News & Upcoming Events
October 24, 2024
Dear Families,
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all families with students travelling by bus to and from school about their crucial roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe and respectful bus environment.
We have had numerous reports from students and Halton Transportation about poor student behaviour on our buses. We believe every student has the right to ride the bus free of worry about being exposed to inappropriate language and/or behaviour.
The school bus is an extension of the school and students are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct and the Discriminatory and Harmful Language Protocol. Riding the bus to school is a privilege that can be revoked if students are not respectful and kind to others.
We would really appreciate families discussing these expectations at home (please click on the links below).
Thanks so much.
Scott Williamson
Principal
Aldershot School
October 24, 2024
Take Our Kids to Work Day - November 6, 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians of Grade 9 students:
The Halton District School Board is proud to be involved in Take Our Kids to Work Day, now coordinated through The Students Commission of Canada. Since 1994, Take Our Kids to Work™ has grown from a regional program into a nation-wide project involving millions of Grade 9 students and hundreds of thousands of workplaces. This year, based on the strong support for the 2023 event, we expect that even more students and workplaces will participate.
November 6, 2024 is the date of this event. Grade 9 students across Canada will go to work with a parent, relative, or other trusted adult. Students who are unable to accompany a parent, relative, family friend to their workplace will be supported in finding a placement, where possible. Virtual placements are also an option with family approval.
Learning first-hand about work and a range of career opportunities is an integral part of the curriculum and of the education and career-life planning program at every HDSB school.
Take Our Kids to Work™ provides opportunities for our Grade 9 students to:
see their parents/guardians in different roles and responsibilities and
understand what they do to support the family;
develop a closer dialogue with their parents/guardians or other caring adults;
enhance their understanding of individual jobs in the context of the diverse
working community;
directly link classroom and workplace experiences;
recognize the importance of continuous learning in pursuing career
opportunities; and,
see the realities and demands of the current workplace
A day at work will demonstrate the relevance of classroom lessons for participating students and allow them to see how the skills they are learning are transferable to the workplace. The day provides companies with an opportunity to showcase their work and to connect with members of tomorrow’s workforce. Employees can demonstrate how they work and the skills and knowledge they require to work effectively.
What Can Parents/Guardians/Caregivers Do to Assist?
Please encourage your Grade 9 student to become enthusiastically involved.
Please ensure that the Take Our Kids to Work Day Permission Form is signed and returned to their Period 1 Teacher by Monday, October 28, 2024. Students received a copy to take home on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Electronic copies of the permission form can be found on the Aldershot Student Services Website. If students have difficulty finding an appropriate placement, please have them see their Period 1 Teacher or Guidance Counsellor.
Encourage your place of employment to endorse this program and to consider offering an invitation not only to Grade 9 children of employees but to other Grade 9 students who could benefit from the experience.
This initiative is a beneficial one from all perspectives - workplaces, educators, parents, guardians and most importantly, our youth. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Sincerely,
The Aldershot Student Services Department
October 1, 2024
A message from the Director and Chair of the HDSB
Dear HDSB students, families and staff,
As we fall into the rhythms and routine of the school year, it's hard to believe October is already here. This October gives us a moment to pause.
We have witnessed the devastating impact of war and global tensions, heightened by events of the past year, and heard from you directly on its impact here at home. As we approach one year since October 7, we are reminded of the profound impact of that day and the challenges and heartache that has followed in the days and months since. Our hearts go out to all those who have been facing loss, distress and uncertainty. We know we cannot fully grasp the depth of pain being experienced and we extend our deepest sympathies.
The HDSB is a wonderfully diverse community of more than 66,000 students and families and more than 10,000 staff, each with unique experiences and perspectives. We are committed to creating and sustaining spaces where listening, understanding, caring and treating one another with dignity and respect guide our interactions. We are also committed to providing a learning environment where the humanity of all students, staff and communities is upheld. We recognize that this work requires ongoing attention, reflection and action, and we will continue to keep the conversation going and work closely with our community to understand and respond to their needs.
Our students, their safety, well-being and ability to learn, are at the heart of everything we do. HDSB schools serve as vibrant learning spaces where students are encouraged to be their true self, explore their curiosity and pursue knowledge without barriers. We write this message today to reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for every student and staff.
As we progress through the school year, we remain focused on our shared humanity and desire to make the HDSB a better place for every student to learn, staff to grow and all to feel like they belong.
Thank you for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education for the HDSB
Amy Collard
Chair of the HDSB