal wellness, meeting new people and a variety of activities. Questions can be directed to Erica, Youth Recreation Coordinator. Her email is in the flyer below. 

All students are reminded to keep off ponds this winter as they are not safe for skating, hockey, playing or walking on. Ponds are not monitored and ice depth varies across the surface. Please stay safe

The HDSB, in collaboration with SAVIS of Halton and EFRY Hope and Help for Women, invites families and community members to an Anti-Sex Trafficking Information Session on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The session is open to all members of the Halton community and will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Georgetown District High School (70 Guelph Street, Georgetown). 

This session is being held in response to overwhelming participation in the joint Anti-Sex Trafficking information sessions held in February and June 2024 in Milton. The event will uncover the realities of sex trafficking and provide insight into who is at risk, digital and cyber security considerations, warning signs and how to keep our children and youth safe.

Learn more and register: https://t.co/zLrJnvUKx3 

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

Mental Health and Well-Being Information Sessions: 

The HDSB has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Winter and Spring. We invite staff to attend these sessions and encourage you to help spread the word about these opportunities.

Each session will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources. 

The upcoming sessions include: 

• Anxiety and Depression - Signs, Symptoms and Where to Get Help - Monday, Feb. 24 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Read Aloud Story Time - Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Supporting Elementary-Aged Students with Anxiety: Practical Strategies and Interventions - Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Navigating Mental Health Resources for Children and Teens: A Guide for Parents/Guardians - Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Families and staff can learn more about the sessions available by visiting our Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions webpage and register online by completing the registration form. 

Sessions will be held on Google Meet, where closed captioning is available in various languages. Registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. Questions can be submitted when completing the registration form or during the session. Sessions will not be recorded.

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!

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

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

Dual Credit and Online report cards can be picked up in Student Services.

The Youth Centres are looking for volunteers

Are you considering going into social work, policing, or a fire department? Do you need more experience in the community? Consider volunteering at the Town of Halton Hills Youth Centres. Contact Matas Boulton at mboulton@haltonhills.ca if interested.

Attention Grade 12 students - Please check the google classroom for Scholarship opportunities.

     February 17 Family Day - School Closed

• February 18 Elementary Term 1 Report Cards 

• February 18 Elementary Grade 8 Grad Photo Retake Day

• February 26 Pink Shirt Day

• March 10-14 March Break