ADS Newsletter March 28th, 2025

Hello Acton Families!


We are busy these days working through our course offerings, teacher assignments and creating the timetable for next year. My message today will be brief. I will invite you again to come a little early to our Parent Interview Night next Thursday to hear more about the Advanced Placement  Prep program we will be offering next year in grade 9 and also the Capstone Program which will be a future offering in Grades 10-11. Grade 12 students are always welcome to write an AP exam next year too!


Also on the horizon is a plan in place to manage the lack of lunchtime options for students in our school. This winter was particularly inconsistent with the cafeteria being closed off and on with little notice.  I will be happy to share the details once they are sorted. Next year will be much better. Stay tuned!

Please read this bulletin thoroughly. There is a lot of important information inside. 


Have a wonderful weekend,

K





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!


LAST CHANCE: SPRING FORMAL TICKETS!!


Spring formal tickets are on sale for only a few more days! Buy your ticket online for only $5.00 for our Spring Formal on April 17th, 2025 using the link below: https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/156495/181/False/True 



 MacMillans Prom Fundraiser: Order Deadline Extended to April 3rd

Help support our Prom committee fundraiser by ordering MacMillans frozen foods. Everything from scoop and bake cookie doughs and muffins, to frozen appetizers and soups. Follow the links provided and select “Acton Prom Committee” as the organization. Orders will be delivered to Acton District school on Thursday April 17th, just in time for the April long weekend! Thank you for supporting our Prom Fundraiser. Order Link: https://macmillansfundraising.online/ 

Grade 12 Biology students recently completed a series of biotechnology labs, gaining rare hands-on experience with techniques foundational to the industry. Through these experiments, students explored genetic modification by inserting a red fluorescence gene, originally found in coral, into bacteria.

By successfully creating recombinant DNA, students observed the glowing red bacteria under specialized lighting, confirming their achievement. These labs provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage in real-world biotechnology practices, mirroring the work that leads to scientific breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and genetic research.

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. 

Guidance Staff:

Mrs. Schnekenburger - Head of Guidance

Mr. Brown - Guidance (Period 4)

Mrs. Sint Maung - Guidance (Period 1)




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:


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 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: 


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: 


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):






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!


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!