Hello Families,

We are counting down our last couple of days with Elementary Vice-Principal Kerrie Stoehr as she packs up to head off to be the Principal of Sam Sherratt Public School in Milton. We wish her all the best in her first placement as Principal and we know she will be outstanding in her role. Kerrie will be missed by staff, students and families in Acton. 

Similarly, we welcome our new Elementary Vice-Principal, Jean-Marc Raymond to Acton District. Jean Marc comes to us from École Forest Trail Public School in Oakville and he will add strength to our French Immersion Programs school-wide. Bienvenue Jean Marc!

I would remind parents who have received notification of the need for immunization for their student to take care of that asap. Your secondary student will be suspended from school by the Health Department on February 13th for twenty days or until proof of immunization is given to the school.If your child is in elementary school, the date for suspension is March 27th.

This January exam cycle went particularly well. Thank you to families who respected the school’s request not to book appointments or vacations during the exam block. This way, students are able to have all possible opportunities to demonstrate their subject understanding and attain their best final grade in a course. We hold our Promotion meeting tomorrow and I look forward to even greater overall success across our student population for next semester. 

Families of Grade 8 students, we are excited to offer Pre-Advanced Placement  (AP) courses for Grade 9’s in  September in math and sciences. See the flyer below and please feel free to contact me or Student Services for more information. Reaching higher!

Stay warm and enjoy this coming weekend with your homework-free student in your home. Take a little time to have some fun before he/she gets busy again.

My Best,

Kelli

Farewell message

As I prepare to step away from my role as Vice Principal, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. It has been an incredible journey working alongside such a dedicated and supportive parent community.

While I will miss the daily interactions with students, staff, and families, I carry with me cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the partnerships we have built. I am excited to see how our school continues to grow and succeed in the future.

Thank you for your support, trust, and collaboration. I wish you all the best in the coming years.

Take care

Kerrie

QR Code: https://act.hdsb.ca/student-services/advanced-placement-grade-9-2025-school-year

Registration form:  (Due Feb 7th, 2025)

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

Semester 2 Timetables

Semester 2 timetables were 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

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

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!

Elementary Robotics

Congratulations to the Acton Elementary Robotics team who received a 3rd place medal at the Escarpment view tournament! The team is working hard to prepare for their performance at the Halton Skills Competition next month.

Bargain Shopping at Sobeys!

Students in classes 7/8 and 7/8FI went bargain shopping at Sobeys. By converting product price/ quantity into unit rates in order to make comparisons. It looks like they’re ready to take responsibility for the weekly grocery shopping!

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

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): 

• International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust | Jan. 27

• National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia | Jan. 29

• Lunar New Year | Jan. 29

• Black History Month |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!

• Updated FAQs

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 5 & 6 Grade 8 Grad Photos

• 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