ADS Newsletter
May 30th, 2025

Hello Acton Families,

Well, public school life is winding down for our Class of 2025. Prom was wonderful last week and last night the Gr 12 graduates had their ‘Senior Sunset’, watching a movie outside while the sun was setting. This event was symbolic and appropriate. Commencement on June 26th remains their closing event to cap off 13 years of learning and a celebration of all that lies ahead.

Our Gr 8 graduates are off to celebrate their transition from elementary and into secondary school by enjoying an overnight at Camp Kintail on Monday. What a great bonding experience that is sure to make memories.

Last Friday night we hosted most of the town in our cafeteria to enjoy the CBC’s filming of Still Standing their comedy show that captures small-town life all over the country. So much fun! I heard some great stories about our community that were new to me and we heard many compliments from the CBC about how great our students are and how they enjoyed the event in our school. It was great to see many of you in the audience!

Proud morning today when I heard that our grade 12 Jackson Baumler won both his hurdle events at the South Regional Track Meet and is now OFSSAA bound next Friday and Saturday. A DOUBLE qualifier for an outstanding athlete! So impressive Jackson!

I am also very excited to watch our Boys’ Baseball Team compete in the Tier 2 Finals on Wednesday at Trafalgar Sports Park in Georgetown at noon. Bearcats Baseball Rules! Go Boys!

June is a protected month and we will wind up all out-of-school activities and co-curriculars that require students to miss class as of Monday ( with the exception of the Baseball Finals and fan bus going to the game). This is the time of year to support your students as they buckle down to study and focus on a strong academic finish.

Make sure your student has a quiet place to work and hold on to their phone for them until they are finished.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Kelli

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 13th-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 make sure to complete and return your commencement form to Mrs. Norton in Student Services by Monday, 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.

Take advantage of the upcoming Credit Rescue sessions over the next few weeks! This is a valuable opportunity to catch up on missed work, improve your grades, and strengthen your understanding before final performance tasks and exams. Don’t wait—use this time to finish strong and set yourself up for success!

FOOD FUN FAIR

We would like to say a huge thank you for your support on our Food Fun Fair day held at Acton District School and it was a great success! We will continue to accept canned food donations for the next couple of weeks! We would like to also say a huge thank you to all the sponsors below that helped us out, which played a major role in supporting this event. For the food, prize donations, booth participation and more - once again thank you for all of your support during this event!

From - our grade 12 food and nutrition class.

Congratulations to our incredible Grade 7 and 8 Track and Field team who competed with outstanding dedication and spirit on a very cold and rainy day! Despite the challenging weather, our athletes showed immense resilience, sportsmanship, and talent. We're so proud of every single one of you for your hard work and commitment.

We'd like to extend special congratulations to the following Grade 7 students for their exceptional performances:

Chloe for dominating the sprints, placing 1st in both the 100m and 200m races!
Katelyn for her strong showing in the sprints, earning 4th place in both the 100m and 200m.
Campbell for an impressive day, finishing 2nd in the 200m and 2nd in Triple Jump.
Braden for his fantastic results, securing 3rd in the 400m and 2nd in Long Jump.
John for his endurance, taking 2nd in the 800m and 4th in the 1500m.
Ian for a solid performance, placing 4th in the 800m.
Callum for his efforts, earning 4th in Long Jump.

And let's celebrate our fantastic relay teams:

The mixed relay team of Ari, John, Maia, and Campbell who sprinted to a 2nd place finish!
The girls relay team of Katelyn, Alexis, Charlie, and Chloe who also earned an impressive 2nd place!
The boys relay team of Charlie, Felix, Braden, and Brandon who battled hard for 6th place!

Our Grade 7 Boys and Grade 7 Girls teams both finished first overall!

We'd like to extend special congratulations to the following Grade 8 students for their exceptional performances:

Casey for a fantastic day on the track, placing 3rd in the 200m and 2nd in the 400m!
Rosey for her strong endurance, earning 5th place in the 800m.
Emery for an impressive showing in field events, securing 5th in Triple Jump and 5th in Turbo Javelin.
Max for his excellent throw, placing 4th in Turbo Javelin.

Our Grade 8 Boys team finished 3rd overall!

Your perseverance in the face of adverse weather truly exemplifies the spirit of our school.

Congratulations again, Grade 7 and 8 Track and Field team! You made us all proud!

Business Class Stock Challenge Champion

Congrats to Ammar on winning this year’s challenge with a 9.34% return over one month. There was tough competition from Will, Max, Julia and Gavin over the last few weeks but ultimately Ammar held his lead and won the coveted Bull Medallion.

SPARK LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Grade 7-12 leaders attended the SPARK leadership conference hosted at the Toronto Zoo, it was a fantastic day filled with great speakers, activities and of course some animals! Despite the rain, staff & students had a great day, and walked away with some valuable leadership lessons to support our continued success here at ADS.

🎉 Stellar Sellers Returns to Acton District School – Vendor Applications Now Open! 🎉

Mark your calendars! Acton District School is thrilled to announce the return of Stellar Sellers on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:00am - 3:00pm (Vendor set up time at 8:00am-10:00am) This beloved event brings together talented artisans, creative crafters, and enthusiastic shoppers from across our community for a day of festive fun and fantastic finds.

Whether you're looking to get a head start on your holiday shopping or simply enjoy browsing unique handmade goods, Stellar Sellers is the place to be. From one-of-a-kind crafts and homemade treats to seasonal décor and gift ideas, there's something for everyone!

Are You a Craft Vendor?
We’re currently accepting applications from vendors who would like to showcase and sell their items at this year’s event. If you're a local maker or small business interested in participating, please complete the vendor application form here:
👉 Vendor Application Form

Spaces fill up quickly, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot!

Stay tuned for more details as the date approaches—we can’t wait to welcome you back to Stellar Sellers at Acton District School!

School Cash Online

At Acton District., we use School Cash Online for all payments made to the school. It is recommended that you set up your account so you are prepared for any fees that pertain to your student throughout the school year.

Some of the benefits of using School Cash Online include:

· Ability to pay by credit card and Visa debit or echeck(out of bank account)

· Receive reminder emails so you never miss a payment due date

· See only items available to purchase online that are applicable to your student(s)

· Uses Google Translate in over 100 languages to assist you when making purchases

· Make an online donation and receive your tax receipt by email

· Support available 24 x 7

Visit hdsb.schoolcashonline.com to sign up today and have the ability to track all payments made. You will need the Halton student number for your student (not the OEN) in order to set up an account. Please contact the school at 519.853.2920 if you don’t have your student’s number.

Secondary Pizza Day May 15th, 2025

School Cash Online – Payment Reminders

Please log in to School Cash Online to complete the following upcoming payments:

Camp Kintail – Final payment is due by May 31st, 2025
Grade 7 Wonderland Trip – Payment is now available

To stay informed, make sure your email notifications are enabled in your School Cash Online account.

If you haven’t registered yet, visit schoolcashonline.com to create an account and ensure you don’t miss any important notices.

Thank you for keeping up with school activities and deadlines!

Acton District - Pita Pit School Lunch Order Form

Pita Pit School Lunch Order Form for SECONDARY AND ELEMENTARY

We are pleased to partner with Acton District School to offer fresh and delicious Pita Pit lunches to students every Wednesday for the remainder of the 2024–2025 school year.

Please use this form to place your weekly lunch orders for the months of April and May. Each submission should be completed for one student only. The deadline to submit your order is Tuesday, June 3, 2025, by 8:00 PM (EST).

Once your order has been submitted, the school will contact you with payment details. Lunches will be provided on the following Wednesdays: June 4, 11 & 18.

https://forms.gle/tFH4W4UoyDHBxsNYA

Secondary Pizza Day June 5th, 2025

Pizza Day June 5th, 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 June 3 @ NOON ***

ADS News Website

The yearbook class is still busy creating content and documenting activities happening at ADS! Click this link to access the site. Have something you’d like us to feature? Please reach out to Ms. Hayes at hayesla@hdsb.ca

Pride Month is coming to Acton District School!

The GSA has been busy planning and working to bring a colourful Pride Month to our school. Students and staff are invited to wear their Pride Attire or Rainbow Colours on Monday, June 2nd to kick off the beginning of Pride Month. We will be hosting a Pride Flag raising ceremony on that day as well.

Everyone has a place here at Acton District and we look forward to celebrating that with Pride all year long, but especially during Pride Month!

Important Changes to Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) Parent Portal

Effective May 1st, 2025

In an effort to both enhance security and simplify the process for families to access student transportation information, an important Parent Portal change is coming!

For Existing Parent Portal Account Users:

As of May 1st, 2025, in order for families to continue to access busing information through the HSTS parent portal, they will have to ensure their HSTS parent portal account email address matches to one that the school has on file as a parent/guardian (with access to records) in the School Board’s Student Information System (SIS).

If your HSTS parent portal account email address already matches what is on file with your child(ren)’s school, no action is required and this process will be seamless. After May 1st, the only change users will notice is that they lose the ability to manually add students (using their OEN and Date of Birth).

If your HSTS parent portal account email address does not match what is on file with your child(ren)’s school,

login to the HSTS parent portal account and update the email address associated with your HSTS parent portal account to match the one provided to the school OR
contact the school to update the school’s records to match the HSTS parent portal login email address.

If your email address is not updated before May 1st, you will continue to receive school bus delay/cancellation notification emails for routes/runs that your child(ren) are currently assigned to for the remainder of the school year, however you will lose access to view your child(ren)’s busing information until the email addresses match in both systems. We strongly urge families to verify prior to the end of June to ensure parents/guardians have access to student transportation information for the 2025-26 school year.

Help? How to Update your Parent Portal Account

For New Parent Portal Account Users:

After May 1, 2025, the new setup process takes only a couple minutes and can be done in 3 easy steps:

Parent/Guardian signs up for an HSTS parent portal account using an email address on file with the school for contacts listed as a Parent/Guardian (with access to records).
BusPlanner Web sends a validation link to your email inbox in order to authenticate access to the email. Once the link is clicked, the HSTS parent portal account is activated.
Login to the HSTS parent portal and access your child(ren)’s transportation information including eligibility, assigned bus route(s) and run(s), bus stop location(s) and time(s) and provides the name and contact number for the Bus Company servicing each route.

Help? How to Create an HSTS Parent Portal Account

Additional family members or Caregivers:

We understand that there may be instances where additional family members or caregivers would also like to receive automatic delay/cancellation email notifications for a student’s bus via our Parent Portal. Any individual with an email address can create an HSTS parent portal account for the purposes of subscribing to automatic alerts for a specific route/run, however will be unable to access any personal information regarding any student or their transportation information.

As an alternative, anyone with a smartphone can download the free BusPlanner Delays app and sign up to receive instant push notifications for a specific school bus route. For more information , visit: https://www.haltonbus.ca/busplanner-delays-app/

Please refer to our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional information.

We trust this update will greatly simplify the process for families having easy access to their family’s student transportation information.

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.

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.

Acton District School Supports Youth Mental Health Through Art Therapy

This past December, Acton District School's Grade 12 Leadership Class hosted a successful hockey tournament fundraiser focused on supporting youth mental health. Thanks to the incredible effort and community support, half of the proceeds raised were donated to the Acton Youth Centre's to fund a free Art Therapy program in partnership with a local Art Therapist.

With these funds, the Acton Youth Centre has already been able to schedule a confirmed Art Therapy session for Wednesday, May 21st from 4:00–5:00 p.m. Additional sessions are tentatively scheduled for the fall on Monday, September 22nd and Monday, November 17th, also from 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Art Therapy provides young people with a creative outlet to express themselves, process emotions, and build resilience—all essential components of mental wellness. The Leadership Class is proud that the funds raised through their initiative are directly contributing to these impactful sessions, helping support youth in our community.

Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported the tournament—your involvement is making a meaningful difference.

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.

Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) Month has come to a close! We thank all families who have provided support to HLF throughout this month. Your generosity helps make a lasting difference in the lives of HDSB students.

Each year, HLF supports more than 3,000 students in the HDSB by providing financial support that removes educational barriers and providing the essential resources students need to focus on schoolwork and thrive to their full potential. HLF’s goal is to ensure that they can continue to say ‘yes’ to every request for support received.

There’s still time to make an impact. To learn more or continue the support for HLF Month, visit the HLF Month webpage on the HLF website (haltonlearningfoundation.ca).

Are you an HDSB parent/guardian who could use some help?

If you are an HDSB parent/guardian who needs assistance, please contact your child’s teacher or principal.

Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for Parents/Guardians

The HDSB has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring. We ask that schools help us promote these sessions through social media and newsletters.

HDSB Post-Secondary Exploration Event at Sheridan - Oct 1 and 2, 2025

The Halton District School Board will again partner with Sheridan College to offer a multi-pathway exploration event for Grade 11, 12 and 12+ students and families on October 1 and 2. Where possible, schools are asked not to schedule evening events for senior students on these dates. Tickets will be available to families in early September (a messenger will be sent by School Programs) and a promotional flyer will be shared with schools for their end of year/summer messaging by early June.

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.

When we welcome students from our International Student Program (ISP) into our schools, our programs benefit, our community benefits and local students create lifelong friendships and global connections. Students in ISP thrive in school when they live in a welcoming, supportive and safe home. Canada Homestay Network (CHN) is currently looking for hosts in Halton for international students joining the HDSB in September.

Why Become a Host?

Becoming a homestay host is an exciting, fulfilling and truly one-of-a-kind experience. You will be giving a young international student the opportunity of a lifetime, while creating lasting memories for your own family.

Hosting an international student is more than just providing a place to stay, it’s about opening your heart and home to an unforgettable cultural exchange. As a host family, you will:

Make a life-changing impact on a young student’s journey
Experience the joy of sharing Canadian traditions
Learn about new cultures, languages and perspectives
Create lifelong friendships and global connections
Bring fresh energy, excitement and curiosity into your home

What You Will Provide
To welcome an international student, you will need to provide:

A private bedroom with a desk and closet;
Three nutritious meals a day (with guidance from CHN)
Access to utilities, including WiFi and laundry
A warm, friendly and supportive environment, just like you would want for your own child studying abroad

Canada Homestay Network (CHN) Support

Hosting is a big decision, and that’s why the HDSB has partnered with CHN, a trusted, not-for-profit organization that has been supporting host families since 1995. Through CHN, host families will receive:

Full training and support to help you feel confident and prepared
24/7 emergency assistance so that you’re never alone in this journey
A generous monthly stipend to help cover expenses

Virtual Information Session for Families
Canada Homestay Network will be hosting two virtual information sessions for families interested in learning more about becoming homestay hosts:

Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m. – Join virtually here!
Saturday, May 24 at 10 a.m. – Join virtually here!

Becoming a Homestay Host
Families who are interested in becoming a homestay host can apply online through the CHN Host Portal: https://hostportal.chnonline.ca/apply

Learn more
For more information about becoming a host for an international student, please contact hostinfo@canadahomestaynetwork.ca, call 1-877-441-4443 or visit: https://whyihost.ca.

Thank you for your consideration.