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Frequently asked questions about the HDSB Mobile App and SchoolMessenger app

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  • Safe Schools
    • Absence Reporting - SchoolMessenger
      • Frequently Asked Questions on Receiving Messages
      • Frequently Asked Questions on Reporting Student Absences
      • How to Check Messages and Report Absences Online
      • Teacher Messaging
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    • HDSB Mobile App
      • Frequently asked questions about the HDSB Mobile App and SchoolMessenger app
    • Human Rights & Equity
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    • School Safety FAQs
    • Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA)
  • Absence Reporting - SchoolMessenger
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  • Halton Community Resources
  • HDSB Mobile App
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  • Human Rights & Equity
  • Kindergarten
  • New to Halton
  • Pay Online
  • Privacy and Freedom of Information (FOI)
  • Protection from COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illness
  • Register My Child for School
  • Report Cards
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  • Welcome to a New School Year
  • Why Choose HDSB?

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  • Find My Local School
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  • Parent Portal (Secondary)
  • Register My Child for School
  • Report a Student Absence

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1. How do I download the app?

Answer: Search “HDSB” or “Halton District School Board” on the App Store or Google Play and download the free app. 

2. How do I subscribe to school(s)?

Answer: From within the app, click on the “Subscribe to Schools” icon and tap (for iOS devices) or swipe (for Android devices) on the school(s) you would like to receive updates from. You will be automatically subscribed to receive updates from the Halton District School Board. Board and school news from those you have subscribed to will appear in the “News” section of the app. 


3. My school already has its own mobile app. Do I need to download the HDSB Mobile App as well? ​

Answer: The HDSB Mobile App provides families with access to important school and Board news, calendars, social media feeds, and more all in one place. Families will receive app notifications in the event of school closure or bus cancellations due to inclement weather. Parents/guardians can also report student absences through the HDSB Mobile App. 

4. Why am I being prompted to download the SchoolMessenger app from within the HDSB Mobile App? 

Answer: The HDSB Mobile App provides families, students, and staff with school and Board news, calendars and social media feeds. The addition of the SchoolMessenger app requires parents/guardians authenticate themselves as a student’s parent/guardian to be able to report absences and receive messages from schools and the Board. The two apps have been developed to work seamlessly with one another to allow users to easily switch back and forth between apps. If there’s a function needed that’s provided by the SchoolMessenger app, such as reporting an absence, the SchoolMessenger app will automatically launch from within the HDSB Mobile App. After the SchoolMessenger app is no longer being used, you’ll be returned to the HDSB Mobile App. The integration of these two apps is similar to how the Facebook and Facebook Messenger apps work together. 

5. Do I need to download the SchoolMessenger app or can I report absences another way?​

Answer: For those who prefer to use a website instead of a mobile app (or who don’t have easy access to a smartphone), the SchoolMessenger app functions will be available online at go.schoolmessenger.com​. An account for the web app is recognized on the mobile apps, and vice versa.

If you would prefer to call in your child’s absence, the Toll-free number for SchoolMessenger is 1-877-409-6310. Please note the absence will be reported to the school only when you hear your confirmation number.

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Halton District School Board
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
Burlington, Ontario, L7P 5A8

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