Embedded Files
This past week, we had the opportunity to welcome Dr. Bisleen Attli and Dr. Tara Rawana from “All About Mental Empowerment” to conduct workshops with all of our students here at Acton District School.
What grade 7 and 8 students learned in the “Navigating The Online World” Workshop...
In this workshop, your child learned about the pros and cons of social media, focusing on how it
can both positively and negatively impact their lives. They explored signs of an unhealthy
relationship with devices, including the effects of social media on their brain's dopamine
system, which can lead to addictive behaviours. The importance of being mindful about their
digital footprint and the risks of oversharing personal details online were emphasized. Real-life
examples highlighted the consequences of not thinking before posting. The workshop also
covered the dangers of cyberbullying, the myth of safety with fake or hidden accounts, and the
need to question the authenticity of online content. Finally, students were given practical tips for maintaining a healthy and balanced relationship with social media.
To read more about this workshop and some conversations starters to have with your child, please use this link.
What secondary students learned in the “Coping with Confidence” Workshop...
Healthy Coping Strategies - Help you work through your thoughts & emotions.
Unhealthy Coping Strategies - Numb your emotions & don’t help you work through anything.
Your ability to cope with challenges in life determines your success in life.
Unhealthy coping strategies feel good, short-term, because they affect our dopamine hormone.
It’s important to not distract yourself every time you experience difficult feelings because
this teaches your mind that these feelings are too hard to handle on your own.
10 Coping Strategies - 1) moving your body, 2) spending time in nature, 3) challenging
negative thinking, 4) mindfulness, 5) deep breathing, 6) mind dumping, 7) gratitude, 8) calling a friend, 9) doing something you love. 10) making a plan & reorganizing yourself
To read more about this workshop and some conversations starters to have with your child, please use this link.
Our team of Department Leaders is very happy to welcome Mr. John Leckie as the permanent Department Leader of Physical Education and the Director of Athletics. Also, we have a new Department Leader of Technology, Mr. Mike Zimmerman. Both of these teachers bring a wealth of experience and pedagogical skill and we are lucky to have them on our team!
Reminder to Parents: Advanced Placement programming is coming to Acton this September! We begin with our Pre-Ap courses starting in Grade 9 for math and science. Join me for an information session held on the same evening as our Parent/Teacher Interview Night. The presentation begins on April 3rd at 5:30 prior to the start of interviews.See you then!
Have a wonderful spring-weather weekend!
Kelli
YEARBOOK ORDER OPEN!
Hello Acton Families,
Softcover and hardcover yearbooks are now available for purchase on School Cash Online.
To order, please visit your student(s)' School Cash Online account.
Deadline to order: May 9th, 2025
Don’t miss out on the memories—order your yearbook today!
MacMillians Fundraiser: Help Support our Prom Committee!
MacMillians Fundraiser: Help Support our Prom Committee!
Acton’s Prom Committee is hosting a MacMillians food fundraiser this spring. Check out the delicious cookies, muffins, soups,and ready made items for purchase.
Use the website https://macmillansfundraising.online and select Acton Prom Committee under the “Organization / School Name” for your order. Fill in your students name and payment information during the check out process. The Final day to submit orders is Thursday March 27th at midnight.
Orders will be delivered and ready for pick up on April 17th just in time for the April long weekend.
Support our school and enjoy some delicious treats! Reach out to Ms. Andrew with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support!
Cinderellas and Fellas
We provide free, lightly used graduation and prom formal wear and accessories for women and men.
Friday March 21st 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Bethel Church - 365 Queen St., Acton
Upcoming Fashion Forward events
The Halton District School Board will host Fashion Forward Open Houses in the spring for students to select, at no cost, donated formal wear for upcoming prom/graduation celebrations.
Students will have the opportunity to view and try on formal wear in a friendly and welcoming environment. Students may select from a variety of new and gently-used attire that has been donated for proms, graduations and other special events. Many different styles, colours and sizes of formal dresses will be available as well as suits, shirts, ties, shoes and accessories.
The dates and locations of the Fashion Forward Open Houses to browse for formal wear are the following:
Monday, March 31 from 3:30 - 8 p.m at Rolling Meadows Public School (1522 Mountain Grove, Burlington)
Wednesday, April 2 from 3:30 - 8 p.m at Rolling Meadows Public School (1522 Mountain Grove, Burlington)
Wednesday, May 7 from 3:30 - 8 p.m. at W.I. Dick Middle School (351 Highside Dr., Milton)
Nature Journaling Project
Students in classes 7/8 and 7/8FI began a 2 month nature journaling project this week. Students will be making observations, investigating the local ecosystem, and researching interesting features as we move from spring into summer.
Extended Absence Reminder
Extended Absence Reminder
Parents/guardians who withdraw students during school time are advised that, depending on the timing and length of the absence, academic performance of your student may be affected. It is the student’s responsibility to catch-up on missed work.
In secondary school, any absence that is longer than 3 consecutive days is referred to as an extended absence. If you know that your student will be away for more than 3 consecutive school days, please print this Planned Absence Form and fill it in with the information requested 2 weeks prior to the planned absence (hard copies are available in the office). Students should ask their parent/guardian and teachers to fill in the form and once it is complete, the form should be handed in at the main office. The Vice Principal will then review the form and it will be given to the attendance Administrative Assistant for attendance to be entered (absences longer than 3 days are not able to be entered into School Messenger by parents). If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to the main office at 905-847-6875. Thank you.
Guidance Staff:
Mrs. Schnekenburger - Head of Guidance
Mr. Brown - Guidance (Period 4)
Mrs. Sint Maung - Guidance (Period 1)
Mrs. Brady - Administrative Assistant
Please visit our Student Services Page on our website for the most up to date information:
https://act.hdsb.ca/student-services
Congratulations to our Grade 8 students who have been accepted into our Grade 9 AP pathway for September 2025.
Course verification forms have been given out to students. If there is a change needed for September courses, please complete the form and return it to Student Services.
If you are looking for Volunteer opportunities, please visit Student Services for assistance.
Attention all Grade 12 students - Please stop by Student Services to give your Grad Gown size!
Are you part of a SHSM and want to see the available Awards and Scholarships? Please click on the link:
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.
University Tours are available during March!
College Tours are available during March!
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 and Well-Being Information Sessions:
The HDSB has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Winter and Spring. We invite staff to attend these sessions and encourage you to help spread the word about these opportunities.
Each session will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources.
The upcoming sessions include:
Navigating Mental Health Resources for Children and Teens: A Guide for Parents/Guardians - Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Families and staff can learn more about the sessions available by visiting our Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions webpage and register online by completing the registration form.
Sessions will be held on Google Meet, where closed captioning is available in various languages. Registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. Questions can be submitted when completing the registration form or during the session. Sessions will not be recorded.
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.
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 (March 2-8)
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!
April 3 SEC: Parent/Teacher Interviews 6:00 - 8:00 pm
April 4 PA Day (Elem & SEC)
April 10 Grade 7 & 8 Immunization Clinic
April 10 & 11 OSSLT Days
Apr 16 First Day of Semester 2, Term 2
April 18 Good Friday (School Closed)
April 21 Easter Monday (School Closed)
Apr 23 OUAC/OCAS Upload
Apr 25 Semester 2 Mid-Semester Reports Issued
Families can use the link below to find details on game days/times for our various athletic teams throughout the year.
Families can use the link below to find details on game days/times for our various athletic teams throughout the year.
in our community
in our community
Things to do:
Things to do:
Looking for something to do in Halton Hills this weekend, make sure to check out the Culture Days website!
Page updated
Report abuse