Principal's Message

Good Morning Garth Webb:

Okay, this is starting to get obscene how many things we are winning here at GW... and the Spring season isn't even finished yet!!! Badminton OFSAA Gold by Nishtha Dubey and now GOLD in the Ontario Skills Competition by our very own Jason Li in Electronics. Jason now moves on to the National Skills Competition in Quebec City. Only two students from Halton are moving on to the Nationals!!

We hosted our very own TED Talk last week where students spoke about a variety of subjects that they felt passionate about.  Here is a quote from Kerri Lee in the main office - "Congratulations to the team of students and their amazing mentor Ms. Coupe who put on GWs first TEDx Youth event this evening. I did not know what to expect and I was totally blown away by the level of maturity and confidence displayed by the 8 student speakers ranging from grade 9-12. The group has worked together over the past 6 months to put this event together and it was fantastic!" So great!!

I had the pleasure of meeting three of Garth Webb's grandchildren here at school on Thursday. Two of which had come in from Vancouver for the anniversary of the passing of their grandfather and for the upcoming ceremonies surrounding the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. All three were very impressed with the school and the whole positive vibe of our students as they walked the halls and toured some of the classrooms. They loved seeing the GW spirit wear everywhere on students and cannot get over how many things our school is good at!! They wished they had a high school like ours when they were growing up! The school embodies what their grandfather valued - a fighting spirit where students challenge themselves to be the best that they can be and a pathway for all students to find what they are passionate about. We gave them some Garth Webb swag to take home and proudly wear!!

Find what you love Chargers and get busy being happy!!

Happy Mother's Day to all who are celebrating today.

Take care,

Jacquie Pece

Remembering Garth Webb

Wednesday, May 8 marked 12 years since the passing of Garth Webb (coincidentally on the anniversary of V-E Day - the date of victory in the European theatre of World War II).

The Juno Beach Centre, founded by Mr. Webb, put out a video tribute that we wanted to share with our families: Garth Webb Tribute

We are looking forward to honouring Garth and the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6.

Lest We Forget.

Coffee House this Wednesday!

Don't miss out on some amazing student performances at our Coffee House evening this coming Wednesday, May 15. Tickets are available now on School Cash Online for only $5.

GW Parents for Black and Biracial Student Achievement RSVP

“Elevating Excellence”: A Celebration of Garth Webb’s Black & Biracial Students Current, Graduating, and Alumni 

May 16, 2024 – 7:00 pm

Garth Webb Secondary School Library

Garth Webb Parents for Black and Biracial Student Achievement continue to be committed to working with the school to create a safe and brave place for our Black and Biracial students because we know the impact racism has and continues to have on our students' personal identity and their need to feel a sense of belonging.

Our initiatives and projects have included:

• ELEVATING EXCELLENCE – An annual Celebration for Garth Webb Black And Biracial Graduates

• Garth Webb Black and Biracial Alumni Mentorship Association

• Black And Biracial Professionals Network

• Co-op Opportunities with Oakville Black/Biracial-Owned Businesses

• Leadership Opportunities for Garth Webb Black and Biracial students

Please RSVP here to join us for Elevating Excellence! All GW families are welcome to attend.

Bake Sale this Friday!

Friday, May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia and our SAGE club is organizing a bake sale to raise funds to support the important work that that Rainbow Railroad does.

Bring your cash on Friday, May 17 to purchase some yummy treats in the foyer at lunch!

OFSAA Gold!

Nishtha Dubey attended OFSAA for badminton in the single girls division this past week. Nishtha played confidently all tournament long and controlled the play throughout nearly all of her matches. Getting to OFSAA is a challenge to begin with, but getting there as a grade 9 and competing against older athletes, to then also come out with a gold medal, is a huge accomplishment! 

Congratulations Nishtha!!

Boba Sale to Celebrate Asian Heritage Month!

On Wednesday, May 29, the Student Activities Council will be serving up some Boba (Bubble Tea) to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. All Boba orders must be placed ahead of time and paid for on School Cash Online before May 23. Order your Boba today so you don't miss out!

From Your Student Services Department

Tuesdays @Ten

This past Tuesday, May 7 we hosted our Tuesdays @Ten session where we talked about summer school, the new eLearning graduation requirements, as well as the 40 hours of Community Involvement graduation requirement. 

Here is a link to the recorded meeting in case you missed it.

Stay tuned - Grade 11 Class Presentation

The week of May 20, guidance counsellors will be visiting all Grade 11 classes, to introduce and discuss the post secondary application process. This presentation is a quick introduction so students are aware of the various timelines that exist in their Grade 12 year.

Summer School

Summer school registration is now open through myBlueprint. All information around summer school can be found on this document and also on the Gary Allan website.

HDSB US University Fair for Secondary Students and Families:

1. • Date: May 14 from 5pm-8pm ET

   • Location: Iroquois Ridge High School in Oakville (1123 Glenashton Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 5M1) 

   • Details: This fair is open to students/families from Gr. 9-12. There are 2 time blocks. Gr.9/10 will have access to the fair from 5 pm-6:30 pm and Gr. 11/12 will have access from 6:30 pm-8 pm

   • Registration:  Please note that families should be registering for this event directly (students should only register themselves with parent/guardian/caregiver permission).

*Note that the timing breakdown by grade may be collapsed (so any secondary family can come between 5-8 pm) if there isn't concern about exceeding capacity. If this is decided, a message will be sent to all registrants to this effect.

Questions about the event can be directed to Lisa Galay, Instructional Program Leader for Student Supports and Regional Programs at galayl@hdsb.ca or to the College Trackr Canada event organizer:

Sujee Kulendran (he/him/his), Director, U.S. College Relations

CollegeTrackr Canada I Not-For-Profit Organization

A  24 Maple Ave, Second Floor, Barrie, ON, L4M 7W4 

P  6473087691

E  sujee@collegetrackr.com 

W  https://collegetrackr.com

Co-op Student of the Week

Student: Jassie Pannu, Grade 11

Placement: Spadafora & Murphy LLP

I am a front desk administrator meaning my tasks can change depending on the day, but mainly consist of creating files, answering phone calls, communicating with our clients and other law firms, emailing client reports, organizing files, ensuring calendar dates are met, and keeping track of client pickups. Overall, providing additional help whenever it is needed.

My biggest goal was to learn new skills to the point where I could apply them after grade 12. The skills I have learnt are unforgettable and can be used on a daily basis. I work with amazing people and they have made collaboration, communication, honesty  and social skills a priority.

Since grade 3, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. Every decision I have made since then has been decided based on that dream of mine. The biggest advantage I wanted was to be able to build up my interest in law throughout these years of highschool. I have a Law club running and when given the chance to do a Co-op version, it was an immediate yes. I knew I would be able to work in a law firm and immerse myself into the workplace everyday.

To see what else the Co-op Crew has been up to, please follow us on Instagram @GWSSCoop

Co-op Information Night

Save the date and join us on Wednesday, May 22 at 8 pm online to learn about what the GWSS Co-op Program entails, including student expectations and how to secure a placement. 

Please click here to register.

 If you have any questions, you can contact Ms. Anjos at anjosc@hdsb.ca. 

Volunteer Club

Volunteer Club dedicates to provide more volunteering opportunities to our students. Our goal is to make the information more accessible for everyone. We post opportunities weekly with all of the information included in our google classroom! If you want to learn more about our club and wish to find more opportunities, please join our google classroom through code: dtpah5l.

 You can also find us on instagram (@gwss.volunteer), LinkedIn (GWSS Volunteer Club), and Twitter (@gwss_volunteer)! If you have any question, feel free to email us at gwssvolunteerclub@gmail.com.

Opportunity for This Week:

The HDSB Summer Wellness Program is a new program geared to students entering grade 7, 8 or 9 in September to help them focus on self care and coping strategies before the new school year begins.  It will be led by an HDSB teacher, Child and Youth Counsellor and Social Worker (with the support of student volunteers) at each of the summer school sites (CKSS, GWSS, DFJH) from July 8-19.

Some highlights of the volunteer opportunity:

• Current grade 9-11 students can apply (returning grade 12s are also welcome)

• 40 hours of community involvement will be earned through participation in 2 days of virtual training (approx 5 hours/day) and 10 days of participation as volunteer mentor in the program (8:30 am - 11:45 am each day)

• Students with an interest in mental health and well-being promotion, an empathetic approach and an interest in working with younger students will be a great fit for this opportunity

See this Student Volunteer Information Form.

Asian Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.

The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2024 is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy”. This theme celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of people of Asian origin in Canada while also looking forward to the future with optimism and hopefulness. We are acknowledging the voices, stories, and achievements of people of Asian origin in Canada and recognizing their contributions to all aspects of our society, including the arts, sports and social justice.

Click here for more information.

Akshaya Tritiya - May 10

Akshaya Tritiya 2024 was observed on Friday, May 10. The Hindu festival is also known as Akti or Akha Teej. It's an ancient festival celebrated by the Hindus and Jains. Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated during the Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Vaishakha as per Hindu Panchang. The word Akshaya means never diminishing. Hence the benefits of doing any Japa, Yajna, Pitra-Tarpan, Dan Punya on this day never diminish and remain with the person forever.

Hindus celebrate the festival of Akshaya Tritiya to bring good luck and success. It is believed that buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya brings prosperity and more wealth in the coming future. Click here to read more about this festival.

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti - May 12

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is observed as birth anniversary of Indian Guru and philosopher Adi Shankara. Adi Shankara was born in Kalady which is situated in Kerala during 788 C.E. and he was disappeared at young age of 32 in year 820 C.E.

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is observed on Panchami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Vaishakha month and currently falls between April and May. Shankaracharya consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanata (अद्वैत वेदान्त) and revived it at a time when Hindu culture was on decline.

Adi Shankara, along with Madhava and Ramanuja, was instrumental in the revival of Hinduism. These three teachers formed the doctrines that are followed by their respective sects even today. They have been the most important figures in the recent history of Hindu philosophy.

Source

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia - May 17

IDAHOBIT, celebrated annually on 17 May, is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness about discrimination, violence, and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. This year's theme is “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all”.

Decided during extensive consultations with LGBTIQ organisations from across the world, the theme will allow for advocacy and celebrations in many forms – be it from human rights defenders, LGBTIQ civil society groups, millions of people in our communities, and our allies.

The world has just celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — a document that is much more than a cornerstone of international law: it is a guide to navigate a deeply divided world, a set of values that everyone can live by, and ultimately a force for good. And yet, we know that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” represents a promise not yet fulfilled — for LGBTIQ people across the world, and for everyone experiencing the suffocating impact on their lives of diverse layers of inequalities. 

This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is a call for unity: only through solidarity for each other will we create a world without injustice, where no one is left behind.

Click here to read more.

HDSB Multi-Year Plan Input

HDSB looking for input from families, students, staff and community members on next Multi-Year Plan 

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is asking students, families, staff and the community to share their thoughts and identify potential priorities for the Board’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Plan. Opportunities to share feedback include upcoming Town Halls and an online questionnaire that will be available in the coming weeks. 

The Multi-Year Plan (MYP) is the roadmap that guides the Board in creating the conditions for students and staff to thrive. It informs the Board’s decisions and allocation of resources while guiding staff’s collective actions for ongoing improvement over the next four years. View the current 2020-2024 MYP. 

Parents, guardians, staff, students and community members are invited to share their thoughts and identify areas of focus for the HDSB’s 2024-2028 MYP by registering to attend one of the upcoming Town Halls through the registration links below. 

Town Halls will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the following areas: 

• Burlington - Monday, May 6 at Nelson High School (4181 New St, Burlington) 

• Oakville - Tuesday, May 7 at White Oaks Secondary School (1330 Montclair Dr., Oakville) 

• Milton - Thursday, May 9 at Craig Kielburger Secondary School (1151 Ferguson Dr, Milton) 

• Halton Hills - Tuesday, May 14 at Georgetown District High School (70 Guelph St, Georgetown) 

• Virtual - Tuesday, May 28 at hdsb.ca

  “As we move through this process, we are guided by our curiosity and drive to build connections,” says Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “Your voice is critical to getting this plan right and setting the direction for the next four years. Collectively, we have the opportunity to give students the best opportunities for success as they embark on their future.”

“We are committed to providing students the best opportunities for success in their future,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “These sessions provide an opportunity to come together, and consider the potential for our collective future in the HDSB, and build an even stronger HDSB community as we focus on planning for the future together.” 

View a message from Amy Collard, Chair, and Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board, on why community feedback is important.

All parents, guardians, students, staff and community members will also have the opportunity to provide input through an online questionnaire that will be shared in the coming weeks. 

For more information about the 2024-2028 MYP consultation and ways to provide feedback, visit the HDSB’s 2024-2028 MYP webpage.

Upcoming Mental Health Information Sessions

ADAPT Presents...

Problem Gambling and Behavioural Addictions Program

Problem Gaming Workshop (4 Evenings)

Monday May 27, June 3, 10, and 24

6:30pm – 8:00pm via ZOOM

Problematic gaming refers to the compulsive and harmful engagement with video games, often resulting in distress, suffering, and/or negative life consequences.

Gaming can be accessed through phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and PC’s. Over time gaming addiction can lead to changes in the brain that compromise our ability to focus, prioritize, regulate our moods, and relate to others.

Individuals struggling with gaming commonly experience prolonged gaming sessions, unsuccessful attempts to cut back, inability to stop despite awareness of consequences, negative impacts on offline life enjoyment, reliance on gaming to escape problems and emotions, strained relationships, academic or career setbacks, and feelings of shame and isolation.

This workshop is tailored for individuals seeking to achieve a healthier balance in their gaming use.

Our 4-day workshop will explore:

• Evolution of Gaming

• Benefits and Motivations of Gaming

• Problematic Gaming, Consequences, and the Gaming Industry

• Building a Healthier Relationship with Gaming: Developing Skills

• Wellness, Mindfulness and Self Care

• Resources and Support

If you are interested in registering for this workshop, please contact Priya via email priyac@haltonadapt.org or telephone (905)875-7924

Upcoming Key Dates

May 20 Victoria Day Holiday (School Closed)

May 22 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

May 23 15th Week Report Distribution

May 23 Grade 12 Prom

May 27 - Jun 19 Protected Time

Jun 4 Tuesdays @Ten

Jun 10 Class of 2024 Commencement

Jun 20 - 26 Exam Block

Jun 27 Exam Review Day/Last Day of School (early dismissal)

Jun 28 PA Day - no school for students

Jul 3 OUAC / OCAS Semester 2 Final Mark Upload

Jul 8 Semester 2 Final Report Card Distribution

Jul 9-11 Diploma Pick up