ADS Newsletter january 10th, 2025

Hello Acton Families and Happy New Year to All,

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Before the break we enjoyed a wonderful Winter Concert with both secondary and elementary bands playing. Our secondary band included Acton Citizen’s Band players as well as some staff. It was especially cozy to sing Christmas /Winter songs together as a community.

A few items are on the radar as we close out semester one. A reminder that students who need their immunizations need to take care of getting them as soon as possible. Suspensions from the Health Department begin on February 13th.

Please note: Your family doctor does not upload any immunization records. This must be done by the student or parent. The school does not hold any student medical records.

The week has been quiet as students buckle down and focus on their last 30% of the course achieved through Final Performance Tasks and exams. It is very important that students are not absent for these because they may forfeit those grades. A medical note is required to explain the absence.

Our next School Council Meeting is Tuesday January 14th at 7pm in the library. All parents are welcome!

I wish all our students good luck on their exams and Final Performance Tasks!

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.

Semester 1 Exams

The exam period impacts our regular schedule.
Please see below for a detailed outline of how the exam period will impact our schedule:

Thursday January 23rd 9:00 AM (Period 1 Exams)

Friday January 24th 9:00 AM (Period 2 Exams)

Monday January 27th 9:00 AM (Period 3 Exams)

Monday January 27th 1:00 PM (Period 4 Exams)

Tuesday January 28th 9:00 AM (Period 5 Exams)

Please make sure your student arrives on time for each exam. You can help your student be successful on their exam by making sure there is a quiet place to study at home, free from distractions including T.V., video games, and cell phones. Please also encourage your student to reach out to their teacher if they have any questions or concerns about their achievement.

Please see here for the exam schedule: Acton District School Semester 1 Exam Schedule

Exam Conflicts

If a student is scheduled for two exams on Monday January 27th, please complete our Exam Conflict Form. If a student has a specialist appointment etc which impacts their ability to attend a scheduled exam, they also need to complete the Exam Conflict Form.

Thursday January 30th Exam Return Day Altered Schedule

Friday January 31st PD Day

Monday February 3rd First Day of Semester Two

Inclement Weather

Any exams cancelled for inclement weather will be written on Wednesday, January 29th. Communication will be shared with families if this is required

Transportation

Buses will continue to run at their regular scheduled times.

Semester 2 Timetables

Semester 2 timetables will be emailed to HDSB student accounts on Friday January 26. Students are encouraged to take a screenshot of their timetable, so it is easily accessible for the first day of semester two.

Best Wishes to all our student writers!

Photography Students Share their Skills

Before the winter break, our photography students had the chance to expand their skills by inviting Acton staff to participate in a unique project: capturing portraits of their cherished toys. Some staff brought toys belonging to their children, others shared heirlooms passed down from their parents, and a few showcased toys they had treasured since their own childhood.

The results were nostalgic, heartwarming, and deeply personal. Each portrait captured not just the toy itself but the memories and stories it held. From well-loved teddy bears to cherished Cabbage Patch Kids, every image told a unique story of connection and sentimentality.

The project allowed students to practice their technical skills while engaging in meaningful storytelling. It also fostered a sense of community, as staff members shared their memories and reflected on the role these objects played in their lives.

This creative collaboration was a beautiful reminder of the power of photography to preserve not just images but emotions and histories. It was a fitting way to celebrate the holiday season and the joy of shared experiences.

Grade 7&8 Skating

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

Hearing and vision clinics are back, and we are happy to be bringing this valuable program to your school community.

Below is the information regarding your hearing and vision screening date.

Acton District PS (grade 7 and 8 only) clinic is January 24th, 2025.

Permission forms, along with payment should be returned to the school no later than the first day of the clinic. Payment must be received in the form of cash or cheque (made payable to School Screening Association).

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!

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

2025-2026 School Year Budget Development - Public Information Session

The HDSB is preparing to develop the 2025-2026 school year budget and is holding a Public Information Session to answer questions about how the HDSB is funded, how resources are allocated and how community members can provide feedback. We are asking administrators to share this information on their school websites and social media starting Dec. 20.

Website and Social Media Text:

The HDSB is starting the process of developing the 2025-2026 school year budget and will soon be seeking public feedback to help guide decision-making. To keep our community informed about the budget development process, parents/guardians, students, staff and community members are invited to a virtual Public Information Session on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 at 7 p.m.

This session will provide key details about how the HDSB is funded, how resources are allocated and how you can provide input. Following the session, the HDSB will launch a public consultation process. Visit our Budget Consultation webpage to learn more and submit your questions for the Public Information Session: https://bit.ly/4iPGAdY

Graphics:

HDSB Website Refresh - Public Input

We're refreshing the HDSB website and school sites and are inviting HDSB families, students, staff and community members to help us test and evaluate the navigation structure. We are asking administrators to share this information in their school newsletters and social media.

Newsletter and Social Media Text:

We're refreshing the HDSB website and school websites and want your input! HDSB families, students, staff and community members are invited to help us create a more clear and user-friendly experience by testing and evaluating the navigation structure of our websites. Explore the proposed sitemaps and share your thoughts.

Learn more and complete the survey by Monday, Jan. 6: https://bit.ly/4gpVyoW

Graphics:

INFORMATION

Upcoming Days of Significance

The HDSB’s Days of Significance graphics and heritage month graphics are available for schools to use at their discretion as administrators see fit. The following days of significance and heritage months will be recognized over the upcoming weeks (Dec. 22 - Jan. 11):

Director’s Panel - Delving into the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan

HDSB families, students, staff and community members are invited to an upcoming session of the Director’s Panel Series: Delving into the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan on Monday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m.

This virtual session will explore the HDSB’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan and how the six commitments it is built upon work to create inclusive and welcoming learning environments. Join us as we discuss how this plan will be brought to life inside and outside classrooms to support the achievement and well-being of all and guide students toward a bright and successful future.

Registration is not required. Those interested in attending the event can submit a question to the panel before or during the session. Learn more and submit your questions: https://t.co/oDP9HTsKHR

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!