ADS Newsletter january 17th, 2025

Hello Acton Families,

First news to share is that we will be losing our wonderful elementary VP Kerrie Stoehr. Kerrie was promoted into the Principal’s pool for placement back in the spring. It is no surprise that at the first opportunity, our Senior Admin Team saw a fit for her at Sam Sherratt Public School in Milton. We know she will continue to be the exemplary administrator in her new school as she was for us here at Acton District. We wish her all the best!

Incoming for Kerrie is Vice-Principal Jean Marc Raymond. Jean Marc is fluent in French and comes from experience at Ecole Forest Trail in Oakville. We are all excited to get to know him and welcome him as a new member of our Admin team.

Parents, please take note of the information pieces below regarding bussing and exams.

Bussing: We know that some families have experienced frustration regarding the inconsistency of our buses and their students either missing the bus or arriving at school late due to transportation issues. Please know that we have forwarded parent inquiries to the the relevant individuals in our Board who know the details and can make the changes.

Exams: Please follow your child’s exam schedule so you can help them arrive promptly for the exams they are writing. This reduces the stress factor for your child. Also, be advised that bussing continues at the regular times so if your student would like to leave the school following their exam, rather than wait until the end of the day, then transportation will need to be arranged at home.

Please note, missing an exam requires a doctor’s note.

As always our students are producing amazing results in all areas. Our volleyball teams are off to the playoffs! Woo Hoo! Go Bearcat Girls.

In the artistic world…on Tuesday January 21st the Senior Drama class with Ms. Ross presents their drama ‘exam’ as two evenings of One Act Plays. Parents and the community are invited to attend!

Also, Ms. DaSilva’s class is showing exemplary work. All parents are invited to the Senior Art Class Gallery on January 30th which is Exam Review Day. When the students come in to view their grades from their final exams, Moms and Dads can come too and tour the gallery. Here is a little taste of what you can expect to see: Pic 1 Painter Varyn Shoemaker and Pic 2 (on the left) Dressmaker Jalynn Wilson, modelled by Kennedie Hofing.

Takes your breath away.

We hope to see parents enjoying these masterpieces!

Don’t forget to purchase Valentine’s cookies on school cash online to support our spring Prom!

Wishing you a warm weekend,

Kelli

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

Please see here the link for the FAQ regarding exams: ADS Exam FAQ

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!

Semester 2 Timetables

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

ONE-ACT PLAY NIGHT AT ACTON DISTRICT

The drama students at Acton offer humour and enthusiasm while performing onstage. This year’s One-Act play night awaits all local theatregoers, fellow students, and ones looking for Tuesday night plans!

Acton’s drama students are eager to present three different plays, offering comedy, suspense, and even philosophy. They include: the bizarre anecdote of Baby Talk by Doug Wright, the complex adventure Gossip by Brian Hampton, and lastly, the anxiety-inducing story of Lockdown by Douglas Craven. Led by Acton’s drama teacher, Jennifer Ross, these aspiring directors, actors and actresses have worked extremely hard to bring their plays to life, showcasing their dedication, enthusiasm, and flair for making even the serious moments interesting!

Come by Acton District School on Tuesday, January 21st where doors will open at 6 pm while the show begins 6:30. Admission is $5 for the public and $3 for Acton District School students. All funds are donated to the Acton Food Share, helping to make a difference in our community. We hope to see you in the audience!

Article by

Kimberley Burton

Bearcats Volleyball Victorious at Home to end Regular Season Play!

The girls volleyball teams ended their regular season play with a couple of great games here at Acton on Tuesday evening. Serves were on fire and passing was strong for both teams. The Junior Girl’s team won their first two sets and the Senior Girls took home the third set in their game. Both teams will advance to the playoffs in February. Come out and support our Bearcat teams as they continue to play in semester two. Congratulations on a great regular season girls! Let’s Go Bearcats!

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

Intermediate Skating

Grades 7 & 8 had their first afternoon of skating at Acton arena this week. We are very grateful to Mr. Bloemendal for organizing this opportunity for our classes. Each class has the chance to skate 4 times over the next month. It was wonderful to see students helping each other out as they practised their moves on the ice. We look forward to seeing them improve their skills as each week passes.

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).

Grade 8 Grad Photos:

Grad photos will take place on February 5 & 6th. All pictures will take place at the school.

Students will pose for their picture in a graduation gown provided by Edge Imaging. 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.

Please note the schedule below:

Feb 5- 81 and 78FI (no worries all students in 81 will be done prior to skating in the afternoon)

Feb 6- 82 and 78

Should your child be away on both these dates, you will need to make arrangements with Edge Imaging directly to have their picture taken.

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

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 invites parents, guardians and community members to attend 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. Transportation within Halton may be available to those who require it.

Learn more and register by Friday, Jan. 24: https://bit.ly/3C9xSqf

Graphics:

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!