ADS Newsletter
May 2nd, 2025

Dear Bear Cat Families,

What an incredible week it’s been! We had the pleasure of hosting our Dinner and a Play event, and it was truly heartwarming to see so many of you come out to support our amazing students. Your presence made the evening so special, and we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success—from staff and volunteers to our talented student performers. What a few nights to remember!

A few quick reminders and updates as we move into the final stretch of the school year:

Pizza Day continues every Thursday for our secondary students until the end of the year. Orders can be placed weekly through School Cash Online.

Our recent Pita Days were a big hit with the secondary students! We’re excited to bring them back in June, and this time we’ll also be opening it up to our elementary students. Stay tuned for more details.

As the weather warms up, we’re seeing more outdoor learning and activity across the school. It's a great time to enjoy the sunshine, but please remind your children to bring a refillable water bottle each day to stay hydrated and comfortable during these warmer days.

As always, thank you for your continued support. We’re looking forward to an exciting and busy final few months of school!

This week, we are also sharing a helpful Cyber Safety Tip Sheet designed to offer practical tips for parents/guardians on how to protect their children from online risks, while promoting healthy digital habits. These tips cover a wide range of topics, including:

Promoting Open and Supportive Communication: Encourage your child to feel comfortable discussing their online experiences with you.
Learning About Social Media Apps Together: Familiarize yourselves with the apps your child uses to better understand their online world.
Setting Boundaries and Rules: Establish clear guidelines for technology use and online behavior.
Privacy and Safety: Review privacy settings, use strong passwords, and talk about the importance of keeping personal information private.
Fostering Digital Leadership and Citizenship: Encourage your child to develop a positive online presence and support others who may be experiencing cyberbullying.
Thinking Before Posting: Remind your child to consider whether their posts are true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.
Reaching Out for Support: If your child encounters negative online behavior, ensure they know how to seek help.

Credit Rescue is on NOW!

We are in the home stretch, summer is just around the corner and we are here to help students cross the finish line! Student support is available every day in room 202 during periods 2, 3, 4 and 5 for students to come in and complete work with a teacher. Please sign your child up using THIS FORM. This form can be completed as many times as needed.

Secondary Pizza Day May 8th, 2025

Pizza Day May 8th, 2025

Our school is offering a Pizza Day for our Secondary Students. Our pizza is being supplied by Twice the Deal Pizza - Acton.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU RECEIVE A RECEIPT AND CHECK YOUR ORDER HISTORY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR ORDER WAS PUT THROUGH.

Choose EITHER Cheese OR Pepperoni- We are not able to provide a combination of both.

Late orders cannot be accepted.

NO REFUNDS if a student is absent on purchased lunch dates. Food cannot be saved due to student absence.

-Students will pick up their pizza in the Cafe on their lunch hour

Proceeds will be used to support extra curricular clubs, student resources, activities and school initiatives.

*** FEE CLOSES May 6th @ NOON ***

Elizabeth Fry Group for Girls Grades 9 & 10

The Empowering Against Exploitation group aims to teach young women about exploitation in it’s many forms, how girls can both avoid and combat it. Topics include healthy relationships, self-esteem, online safety, empowerment, and provides resources on health and safety through discussion and group activities.

The EAE group at Acton will take place once weekly, between May 8th and June 12th for a total of 6 sessions. It will run during the period 4 lunch break. Pizza and community service hours for attendance will be provided.

There is space for a maximum of 15 participants. If interested or have questions, please contact our School Social Worker, Lisa O’Halloran at ohalloranl@hdsb.ca to obtain permission forms and secure a spot.

FRENCH IMMERSION FIELD TRIP:

The grade 9/10 FI History class attended a field trip to Lorne Scots Museum with Madame Shire. They were able to learned about curriculum connections in a fun and interactive way.

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!

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.

SECONDARY TRACK AND FIELD:

Congrats to the secondary track team for their first meet of the season MAY 1. The weather was terrible but was full of smiling faces. Jackson crushed the 110 m hurdles and the 400 meter invitational race. Great work from our new hurdlers: Allison, Toveh, Grace and Hadleigh. Until the next meet May 9th.

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.

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.

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

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.

Guidance Staff:

Mrs. Schnekenburger - Head of Guidance

Mr. Brown - Guidance (Period 4)

Mrs. Sint Maung - Guidance (Period 1)
Mrs. Norton - Administrative Assistant

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.

The School Year Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year has received final approval from the Ontario Ministry of Education. To view the calendar, visit the HDSB School Year Calendar webpage. This calendar is developed with input from the School Year Calendar Committee, consisting of representatives from the school communities including parents/guardians and employee groups. The calendar outlines the Professional Activity days (PA) for staff when schools will be closed to students, as well as school breaks and holidays. The first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year is Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

The Halton District School Board has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring.

The upcoming sessions include:

Talking to Your Child About Mental Health: How to Recognize Concerns and Offer Support | Tuesday, May 6 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Youth and Vaping: What Parents/Guardians Need to Know | Thursday, May 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn more about the sessions available by visiting our Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions webpage and register online by completing the registration form. When you register, you can also submit a question for the presenters.

Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. Registrants will be emailed a Google Meet link to access the session. Captioning in various languages is available.

Reach Out Centre For Kids (ROCK) - Access & System Navigation Webinars

ROCK is a non-profit, community-based agency that supports the mental health and well-being of children, youth and families. ROCK is offering free webinars to help families learn how to access ROCK’s programs and services. Each session will review the general process from first contact, connections to programs and services and more. Webinars run throughout the year with identical content and families are encouraged to register for the session that best fits their schedule. Learn more and register.

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 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:

Wednesday, May 7 from 3:30 - 8 p.m. at W.I. Dick Middle School (351 Highside Dr., Milton)

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!