Important Changes to Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) Parent Portal

Effective May 1st, 2025

In an effort to both enhance security and simplify the process for families to access student transportation information, an important Parent Portal change is coming!  

For Existing Parent Portal Account Users:

As of May 1st, 2025, in order for families to continue to access busing information through the  HSTS parent portal, they will have to ensure their HSTS parent portal account email address matches to one that the school has on file as a parent/guardian (with access to records) in the School Board’s Student Information System (SIS). 

If your HSTS parent portal account email address already matches what is on file with your child(ren)’s school, no action is required and this process will be seamless.  After May 1st, the only change users will notice is that they lose the ability to manually add students (using their OEN and Date of Birth).  

If your HSTS parent portal account email address does not match what is on file with your child(ren)’s school, 

1. login to the HSTS parent portal account and update the email address associated with your HSTS parent portal account to match the one provided to the school OR 

2. contact the school to update the school’s records to match the HSTS parent portal login email address.  

If your email address is not updated before May 1st, you will continue to receive school bus delay/cancellation notification emails for routes/runs that your child(ren) are currently assigned to for the remainder of the school year, however you will lose access to view your child(ren)’s busing information until the email addresses match in both systems. We strongly urge families to verify prior to the end of June to ensure parents/guardians have access to student transportation information for the 2025-26 school year. 

Help? How to Update your Parent Portal Account

For New Parent Portal Account Users:

After May 1, 2025, the new setup process takes only a couple minutes and can be done in 3 easy steps:

1. Parent/Guardian signs up for an HSTS parent portal account using an email address on file with the school for contacts listed as a Parent/Guardian (with access to records).

2. BusPlanner Web sends a validation link to your email inbox in order to authenticate access to the email.  Once the link is clicked, the HSTS parent portal account is activated.

3. Login to the HSTS parent portal and access your child(ren)’s transportation information including eligibility, assigned bus route(s) and run(s), bus stop location(s) and time(s) and provides the name and contact number for the Bus Company servicing each route.

Help? How to Create an HSTS  Parent Portal Account

Additional family members or Caregivers:

We understand that there may be instances where additional family members or caregivers would also like to receive automatic delay/cancellation email notifications for a student’s bus via our Parent Portal.  Any individual with an email address can create an HSTS parent portal account for the purposes of subscribing to automatic alerts for a specific route/run, however will be unable to access any personal information regarding any student or their transportation information. 

As an alternative, anyone with a smartphone can download the free BusPlanner Delays app and sign up to receive instant push notifications for a specific school bus route.  For more information , visit: https://www.haltonbus.ca/busplanner-delays-app/

Please refer to our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional information.

We trust this update will greatly simplify the process for families having easy access to their family’s student transportation information.

Courtesy Seat Application for Next School Year 

Each year, in accordance with Halton Student Transportation Services Procedure HS-1-004 – Courtesy Seats, families with children who are not eligible for school bus transportation to and from school, may apply for a courtesy seat. The HSTS Courtesy Seat online application will be open for submissions from April 15th, 2025 until Monday, June 30th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 

HSTS will complete the courtesy seat application review and allocation process over the summer, in order to allow courtesy riders to begin riding the bus on the first day of school in September 2025. Parents and guardians will be advised of the status of their application by the third week of August via email, to the primary contact provided to the school. Approved applicants can access their transportation schedule via the HSTS Parent Portal (Parent Portal Instructions) during the third week of August.

Please visit our Student Services Page on our website for the most up to date information:

https://act.hdsb.ca/student-services

Timetabling Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

We want to inform our school community that the timetabling process for the 2025-2026 school year has begun. As part of this process, we have reviewed course requests, and, unfortunately, some courses with low enrollment have been cancelled.

Students who have been affected by course cancellations have received an email with details about the cancelled course and the alternative course they’ve been enrolled in. Please note that the alternate course is a holding course. If students wish to make any changes, they are encouraged to speak with their guidance counsellor for further assistance.

We encourage families to check in with their child regarding this update and reach out to the school if there are any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we strive to provide the best learning experience for all of our students.

Grade 12 Students - Community Hours are due by May 30th.  This is a requirement to graduate.  If you need assistance finding a placement to complete your hours, please come to Guidance, check the Google Classroom, listen to the morning announcements, and check the Bearpit TVs.

If you are looking for Volunteer opportunities, please visit Student Services for assistance.

Are you part of a SHSM and want to see the available Awards and Scholarships? Please click on the link:

SHSM Awards and Scholarships

For additional awards and scholarships, please see the Acton District School website

If you would like more information about SHSM, Dual Credit, OYAP or OYAP FAST please stop by Student Services.

Course changes for next year are now closed while the timetable is being created.  You will have an opportunity to meet with your counselor about changes before September.

Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) Month has come to a close! We thank all families who have provided support to HLF throughout this month. Your generosity helps make a lasting difference in the lives of HDSB students.

Each year, HLF supports more than 3,000 students in the HDSB by providing financial support that removes educational barriers and providing the essential resources students need to focus on schoolwork and thrive to their full potential. HLF’s goal is to ensure that they can continue to say ‘yes’ to every request for support received. 

There’s still time to make an impact. To learn more or continue the support for HLF Month, visit the HLF Month webpage on the HLF website (haltonlearningfoundation.ca). 

Are you an HDSB parent/guardian who could use some help?

If you are an HDSB parent/guardian who needs assistance, please contact your child’s teacher or principal.

Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for Parents/Guardians

The HDSB has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring. We ask that schools help us promote these sessions through social media and newsletters. 

HDSB Post-Secondary Exploration Event at Sheridan - Oct 1 and 2, 2025

The Halton District School Board will again partner with Sheridan College to offer a multi-pathway exploration event for Grade 11, 12 and 12+ students and families on October 1 and 2.  Where possible, schools are asked not to schedule evening events for senior students on these dates.  Tickets will be available to families  in early September (a messenger will be sent by School Programs) and a promotional flyer will be shared with schools for their end of year/summer messaging by early June.  

From Halton Learning Foundation:

“As the school year winds down, the Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) is launching the ‘Thank a Teacher’ campaign, a meaningful initiative to recognize the incredible contributions of teachers and school staff across HDSB.

Who’s the teacher your child talks most about at dinner? 🍽️ Maybe they’ve come home with a story that made them laugh. 😂 Or mentioned how their teacher wears purple every Monday, or has a cat named Marshmallow.Maybe they told you that their teacher sat with them during break time to discuss a book your child read.

Teachers don’t always know the full impact they have. But you see it, every day — in the confidence your child builds, in the kindness they learn, in the questions they’re excited to ask.Think of the teacher who made your child feel brave when they felt unsure. The one who noticed their spark. The one who wiped their tears.

This is your chance to say thank you. Instead of buying “The World’s Greatest Teacher” mug, or the perfect gift card, you can thank teachers or a school staff member by making a kind donation to help a student in need in their honor. Visit thankmyteacher.ca This way, you will appreciate them by showing them what they taught your kids – to be kind, caring, and compassionate.”

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. 

When we welcome students from our International Student Program (ISP) into our schools, our programs benefit, our community benefits and local students create lifelong friendships and global connections. Students in ISP thrive in school when they live in a welcoming, supportive and safe home. Canada Homestay Network (CHN) is currently looking for hosts in Halton for international students joining the HDSB in September. 

Why Become a Host?

Becoming a homestay host is an exciting, fulfilling and truly one-of-a-kind experience. You will be giving a young international student the opportunity of a lifetime, while creating lasting memories for your own family.

Hosting an international student is more than just providing a place to stay, it’s about opening your heart and home to an unforgettable cultural exchange. As a host family, you will:

• Make a life-changing impact on a young student’s journey

• Experience the joy of sharing Canadian traditions

• Learn about new cultures, languages and perspectives

• Create lifelong friendships and global connections

• Bring fresh energy, excitement and curiosity into your home

What You Will Provide
To welcome an international student, you will need to provide:

• A private bedroom with a desk and closet;

• Three nutritious meals a day (with guidance from CHN)

• Access to utilities, including WiFi and laundry

• A warm, friendly and supportive environment, just like you would want for your own child studying abroad

Canada Homestay Network (CHN) Support

Hosting is a big decision, and that’s why the HDSB has partnered with CHN, a trusted, not-for-profit organization that has been supporting host families since 1995. Through CHN, host families will receive:

• Full training and support to help you feel confident and prepared

• 24/7 emergency assistance so that you’re never alone in this journey

• A generous monthly stipend to help cover expenses

Virtual Information Session for Families
Canada Homestay Network will be hosting two virtual information sessions for families interested in learning more about becoming homestay hosts:

• Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m. – Join virtually here!

• Saturday, May 24 at 10 a.m. – Join virtually here!

Becoming a Homestay Host
Families who are interested in becoming a homestay host can apply online through the CHN Host Portal: https://hostportal.chnonline.ca/apply

Learn more
For more information about becoming a host for an international student, please contact hostinfo@canadahomestaynetwork.ca, call 1-877-441-4443 or visit: https://whyihost.ca.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, 

The HDSB International Student Program Team