ADS Newsletter
September 19th, 2025

ADS Food Days Are Here!

We’re excited to announce that ADS Food Days will be available for our Grade 7–12 students this year!

Mondays – Quesada
Tuesdays – Mum’s Fish & Chips
Wednesdays – Flame Kitchen
Thursdays – Mum’s Fish & Chips

Elementary Students will continue to enjoy Pizza Days every Thursday provided by Pizza Hub!

First Term: September 29 – December 18

Start Up Forms

For students to participate in the Terry Fox Run this Thursday, September 25th, all students must have their startup forms completed.

Please use the appropriate link below to complete the required forms:

Elementary Students: https://forms.gle/wL3CSF5M3T9U7FYEA

Secondary Students: https://forms.gle/sC7TW931rYVK37Nr8

Thank you for your support in honouring Terry’s legacy!

Intermediate Flag Football

Thank you to all of the students that came out to Grade 7-8 Flag Football tryouts. We had more students this year than any other year, and so many talented athletes to choose from! If you did not make the team, we thank you for your effort and hope to see you at the Flag Football Intramural in the spring and tryouts next year. The tournament team will compete in our first tournament next Friday September 26th at Kilbride Public School.

Nature Walk and Journalling

This past week, Grade 11 NBE students stepped outside the classroom for a nature walk and journaling exercise. As part of their Indigenous Studies course, students were encouraged to use their senses to explore the land and reflect on how nature and environment impact our understanding of the world.

They responded creatively in their journals with poetry, personal reflection, and thoughtful observations inspired by the experience.

Students were guided by the words of Indigenous author Leanne Betasamosake Simpson:
“The land is the first teacher. Everything we need to learn is here if we take the time to listen.”
— Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, “As We Have Always Done” (2017)

It was a meaningful reminder that the land itself holds valuable lessons for those who pause to listen.

DROP OFF ZONES

Please refer to this Map on where your student should be dropped off in the mornings.

Parking Lot Safety

Please be aware that our parking lot is very busy at school entry and dismissal times. It is preferred that students walk to school whenever possible. However, if you do end up driving your student to school (or for students who are driving themselves), please drive slowly and always look around carefully for pedestrians who are crossing the parking lot. We advise that people arrive early to avoid delays especially during the winter months and on inclement weather days.

Please do not park in “no parking zones” and never park your vehicle in the fire zone at the front of the school.

Please refer to the map above for drop off zones for Elementary and Secondary Students.

DONATION Needed: Chess Pieces.

If you have a set of chess pieces without a board, our Library Learning Commons welcomes your donation. There is a lot of interest in CHESS at our school, and although we have plenty of boards, we don’t have the pieces to support the play. Please drop off your donations at the main office.

Parents: Share Your Career Story - Volunteer Opportunity!

The Ontario Career Lab, supported by the Ministry of Education, is coming to our school!

This program connects Grade 9 and 10 students with real-world professionals to explore career pathways and gain valuable insight.

We’re looking for parents and guardians to volunteer as Career Coaches at our upcoming school event on November 5th (morning). It’s a chance to share your career journey, inspire students, and help them imagine what’s possible for their future.

Interested? Fill out this quick Expression of Interest form and the Ontario Career Lab will reach out to you with further details.

Your experience could be the spark that shapes a student’s future!

student Lunch Drop off Procedure

If you're dropping off lunch for your child during the school day, please place it on the grey table located just outside the office. This helps minimize classroom disruptions and ensures a smooth process for everyone.

If a student forgets their lunch, they should first check the lunch table. If their lunch isn’t there, they are welcome to visit the office for a snack from our food bin.

Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly!

Elementary Pizza Days (Session 1) –
October 2 to December 18, 2025

Pizza Days (Session 1) – October 2 to December 18, 2025
Our school is excited to bring back Pizza Days as a fundraiser!
Pizza will be supplied by Pizza Hub – Acton.
Important Information:
Please record these lunch dates on your 2025 calendar.
Orders are for the full term only (12 delivery days).
Choose ONE option only for the term: (Cheese or Pepperoni, Vegan, Gluten Free)
No combination orders.
Late orders cannot be accepted.
No refunds for absences; food cannot be saved.
Always check your receipt and order history to ensure your order went through.
Pizza Days run every Thursday from October 2 – December 18 (12 days total).
Fee closes Friday, Sept 26 at NOON.
All proceeds will go toward supporting extracurricular clubs, student resources, activities, and school initiatives.

LAST WEEK to get a Student Price Card.

This is the last week to get your SPC Card that gives more than 450 discounts to all your favourite places to eat and shop. For only $10, you will be donating to your school LIBRARY while receiving so many benefits.

See schoolcashonline for details and Ms. Thatcher or Ms. Wilkinson to get your card.

2025-2026 - Student Engagement Fee-Secondary

Welcome to a brand-new school year! Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another exciting year, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our Acton District High School community.

We are asking all students in Grades 9–12 to consider paying the optional $40.00 Student Engagement Fee. This fee goes directly toward enriching your high school experience—helping to fund many of the fun, meaningful, and rewarding opportunities students enjoy throughout the year.

Here’s just some of what your $40 helps make possible:

Bearcat Crew – Grade 9 welcome & mentorship events
Clubs & Teams – tournament entries, event costs, and equipment
Acton Achievers & Athletic Awards celebrations
Motivational Speakers and student workshops
School-Wide Events – spirit days, assemblies, socials, and more

We truly appreciate your support. These fees go a long way in helping us create a school culture that celebrates involvement, achievement, and school spirit.

Let’s make this year one to remember!

https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/168448/181/False/True

🐾 Acton District School Spirit Wear is Here!

Show your Bearcat Pride with our new spirit wear!

Orders are now open through Sunday, September 22.

Browse and order online here: Acton District Spirit Wear Shop

Don’t miss out—orders close after September 22!

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

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

Halton Hills Public Library in Georgetown is hosting a Post-Secondary Fair

October 24th: 10am - 4pm

October 25th: 10am - 4pm

Schools confirmed so far include:

Algoma University McMaster University

Brock University Michener Institute

Conestoga College Toronto Metropolitan University

Humber College University of Guelph
Lakehead University University of Toronto

IMPORTANT UPDATE: October 1 and 2

HDSB~Sheridan Post-Secondary Exploration Event Cancelled

As you may know, Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), the union representing full-time support staff at all Ontario colleges, began strike action on September 11. We are writing to inform you that the annual Post-Secondary Pathways Exploration Event, scheduled to take place October 1-2 at Sheridan College has had to be cancelled due to the province-wide strike impacting all Ontario colleges.

We know this annual event is important for Grade 11 and 12 students and their families as they plan their post-secondary journey. We are exploring options to reschedule the event for a later time and will share further information as it becomes available.

In the meantime, students and families are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual events on pathways exploration hosted by the Halton District School Board beginning in late September. Information about these opportunities to connect and learn virtually will be shared with families by the HDSB over the coming weeks. As always, your school’s Guidance department is available to answer any questions and to support students in planning their next steps after high school.

Thank you for your understanding.

Class of 2026 - Guidance Graduation Meetings

Please check your student email for your calendar invitation to meet with your guidance counselor about your post-secondary plans.

If you have missed your meeting, please reach out to Ms. Norton to reschedule!

📚 Semester 1 Course Changes & Full Disclosure Information

As we settle into the school year at Acton District School, we’d like to remind students and families about important upcoming dates regarding Semester 1 course changes and the Full Disclosure policy.

📅 Course Changes Deadline for Semester 1 has passed.
Students who wish to make changes to their Semester 2 timetable may do so. Guidance appointments are available—please contact the Guidance Office to schedule a meeting.

❌ Last Day to Drop a Course – November 24, 2025
The final day to drop a Grade 11 or 12 course without it appearing on a student’s transcript is Monday, November 24, 2025. After this date, any dropped, failed, or completed senior-level course will be recorded on the student’s official transcript with the grade earned at the time of withdrawal.

ℹ️ What is Full Disclosure?
Full Disclosure is a policy that applies to all Grade 11 and 12 courses. It means that:

Any Grade 11 or 12 course dropped after November 24 will appear on a student's transcript, along with the mark earned at the time of withdrawal.
If a course is dropped before November 24, it will not appear on the transcript.
Grade 9 and 10 courses are exempt from Full Disclosure.

Students are encouraged to consult with their guidance counsellor if they are considering a course change or withdrawal. Making informed decisions early can help avoid unnecessary impacts on future post-secondary opportunities.

📢 Stay Connected: Join Your Grade’s Google Classroom!

All students are encouraged to join their Grade Google Classroom to stay informed throughout the school year. Each classroom is tailored to your grade and will be used to share important announcements, guidance updates, post-secondary planning information, volunteer and job opportunities, and more.

By joining, students can ensure they don’t miss out on key dates, events, and resources that support both academic and personal success.

🔑 Join using the code for your grade below:

Grade 9: n54uhqn6
Grade 10: rgbi47nv
Grade 11: xslvacpi
Grade 12: 4uxurjpz

We strongly recommend all students join as soon as possible. It's one of the best ways to stay in the loop and make the most of the school year!

📣 Student Services Update – New Way to Submit Your Community Hours!

Dear Students,

We’re excited to announce a new and improved way to submit your community service hours to Student Services! 💼✨

Starting Wednesday, September 3rd, all students will be able to submit their community hours online through our updated system. This change is designed to make the process faster, easier, and more convenient for everyone.

🔹 What’s New?

Online Submission Form: Submit your hours directly from your phone or computer — no need to hand in your paper forms!
Upload Documentation: Attach your signed Record of Community Involvement Hours form or a photo of the form in just a few clicks.
Instant Confirmation: Receive an email confirmation as soon as your hours are submitted.

🔹 How to Submit:

Visit: Acton District School - Community Involvement
Fill out the required details
Upload your supporting documents
Click submit — and you're done!

We know your time is valuable, and we’re committed to supporting your involvement in the community.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to
Mrs. Norton in the guidance office.

Thank you for all the incredible work you do in and around our community! 💙

Sincerely,
Student Services Team

Terry Fox Run
Thursday, September 25

This year is the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. Schools all across Canada are joining in and we’re one of them! Our Terry Fox Run is coming up soon, and while it’s a fun way to get involved and show school spirit, it’s also about something much bigger: raising money for cancer research. Every dollar you raise helps scientists get closer to finding a cure and help families affected by cancer.

Our school will be heading out to run/walk in Terry’s honour to continue what he started. Details regarding when each class/grade will run will be shared with students closer to the big day.

Here is our fundraising link for this year.

https://schools.terryfox.ca/ActonDSActon

We will also be selling T-shirts to students through schoolcashonline.

Every dollar counts! As an added incentive, our local Giant Tiger has pledged $500 for our fundraiser! We are so grateful!

Bicycles, Scooters & Skateboards

Many students at Acton District School ride bicycles, scooters, and skateboards to school daily. Bicycles and scooters must be locked up outside at the bike and scooter racks out front of the school (near the main entrance). Please be sure that students have a working lock and remind them to use it EVERY time they park their bike or scooter. There have been unfortunate instances of theft when items are not locked up. Please note that scooters can no longer be parked in the main office due to health and safety protocols. Skateboards can be stored in lockers.

It is also recommended that students use the 529 Garage app to register their bicycles. The Halton Regional Police Service has partnered with 529 Garage to introduce their bicycle registration app to residents of Halton. 529 Garage is an application that connects you, other cyclists, police, and local bicycle shops in the event your bicycle is stolen. Registration is easy - simply download the app, input your contact information and bicycle serial number, and upload photos of yourself and your bicycle. Registrations can also be made on the 529 Garage website if you do not have a smart phone or tablet. Once you have registered your bicycle on the app, if it is stolen or goes missing, you can notify 529 Garage and they will issue an alert from the app that is sent to other local cyclists and bike shops alerting them to the missing bicycle. Once an alert for your bicycle has been posted, the app will also direct you to the HRPS online reporting tool where you can report it to police. By registering, if a bicycle is recovered, it is easier for police to identify and return the bicycle to the proper owner.

Please remind students that bicycles, scooters, and skateboards should not be used on school property.

Wear a helmet!

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

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.

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.