MESSAGE TO ALDERSHOT FAMILIES FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Unsanctioned Activity Assassins/Gotcha Game

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We wish to bring to your attention a matter concerning the safety of students across Halton. We’ve been made aware that some students, primarily in Grade 12, are participating in a game called the Assassin’s Game (also referred to as Gotcha Game). The intent of this game is for participating graduating students to get together for a fun game and raise funds for Prom; however this game has the potential to create an unsafe situation at school and within the community. 

We want to clarify that this game is not sanctioned by the Halton District School Board or any of our schools. To be clear, this game is not to take place on school property nor are students permitted to have water guns on school property. As this unsanctioned activity has been known to involve the use of replica weapons, we remind all students and families that possession of replica weapons is a significant violation of the HDSB Code of Conduct. Violation of the Code of Conduct will result in appropriate consequences in accordance with our progressive discipline policies. 

What is the Assassin’s Game? The game involves high school students hunting or assassinating one another with water or Nerf-style guns. The assassinations can take place in a variety of settings, in public, and during daylight and evening hours. Some of the guns used have resembled real firearms. In many instances, observers – unaware the game is being played – have contacted police. 

As always, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. Thank you for your support as we work together to maintain safe learning environments for all students. We encourage conversations at home regarding the importance of all students staying safe while at school and in the community.

If you have questions or concerns about this matter at school, please contact me. 

Sincerely,

Scott Williamson
Principal, Aldershot

lions' pride book club

Dear Aldershot Parents and Guardians,

The Lions' Pride book club is excited to host local author Matteo Cerilli, author of Lockjaw on April 28th from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. 

Lockjaw is Cerilli's first novel.  The novel is about a "small-town ghost story, where monsters living and dead haunt the streets, the homes, and the minds of the inhabitants".  Students from the book club will have the chance to speak with Matteo about the setting, characters and themes in the novel, as well as his experience being a young author from Halton.  

Anyone interested can RSVP Ms. Hickey at the school to join. 

April 15, 2025

message to aldershot families from the principal

Dear Aldershot Parents and Guardians,

To further support student learning, we are working to address a few challenges that have recently come to our attention. We've noticed an increasing number of students spending instructional time in the hallways and stairwells. It's important that students have designated spaces where they can work productively and collaborate without distractions—both for their own success and to maintain a positive learning environment for others.

To support this, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following:

• Secondary students with e-Learning courses or spare periods are expected to be in the Library or the Cafeteria. Both areas provide suitable spaces for focused work and collaboration. Teachers and Administrators will guide students in the hallways to these designated areas.

• Elementary and Secondary students taking extended breaks from class will be redirected back to their classrooms. Teachers will follow up with families regarding their concerns with students in their classes.

If there are any ongoing concerns, Administration will be in contact with families to further support students.

We sincerely appreciate your support as we strive to provide all students the best possible learning environment. Together, we can help ensure every student remains engaged and contributes to a safe and respectful school atmosphere.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Scott Williamson, Principal at the school.

April 10, 2025

School Mental Health Ontario - Supporting Your Child’s Well-being:  Free webinars

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) is offering a free webinar series designed to help parents/guardians 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 

Sessions will be facilitated by Ontario parents/guardians and caregivers, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask presenters questions before and during each session. Learn more and register. 

This message is sent on behalf of Halton Region Public Health

Halton Region Public Health - Global Rise in Measles

Measles outbreaks have increased in Ontario and around the world. The measles virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. As of March 20, 2025, 470 cases of measles have been reported in Ontario, a sharp increase of 371 cases since February 12, 2025. Measles symptoms usually include fever, cough, runny nose and a rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body. In many cases, measles can lead to serious complications. 

Stay Up-to-Date on Immunizations

The best way to prevent measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is to ensure your child is up-to-date on all immunizations. Halton Region Public Health encourages families to check that their vaccine records are in accordance with Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule.

How to Check Your Records

You can view your child’s immunization record here or check their physical immunization yellow card.

In Ontario, children routinely receive two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

• First dose is given at 12 months of age.

• Second dose is given before school entry (between four and six years of age) with the chickenpox vaccine (MMRV vaccine). 

All individuals born after January 1, 1970, should have two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.

Travel Considerations 

If you and your family are travelling to areas where measles is circulating, infants 6 to 11 months of age can receive one dose of MMR vaccine. However, they will still require two additional doses after their first birthday. Some countries may have specific guidelines or additional vaccine recommendations. Refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada's website for more information. 

Where to Get Vaccinated 

If you or your family need to catch up on immunizations, contact your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, routine vaccinations are also available at walk-in clinics. Report all vaccines to Public Health here. 

Think You or Your Child Might have Measles?

• Stay home and limit contact with others if possible

• Wear a well-fitting medical mask

• Call ahead before seeking medical attention to a healthcare provider

Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe. 

Grade 10 Career Coach Initiative Pilot - Spring 2025

We are excited to inform you that in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s announcement in May 2024, Grade 9 and 10 students will be receiving mentorship from community-based Career Coaches. The Career Coach initiative will be a pilot program this year as the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) was hired mid-year by the province to oversee this initiative. 

Program Details

Through this program, Grade 10 students will have the opportunity to have at least one 30-minute career coach visit this year to learn about various careers with a focus on local, in-demand career sectors.  Beginning in the Fall, every Grade 9 and 10 student will receive two visits from Career Coaches over the school year.

Career Coaches from a variety of high demand labour market areas across the Halton region will be recruited, vetted and trained by HIEC. These coaches will then meet with HDSB students in small groups to provide insight into regional labour market trends and share their career journey. Parents/guardians that are interested in serving as a Career Coach can learn more here.

Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on what they have learned from the Career Coach and how it connects to their own post-secondary and career interests as part of their Individual Pathways Plan (IPP). 

Next Steps

In the coming weeks, your school will be in touch with additional information about how and when Career Coach visits will take place. Each school has been given the opportunity to create a plan for these visits that meets the needs of their school community. As a result, these visits may look different from school to school.  

Questions

Should you have any questions about the Career Coach initiative at your school, please reach out to your secondary school Guidance team. For any questions about how the initiative is being organized across the Halton District School Board, please email Lisa Galay, Secondary Instructional Program Leader for Student Supports and Regional Programs at galayl@hdsb.ca.