We are pleased to announce that we have been certified by the Ontario EcoSchools​ program for the 2021-22 school year. The EcoSchools program recognizes and celebrates schools for their environmental learning and action.

Under the EcoSchools program, schools are required to apply for certification annually. Certification is based on a provincial standard.

Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education and certification program for Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools that helps school communities develop both ecological literacy and environmental practices to become environmentally responsible and reduce the environmental footprint of schools. The key areas of focus and achievement are: Teamwork and Leadership, Energy Conservation, Waste Minimization, School Ground Greening, Curriculum, and Environmental Stewardship.

Summer Mental Health support will be available virtually beginning Monday, July 5, 2021 until Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. To support belonging and connectedness, summer mental health services will mainly be provided using a variety of therapeutic and/or psychoeducational groups, which will be co-delivered by Social Workers, Child and Youth Counsellors and Community Service Providers.

For children and youth with Autism and developmental needs, parent consultation and individual services will be offered. For all other students, the need for individual services can be discussed with the intake mental health worker who will be in contact once a referral is made.

What Services are Being Provided?

Group sessions will be offered twice this summer. The three-week sessions will take place from July 12 - 30 and August 9 - 27 to offer maximum flexibility. Groups will be formed based on the grades that students will be going into in September. Based on enrolment numbers and student need, the summer mental health team will make the final determinations around the type of services to be offered.

The HDSB welcomes referrals for students who would benefit from participation.

View the various groups being offered and sign up now by visiting the Summer Mental Health Services for Students page on the HDSB website.

How do I sign up for Summer Mental Health Services or sign my child up?

Parents/guardians and students can access our summer supports by filling out the Referral for Group Summer Mental Health Services Form. You can also call our summer intake line at 289-337-6490 or email summersupport@hdsb.ca to leave your name and contact information and a mental health intake worker will get back to you. It is important to note this is not an emergency number or email. Please do not leave any urgent messages or emails. If your family is experiencing a crisis, please call ROCK Crisis line at 905-878-9785 or 911 for immediate help. We will call or email you back as soon as possible to confirm your information and discuss which supports might be best for you or your child. We are here for you.

• For groups that run in July, please ensure all referrals are in by June 24, 2021

• For groups that run in August, please ensure all referrals are in by July 26, 2021

Halton Food for Thought is dedicated to feeding the success of our students, one healthy, happy student tummy at a time.

We are in this together! To help support our most vulnerable student families during these unprecedented times HFFT is providing Grocery Gift Cards to purchase healthy snacks and meals this summer.

• One registration per household.

• Registration closes June 19th, 2021.

• Grocery Gift Card value will depend on total registrations received.

• Cards will be distributed via email or mail in July.

• Halton Food for Thought reserves the right to verify student status with our partner schools.

If you know of a Halton student family who might benefit from Halton Food for Thought support this summer, please have them email info@haltonfoodforthought.com.

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

Together we #FeedTheirFuture!