Have Your Say Survey

The HDSB engagement survey Have Your Say is available from April 26 - May 24, 2021. Students are asked to complete the survey during school time and we invite parents/guardians to complete the parent/guardian survey when you have time.

Parent/guardian feedback and support is integral to the success of our students. Your participation in the Have Your Say survey will help us identify opportunities to improve schools and ensure student achievement and well-being are at the centre of everything we do.

Visit haveyoursay.hdsb.ca to take the survey now.

Mental Health and Well-Being Information Sessions

The HDSB is hosting more than 15 Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians in April and May. These sessions will cover specific topics based on feedback from parents/guardians through a survey sent earlier this year. Each will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources.

Session presenters will include HDSB staff and mental health experts from local community organizations including Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), ADAPT, Danielle’s Place, National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), Eat2Grow, CHM Therapy Services, Halton Support Services, Developmental Services of Ontario, Mental Health and Addiction Nurses, Roots Community Services, and Bayridge Counselling Centres.

Session topics include:

• Healthy eating, body image, eating disorders

• Self-regulation and emotional well-being

• Substance use, vaping, online/video gaming

• Supporting children with learning disabilities

• Social isolation and connectedness for 2SLGBTQ+ youth

• Impact of COVID-19 and racism for Black identifying families

• Staying engaged during online learning

• Anxiety

• Psychiatric medications

Learn about the various sessions available and view event details on the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions webpage.

How to register: Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. Parents/guardians can register by completing the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions Registration Form. Sessions will be held on Google Meet or Zoom (depending on the session) and registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. Sessions will not be recorded.

You will have the opportunity to submit questions when completing the registration form or during the session.

The HDSB is conducting a Student Census throughout the winter of 2021 as required by the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan. Students in Grade 4 - 12 will complete the electronic census independently during provided class time. For students in Kindergarten to Grade 3, parent(s)/guardian(s) will complete the census on behalf of their child.

It is important that the Student Census reflects the voices of all students, therefore the more responses we receive, the more effective the data will be to help inform and improve programming and learning environments. The Student Census is voluntary and students and parents/guardians can skip any question they do not want to answer. If you have concerns about your child’s participation, please email studentcensus@hdsb.ca.

For additional information, please view the recording of the virtual HDSB Student Census Information Session held on Dec. 8, 2020 as well as the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Student Census webpage for detailed information.

Healthy Student Snack Bags - Halton Food for Thought

When we feed students nutritious food, we are offering them their best chance for success. We want students to reach their full potential and lead healthy, active lives.

Halton Food for Thought, in partnership with Food for Life, is providing Halton Elementary and Secondary students, nutritious food to fuel their learning, whether they are learning in school or from home!

Weekly HFFT Healthy Student Snack Bags:

• Consist of a minimum of 3 healthy snacks per student per school day,

• Include both perishable and non-perishable foods i.e., fresh fruit, granola bar, yogurt.

• Are universal in nature,

• no fee or registration required.

For more information including a list of HFFT Healthy Snack Bag distribution locations CLICK HERE.

More than ever, Halton students need access to nutritious food to fuel a full day of learning.

Together we #FeedTheirFuture!

To help support student success, please consider volunteering with, or donating to Halton Food for Thought.