ADS Newsletter january 24th, 2025

Wishing all of our students in Grades 9-12 success on their final performance tasks and final examinations. Please be aware that Thursday January 30th will have an alternate schedule (please see below). Friday January 31st is a PA day for secondary students. 

Our Grades 7-8 did an excellent job this week walking to the arena in the cold to enjoy some time on the ice. A reminder that next week there will not be any skating dates. Skating resumes the week of February 3rd. 


Reminder: PA Days

Monday, January 27th - Elementary Only PA Day

Friday, January 31st - Secondary Only PA Day

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 PA 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!


ADS January 30, 2025

Secondary Schedule


Period

Time

1

8:40 - 9:15

2

9:20 - 9:55

3

10:00 - 10:35

4

10:40 - 11:15

5

11:20 - 11:55



Semester 2 Timetables

Semester 2 timetables will be emailed to HDSB student accounts on Friday January 24. Students are encouraged to take a screenshot of their timetable, so it is easily accessible for the first day of semester two. 

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


Grade 7&8 Skating


Please note there are no classes skating the week of January 27-31, 2025. Skating will resume the week of February 3rd. 


February 3- 78-1 and 7-1

February 5- 8-1 and 8-2

February 6- 78FI and 7-2


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. 


Immunization clinics

The Halton Regional Center location on 1151 Bronte Road in Oakville, currently has availability to update vaccinations for students on Feb 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12.

 Walk-in appointments at the Milton location (Sherwood Community Centre, 6355 Main St W, Milton) on February 13th and at the Oakville location (Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Road) on Feb 13th & Feb 14th.

 Please call 311 or go to halton.ca/immunize to book an appointment (subject to availability) or for more information.

Vaccinations can also be provided at your Healthcare Provider office. Should you choose this option, you will need to report vaccines once completed at halton.ca/immunize

The Chopped Cook off!

Grade 10 students competed in their final cook of the year - each student was given three mystery ingredients that they had to creatively combine into one dish. Each student was given a grain, spice & wild card item. It was an incredible accomplishment - from our first lab of the year making cookies - to a full meal & clean up in under an hour. See below for some of the amazing foods our students made, inspired by cultures around the world: 


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

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. This week annually raises awareness about censorship and access to books and magazines, and has become a nationwide campaign uniting readers, writers, publishers, schools, libraries, bookstores, universities, colleges, and other organizations across Canada.Whether you are a librarian, bookseller, educator, student, or member of the community, there are lots of ways you can help mark this annual event. Visit freedomtoread.ca for more information.


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:


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. Please note some graphics are in development and will be added to the folder as they become available. The following days of significance and heritage months will be recognized over the upcoming week (Jan. 26 - Feb. 1): 


EQAO

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



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:


What you provide:

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: 


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


Families can use the link below to find details on game days/times for our various athletic teams throughout the year.


in our community

Things to do:

Looking for something to do in Halton Hills this weekend, make sure to check out the Culture Days website!