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!

Rehearsals for “The Reunion” Have Begun!

The cast of “The Reunion”, an original play, written for our very own drama club, is set to make its world premiere this spring on stage here at Acton District. The cast and crew are hard at work, ensuring that this year’s performances will be memorable. This year’s show will even feature a three course meal as part of the production. Stay tuned for more details and ticket sales. Mark April 30th, May 1, and May 2nd on your calendars. This is one reunion you won’t want to miss! 

What’s Cooking in the Kitchen?! 

Students have been cooking up a storm in the family studies food classrooms! As part of our learning of Black History students learned about the history & ties between Jamaica & other cultures (ex. India) along with the origins of Rastafarianism. Chef Devlon Green of the Halton Caribbean Chef’s Association shared some teachings that allowed our Grade 11’s to make a Jamaican Pasta inspired by Rasta culture. Meanwhile the Grade 12’s practiced their knife skills in making Jamaican Curry!  Sorry - no left overs were to be found! 

Interested in trying these recipes at home? Email toniolos@hdsb.ca 

We then started the new month exploring commonalities across religious cultures in the Grade 11 Food Culture course - as many people begin periods of religious fasting this month (Ramadan, Lent) - students made pancakes from around the world on Pancake Tuesday after learning about the origins of the tradition. Check out our school instagram for a full video with the details!

Creativity in Grade Nine English 

Grade nine English students flexed their creativity this week as they developed layered storyboards to help them analyze the short stories they’ve been studying in class. Students identified the theme of their chosen text and three quotations that supported their main idea. Then they used small parts and their creativity to develop a visual representation of the connection between theme, quotations, and symbols. These connections will inform their writing on these texts. There was a lot of great insight and connections made by the students this week. Check out their storyboard creations.

The concept of Layered Storyboards was developed by Angela Stockman in 2021. 

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

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:

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!

The Halton Regional Police PEACE Program application has now gone live! 

This is not a co-operative education opportunity, but one that would build out relevant experience for students interested in careers in policing, emergency response, or community and social services. It takes place in the evenings over a period of 11 weeks.

https://www.haltonpolice.ca/en/staying-safe/peace-youth-leadership-program.aspx

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: 

• Anxiety and Depression - Signs, Symptoms and Where to Get Help - Monday, Feb. 24 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Read Aloud Story Time - Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Supporting Elementary-Aged Students with Anxiety: Practical Strategies and Interventions - Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• 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)

• Beginning of Irish Heritage Month - March 1

• Beginning of Bangladeshi Heritage Month - March 1

• Beginning of Hellenic Heritage Month - March 1

• Beginning of Persian Heritage Month - March 1

• Ramadan  - March 1-20

• Social Work Week -  March 3-9

• International Women’s Day - March 8

Upcoming Mental Health & Well-Being Information Session

Read Aloud Story Time

Date: Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Samara Jeffery and Celina Gillis | HDSB Child and Youth Counsellors 

Description: Life can be challenging at times, and we all encounter moments of self-doubt or frustration. Have you ever felt like giving up or believed that something was beyond your abilities? We all get stuck sometimes! Join us for an engaging storytime that introduces the concept of a growth mindset. Designed for young learners (Kindergarten – Grade 3) and their parents/guardians, this interactive session will explore how we can shift from negative thinking to a more positive mindset. Come listen to a story and participate in activities and strategies for you and your child to use together when they get stuck.

Registration is required as limited spots are available. Register by completing the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions Registration Form. 

For more information, please visit Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions

Halton Industry Education Council’s Ontario Career Lab presents March Break 2025 learning opportunities for Grade 7-12 students. Families can learn more about the workshops clicking on the following link to see the full flyer: March Break 2025 opportunities. Note that the link to register is embedded in the flyer. 

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!

• March 10-14 March Break

• March 21         SEC: Spring Grad Assembly

• 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