ADS Newsletter FEBRUARY 21ST, 2025

Hello Acton Families,

We are two weeks into the second semester and all is well. Secondary students are adjusting to their new timetables and elementary students are working hard as always.

We are celebrating! We announced our Students of Excellence for Grade 8 and Grade 12 . The faculty nominates a number of students who have distinguished themselves in a variety of ways and then the list is put to a vote by the staff. One winner is chosen for each graduating class. These are exceptional students and our school is very proud of them.

In the Grade 8 graduating class, Molly Woudstra is the Student of Excellence for 2025. Molly has shown an exceptional work ethic and leadership skills in robotics and Elementary Student Council.

In the Grade 12 Graduating class, Sage Anania is our Student of Excellence. Sage has made the most of every day of school. She was integral in organizing the Annual Ice Hockey tournament, presented a creative DECA project, maintained exceptionally high grades and played on our badminton team.

These girls are fantastic and we are so very proud of them.

I am including a few items below of interest to parents, requesting their participation and support. The first is a hub of resources for parents to support their students. I recently presented the information here to our School Council parents and attached it to a previous newsletter. It is worth posting it again. This information was created with the input of parents and students, compiled by School Mental Health Ontario.

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:

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
understanding mental health

We are excited to share these new supports with you!

If you have questions about this learning or mental health supports, please contact:
Principal Kelli Pfeiffer, Vice-Principal Kate St. Onge, or Vice Principal Jean-Marc Raymond

The second item is a community announcement in support of planning for Acton. The school is an important part of the community and working with the big picture in mind helps us all. I will be attending this meeting at the Roxy on March 8th. Please go on this website and register. Lunch is provided. office@cdhalton.ca

Finally, come out and watch our awesome Curling Team play all day Wednesday at The North Halton Club in Georgetown!!

Don’t forget to wear pink on Wednesday February 26th to take a stand against bullying.

My Best,

Kelli

Pizza Days (Session 3) March 20-June 12 2025 - Grade 7 & 8 Only

Our school is offering Pizza days once again as a fundraiser. Our pizza is being supplied by Twice the Deal Pizza - Acton. Please visit school cash online to order. Deadline to order pizza is Friday, March 7, 2025 @ Noon

The Halton Regional Police PEACE Program application has now gone live!

This is not a co-operative education opportunity, but one that would build out relevant experience for students interested in careers in policing, emergency response, or community and social services. It takes place in the evenings over a period of 11 weeks.

https://www.haltonpolice.ca/en/staying-safe/peace-youth-leadership-program.aspx

On February 12, students in the secondary Music and Drama programs went on a field trip to the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto to see the acclaimed musical Come From Away. The show is based on the heartwarming true story of the 38 planes that could not land at their intended destinations on 9/11/2001. When they were redirected to the disused airport in Gander, Newfoundland, the passengers were welcomed by the people of Gander with open arms. The students were profoundly moved by the heartfelt story and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

On Thursday evening we hosted the first ever Battle of the North Grade 7&8 Badminton Tournament here at ADS. Our Bearcats welcomed Centennial and Brookville to the three school challenge. After a promising round robin play, our teams performed well in the elimination rounds, with ADS Team #1 making it all the way to the finals! Congratulations to John, Chloe and Katelyn on your 2nd place finish!

Step into style at HDSB's upcoming Fashion Forward open houses!

Our first two events of the year are NEXT WEEK on February 24 and February 26 from 3:30-8pm at W.I.Dick in Milton (351 Highside Drive, Milton, ON L9T 1W8).

An opportunity will be made available for gender diverse youth who prefer a private shopping experience between 3-3:30pm.

Students are invited to attend open houses to select donated formal wear, at no cost, for their upcoming prom or graduation celebrations.

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!

Guidance Staff:

Mrs. Schnekenburger - Head of Guidance

Mr. Brown - Guidance (Period 4)

Mrs. Sint Maung - Guidance (Period 1)

Mrs. Brady - Administrative Assistant

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

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

Congratulations to our Grade 8 students who have been accepted into our Grade 9 AP pathway for September 2025.

Course verification forms have been given out to students. If there is a change needed for September courses, please complete the form and return it to Student Services.

February 26 Pink Shirt Day
February 26 Elementary Halton Skills Competition
March 3 SAVIS: Grade 9 "Consent and Body Integrity"

SAVIS: Grade 12 "Healthy Relationships and Boundaries"

March 4 SAVIS: Grade 10 "Consent and Body Integrity"
SAVIS: Grade 11 "Healthy Relationships and Boundaries"
March 6 SEC: 5th Week Distribution
SAVIS: Grade 7 & 8 "Mental Health and Self Care"
March 10-14 March Break
March 21 SEC: Spring Grad Assembly