Important Announcement for Parents and Caregivers: Free Webinar Series on Substance Use, Addictive Behaviours and Youth Mental Health 

We are excited to share a valuable opportunity to support your child’s well-being. School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free webinar series as part of the By Your Side learning hub, designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviors. 

This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on: 

How to talk about substance use at home 

The intersection of addictions and mental health 

Recognizing signs of substance use and behavioural addictions 

Current trends in student substance use in Ontario  

Technology overuse and problematic gaming  

The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can provide ahead of the webinar, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain practical guidance. 

Sessions run throughout April and May 

Register for free today  

Please also see community webinars coming up from the ROCK - Focusing on Access and System Navigation - Information on How to Access Services.

We encourage all parents and caregivers to participate in these learning opportunities. Together, we can support the well-being of our children and communities. 

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!

Grade 8 Graduation Trip 

We are planning a wonderful overnight trip to Camp Kintail for our Grade 8 students on Monday June 2nd to Tuesday June 3rd, 2025.

We are offering a parent information evening on Wednesday April 9th at 5:30pm in the school library with a representative from Camp Kintail and School Staff.

More Information to come on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.

Grade 12 Graduation 

Grade 12 Graduation will be on Thursday June 26 at 5pm here at Acton District School. More details will be shared closer to the time.

Grad packages are now ready for purchase on School Cash Online for $45 and the package includes:

https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/157880/181/False/True

A Gown and Class of 2025 Cap

Grad Breakfast (June 6th-more details to follow) and commemorative gift

Decorations

Photobooth and Photos

Printing Services

Please order your packages as soon as possible and before the deadline on June 2nd.

Please note that all students who are attending Commencement must purchase a grad package. If you need financial assistance with this purchase, please reach out to our principal. 

Senior Badminton Team and the Bearcat Birdie!

Acton District hosted badminton teams from across the board on Tuesday. The senior players showed tenacity and serious skill in the annual Bearcat Birdie showdown. 

Both teams made it to the finals against Georgetown. In showdown number one, the A Team was victorious and earned the Gold Championship win. In showdown number two, it came down to the final match. The B Team just lost out and were the Silver Championship runners-up. 

The Junior team is hosting teams from the board this upcoming Monday.

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)

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. 

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

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

The Grad Assembly Slide show is posted on the Acton District School website. If you missed the assembly last Friday, please review the slide show for important dates and information about Prom and Commencement.

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.

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.

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.

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. The following days of significance and heritage months will be recognized on HDSB social media over the upcoming week (March 20 - 29):

• Naw-Rúz - March 20

• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21

• World Down Syndrome Day - March 21

• National School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day - March 23

• Epilepsy Awareness Day (Purple Day) - March 26

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