A warm hello Acton Families–we all need a little extra warmth these days. I have my eyes on springtime! This week we have been following our Girls’ volleyball teams, our Junior. Girls’ team is headed for the semi-finals at White Oaks S.S. and if our Sr Girls Team wins their game on Monday they are headed to the Semi’s too! Go Bearcat Girls!!

The end of semester two showed fantastic progress for our students academically. I am very proud of the student body and their personal successes in the first half of the year. 

Our stellar staff bring out the best in our students and prepare them so well for their exams. See the picture of Mrs. Warner’s class heading into write their Gr. 12 chemistry exams. They are wearing their ‘exam uniforms’ for optimum success. 

The first week of semester 2 classes is off to a great start. Students and staff are rejuvenated after the exam break. We have a lot to look forward to this semester and throughout the month of February. We celebrate Black History Month and recognize the accomplishments of our Black community throughout the month. Stop by and see the showcase in the front lobby–thank you Equity Team!

Today and tomorrow we have a contingent attending the DECA –(think Olympics for business-focused students)–in Toronto. This is a major event for our business students and they always represent our school so well. They are true ambassadors for the school, delivering eloquent marketing pitches, sharing intelligent and creative ideas, while dressed to the nines. We wish them luck! 

Some Arts/English students are off to the Royal Alexandra Theatre to see Come From Away. This is a wonderful tribute play capturing the hospitality of our East Coast friends during the tragic events of September 9th 2001. Students will love it. Be sure to talk to your student when they return from the theatre. 

February 26th is Pink Shirt Day–wear pink to take a stand against bullying!

Our staff are busy with a lot of professional learning including a dive into AI. We are learning the positives and challenges of using AI in school. 

Don’t forget the PA Day for all students on Friday, February 14th and Family Day on Monday the 17th. Enjoy!

Please read the following letter announcing our new Multi-Faith Room. This is a place for all students to have a place for quiet reflection.

We are excited to announce the opening of our new multi-faith room in the “Library Learning Commons” on February 10th. We have created a space that is clean, quiet, and private, and is supervised by an adult.

Many of the schools in Halton have already successfully implemented “multi-faith rooms” into their schools, and we have sought the advice and support of staff from these schools, as well as with Karamjit Sangha-Bosland & Devan Singh, HDSB staff who work in Human Rights, Equity and Inclusive Education, in order that we open our multi-faith prayer room with sensitivity.

Students who wish to use the multi-faith space for prayer and reflection will be required to sign in during each visit. This will be supported by the adult supervisor in the “Library Learning Commons”. If students need to leave class for specific prayer times, it is advised that students discuss their intentions with their teachers ahead of time so that they do not need to signal when leaving for prayers. Religious beliefs and needs of students will not be policed by the school or school board.

Students who use a rug to pray may wish to bring their own rugs and should feel free to leave it in the room if this is easiest.

Accommodating the religious beliefs and needs of our students is a human right that is declared in the Ontario Human Rights Code, and we at Acton District wish to support the rights of all students. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.

REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 10TH 

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

Junior Girls Volleyball- Victorious in their First Playoff Game! 

Congratulations to our Junior Girls Volleyball Team on winning their first playoff game on Tuesday here at Acton! The team clinched the victory with incredible serves, strong passes, and some great net presence. The Bearcats continue their playoff run on Monday February 10th as they play Aldershot Secondary School. Good Lucks Ladies and GO Bearcats GO! 

The Grade 7’s and 8’s are going skating! 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 Feb 11

8-1 and 8-2 

Wednesday Feb. 12

 7-2 and 7/8FI

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 went home on Monday, January 6, 2025. If you have any questions send them to Mr. Bloemendal: bloemendalt@hdsb.ca

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

Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Conference - Saturday, Feb. 8

Registration is open for the 2025 PIC Conference until Friday, Jan. 24.

Administrators will receive posters to promote the conference. We ask that you display the posters in prominent spaces in your school so families, students and staff can view them and access the QR code to register. We also ask that schools help us promote this conference through social media and newsletters. 

Social media and Newsletter Text: 

The HDSB is seeking input on the 2025-2026 school year budget to help guide decision-making. Parents/guardians, students, staff and community members are invited to provide input on the budget development process through an online survey by Feb. 9, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Learn more about the budget development process and provide input on 2025-2026 budget priorities: https://bit.ly/HDSBBudgetConsultation 

Graphics:

• Twitter/X

• Facebook

• Instagram post and Instagram Stories

EQAO

Resources have been developed for parents and guardians about EQAO’s assessment program. We encourage parent(s)/guardian(s) to check them out!

• Updated FAQs

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 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

• February 7 Secondary Semester 1 Report Cards

• February 14 PA Day (Secondary/Elementary) - No Classes

• February 17 Family Day - School Closed

• February 18 Elementary Term 1 Report Cards 

• February 18 Elementary Grade 8 Grad Photo Day

• February 26 Pink Shirt Day