Principal's Message

Good Morning Garth Webb:

We have had a great week in sports with Boys Basketball wins, Girls Volleyball wins, Boys and Girls Hockey wins, and top finishers in each division at the swim meets. Garth Webb is on FIRE!!!  

I have to say that I am always impressed with the response from students when I ask for their help in improving a situation. We have had many complaints from the community and Oakville Transit in regards to student behaviour on the town buses - from swearing, vaping, pushing and shoving, being disrespectful towards the driver, calling her names, refusing to show their Presto card (because they don't have one), etc. This type of behaviour is what gives teenages a bad name. So I made an announcement talking about this issue and asking students to do better and be respectful at all times in the community.  We monitored the situation at lunch and after school and students are doing better!!!!  They have added special routes to GWSS specifically to help move students around our neighbourhood and we wouldn't want them to cancel these extra buses due to bad behaviour by our students. Riding the transit is a privilege. Sometimes it is a group of students that can ruin it for everyone and give our school a bad name. Buses have cameras and that footage can be shared with us if there are continued concerns. The buses are being closely monitored currently by us and an Oakville Transit supervisor who is following the bus. Please talk to your child about being respectful at all times while riding transit.

The one thing that the Oakville Transit supervisor did want us to share with students and parents is that while the buses are free, students MUST have a PRESTO card. It's $4.00 for the card but then the rides are free. This is well worth the purchase of a PRESTO card for your teen. Here is a link to the Oakvile Transit site. Here is a link to the PRESTO site with information on how you can get a PRESTO card.

The Roller Coaster Contest from the Physics classes was a big hit on Friday in the cafeteria. Students worked hard to compete with certain criteria for that marble to roll down the track perfectly. Students and staff were able to vote on their favourites. The "Under the Sea" themes seemed to rule this year!!! Congratulations to all the students who participated, well done!!!! Stay tuned for more info and photos next week.

Protected time for Performance Tasks and Exams is just around the corner. January is an important month with 30% of students' marks being earned. Please reserve the dates for exams and avoid all travel during this time. Exams start on Thursday, January 25 and go to Tuesday, January 30. January 31 is an exam make-up day in case of school closures due to inclement weather. Exam Review day is on February 1. This schedule and more information will be sent out soon in a separate email.

Thank you,

Jacquie Pece

From Your Student Services Department

Tuesdays @Ten

December’s Tuesdays @Ten session will be taking place on Tuesday, December 5.  This month's topic will be Scholarships and Financing Post Secondary Education.  During the presentation, we will share information on the various scholarships that exist, resources available to help support applications, and a quick summary on OSAP.  A link to the meeting will be shared prior to the date.

Course Selection

Student Services will be running Grade presentations around the course selection process for the 2024/2025 school year during the week of Dec 11. Information around the process and considerations will be shared with families in the coming weeks. Students will be able to select their courses using myBlueprint throughout the month of January.

Post Secondary Applications

Applications to Universities (through OUAC) and Colleges (through OCAS) are now open. Students can apply anytime between now and the deadline.

University Application Portal – applications are due prior to Jan 15, 2024

College Application Portal – applications are due prior to Feb 1, 2024

School Musical - Into the Woods

Final Week!

Join us for the the final few performances of the school musical Into the Woods happening on December 8 & 9. Our students and staff have been working hard to bring you this entertaining production and we had a great opening weekend. 

One of Sondheim's most popular works, Into the Woods is a musically sophisticated show. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

Don't miss out on seeing this production! Buy your tickets on School Cash Online now!

GW Grad Wear & Swag Store Open for 1 Week Only!

We have opened up our grad wear store one last time for the Class of 2024! If you missed purchasing your items in September, now is your chance to get some swag. There are three styles of Class of 2024 sweaters available along with our very popular flannel plaid pants that are not specific to our graduating class. Don't miss out as this will be the last opportunity this year to purchase spirit wear.

Please place orders directly through this website. The online store will close on MONDAY, DECEMBER 11 and orders will arrive at the school approximately 6 weeks after that. 

Winter Concert

Don't miss the upcoming Winter Concert on Thursday, December 14 at 7 pm. Join us for some free music. The show will feature our Friday Choir, Junior Band, Senior Band, Jazz Band, Rock Band, and various student features. You don't want to miss this wonderful evening of entertainment with our talented Garth Webb musicians and teachers.

Club Photo Day

Club photo day will be Wednesday, December 6, 2023 in the large gym. HERE is the schedule. Please check the times in which your photo will be taken and assemble in the tech hallway with your club members to enter the gym at the time of your booking. Don't miss it! There is only one day for club photo day!

Chargers at the Next Level - Sports

We, at Garth Webb, celebrate the achievements of our athletes after they have left our school. If you know of a former student who has gone onto play sports at the next level after graduation, please reach out to the Health and Physical Education Department Leader Jay Anderson (andersonja@hdsb.ca) with the information.

Jingle & Joy Holiday Gift Drive

The Jingle & Joy Holiday Gift Drive is an event in which three grade 12 leadership students have made it their mission to help the Oakville Fire Department give gifts to local families, institutions, and community agencies supporting children and youth in the Oakville area. The event was created by the fire departments in the hopes of ensuring young people do not have to go without a holiday gift this year. 

The Jingle & Joy Holiday Gift Drive is to start on Monday, December 4 in the front foyer, and span everyday in the same location at lunch until Friday, December 8. During this event, the three grade 12s will collect unopened gifts from the students and also give them the opportunity to win prizes through a draw they've added to their event. The draw runs as the number of gifts you give is the number of entries you get. 

The draw itself will take place on Monday, December 11 in the front foyer, and the prizes of the event are: a box of Two Bite Brownies, Garth Webb Spirit Wear, and finally, two $10 Cafeteria gift cards!!!

School Council Fundraiser Thank You

Thank you to all of the families who were able to donate to our annual School Council Fundraiser. We were able to raise just over $9,300 to help support students at Garth Webb S.S.

The next School Council meeting is on Monday, January 15, 2024 and will be virtual. A link will be sent out to families through email prior to the meeting. All parents/guardians are welcome to attend. 

Sincerely,

GWS School Council

Join the Environment SHSM at GWSS!

Gain sector specific knowledge in engaging, environmental related learning environments. 

You’ll get the opportunity to complete:

✔ A number of certifications, including First Aid and WHMIS

✔ Participate in Reach Ahead and Experiential Learning opportunities

✔ Take Co-op and earn two high school credits while pursuing a potential future career

✔ Network with sector specific community partners

Completion of the Environmental SHSM program opens the door to many opportunities:

✔ Increase your employability by adding your SHSM experience to your resume

✔ Apply to more scholarships

✔ Advance Credit Program @ McMaster University

For more information, please contact Ms. Anjos at anjosc@hdsb.ca or join us on Pathways Night on December 5, 2023 beginning at 6 pm at Garth Webb.

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:

Holiday Gift Wrapper

From December 4 -24:  "Wrap-it-Up" volunteers can sign up for 3 to 4-hour shifts every day of the week to wrap gifts at the May Court Kiosk at Oakville Place.  Volunteers can sign up for one or more shifts.  It is important to follow through when you sign up.  Once you sign up, if your schedule changes, you can withdraw your name prior to your commitment so that someone else can sign up in your place. 

• Must be 15 years or up

• Short Term

• 75 volunteers needed

• There is orientation, training is provided

Website: maycourt.ca

Instagram: @maycourtoakville

Contact: Brenda Williams at 289-259-3983 or  brenwill623@gmail.com.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons is on December 3rd. It was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The theme of the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities is: "United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities".

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

As we mourn their loss and remember their lives, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada and around the world, women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination. 

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we have lost to it. It is also a time to take action. Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves and their families and communities on gender-based violence, centre the voices of survivors in our actions and speak up against harmful behaviours.

Ways to honour the victims of this tragedy on December 6:

• Wear a white ribbon. You can make one at home or order one online.

• Observe a moment of silence at 11:00 am.

• Attend a vigil in your community.

• Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, and share our National Day of Remembrance post.

• Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (from November 25 to December 10), add your voice to the conversation and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence. Use the hashtag #16Days.

• Learn more about the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV campaign and how to get involved

Hanukkah - December 7 - 15, 2023

The 8 day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts. 

The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.

In another allusion to the Hanukkah miracle, traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. Potato pancakes (known as latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are particularly popular in many Jewish households. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts.

Click here to learn more.

Reminder from Oakville Transit

In order for students to ride free on Oakville Transit, they must have a PRESTO card. Please visit the Oakville Transit website for further information.  Here is a link to the PRESTO site with information on how you can get a PRESTO card.

Ensure Immunization Records are Up to Date with Halton Region Health

Students in Grades 9 to 12 must have up-to-date immunization records with Halton Region Public Health.

Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires that all children and adolescents attending school be fully immunized against several designated diseases. All immunization requirements for school attendance align with Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule. Vaccines required for school attendance are free, safe and effective.

Parents/guardians of all students born in 2006 to 2009 (Grades 9 to 12) must complete the following steps:

1. Review your student's online record at halton.ca/immunize.

2. If your student has missed any vaccines, make an immunization appointment with a health care provider.

3. Report vaccines online at halton.ca/immunize. Every time a health care provider immunizes a student, parents/guardians must report the vaccines to Public Health. Healthcare providers do not report the vaccines they give to their patients.

Students born in 2006 to 2009 must have up to date immunization records (or a valid medical or non-medical exemption) against the following ISPA designated diseases:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio;

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella; and

• Meningococcal Disease.

Halton Region Public Health is reviewing the immunization records of Halton students born in 2006 to 2009. Parents/guardians will be notified by mail if their student's record is not up-to-date, starting in October 2023. This school year, students in Grades 9 to 12 may be suspended from school in early 2024 if their immunization records are not updated by the December 2023 deadline.

Please note, at this time COVID-19 vaccines are not required to attend school. You cannot report COVID-19 vaccines using the online reporting tool.

If your student is unable to be immunized for medical reasons or if you choose not to immunize your student, you must submit a vaccine exemption to Halton Region Public Health. For more details about this process, please visit halton.ca/immunize.

To learn more about immunizations, including translated resources, visit ontario.ca/vaccines, immunize.ca/resources or download A Parent's Guide to Vaccination at canada.ca/vaccines.

Upcoming Key Dates

Dec 5 Tuesdays @Ten

Dec 13 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

Dec 14 15th Week Report Distribution

Dec 18 - Jan 24 Protected Time

Dec 22 Early Dismissal

Dec 25 - Jan 5 Winter Break (School Closed)

Jan 25 - 31 Exam Block

Feb 1 Exam Review Day (early dismissal)

Feb 2 PA Day - no school for students

Feb 5 First Day of Semester 2

Feb 6 Tuesdays @Ten

Feb 9 Semester 1 Final Report Card Distribution

Feb 13 OUAC / OCAS Semester 1 Final Mark Upload

Feb 16 PA Day - no school for students

Feb 19 Family Day (School Closed)

Feb 20 Semester 2 Photo Day (new students)

Feb 21 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

Mar 5 Tuesdays @Ten

Mar 7 5th Week Report Distribution (grade 9 students)

Mar 11 - 15 Spring Break (School Closed)

Mar 27 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

Mar 29 Good Friday (School Closed)

Apr 1 Easter Monday (School Closed)

Apr 2 Tuesdays @Ten

Apr 17 Last Day of Term 1

Apr 18 First Day of Term 2

Apr 22 PA Day - no school for students

Apr 24 OUAC / OCAS Semester 2 Midterm Mark Upload

Apr 24 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

Apr 26 Semester 2 Midterm Report Card Distribution

May 3 Full Disclosure

May 7 Tuesdays @Ten

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 and Diploma Pick up