November 12, 2023
WEEK A
Principal's Message
Good Morning Garth Webb:
Last week we won TWO Halton Championships, both in convincing fashion!!!!! The Sr. Boys Volleyball team defeated OTHS in 4 sets and will play the GHAC Semi-final in our home gym on Tuesday. Good Luck Chargers!! The Sr. Boys Football team crushed APHS 25 - 14 on Friday afternoon at McMaster Stadium. It was a beautiful day for a Football win! Thanks for bringing home the GOLD!!
I would also like to thank all the bus loads of fans who cheered on both teams in a positive and respectful manner! The Cross Country runners had a decent overall showing at OFSAA with our highest finisher being a Grade 9 who finished 11th in Ontario!! A promising future lies ahead.
Thank you to the Grade 10 History classes for their wonderful Remembrance Day display and ceremony. Thank you again to parents for helping to get your child here on time. I hope that you also have noticed less congestion in the parking lot!!
Today is Diwali - the Festival of Lights, for those who celebrate, enjoy your day!!
I look forward to checking out the Midterm mark data for all grades this week. Report Cards will be emailed home this Friday.
Be kind to one another.
Jacquie Pece
Remembrance Week
It was an honour to watch our students and staff engage in Remembrance Week. The entire school showed their reverence and respect as they recognized the service and sacrifice of Canadian veterans (past and present).
There are so many ways in which Staff and Students connected with Remembrance this week. Classes learned about Indigenous Veterans on Indigenous Veteran’s Day (November 8th). And teachers throughout the school engaged students in learning, and creating displays of remembrance outside of their classroom doors.
And as a whole school community, we got a chance to stop and reflect, inspired by our annual traditions; the Remembrance Memorial and “Garth’s Honour Guard”.
Our Grade 10 History Staff and Students created the memorial in our foyer again this year. It’s called “Allies’ Alley”. Walking through the tunnel and staring out at the faces and their stories told in pictures is both haunting and beautiful. The pictures below don't quite do it justice. So many of our students stopped as they passed the memorial to offer their respect, to explore and to consider the past. As a school we honour the past, and continue to hope for peace.
Each of our classes, in all grades, visited the memorial, read student-written biographies of deceased WWII soldiers, and reflected on what remembrance means to them. Everyone at GWSS had a part to play in building our memorial. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Grbic, Mrs. Vander Heyden, Ms. Vessio, Ms. Herchell, Mr. Douglas, and Mr. Duncan and ALL of their students for creating our memorial. When we do this work, we’re following in Mr. Garth Webb’s footsteps.
The week culminated with our PA Broadcast and “Garth’s Honour Guard” on November 10th at 11am. Thank you to our musicians and readers (Sarah Pathiranage, Kiki Tailor, Lian Sookran, Rahima Shabir, Anshika Nair, and Dylan Ramnarine), to Mrs. Pontefract and Mrs. Rogers, and to the awesome support of our admin team and office staff for making this really important tradition so meaningful for GWSS. A very special thank you to Mr. Duncan and his team for their tireless efforts to bring all of this education to our school community each year during Remembrance Week.
Remembrance Week is such an important time at our school. Mr. Webb has left an immense legacy that inspires us in all we do.
Guidance Counsellors
For the 2023-2024 school year, the following counsellors are working with each group of students:
Ms. Tolton (A-E)
Ms. Mactaggart (F-L)
Mr. Sanderson (M-Q)
Ms. Hosany (R-Z)
Google Classrooms
Grade 9 - euk4ho6
Grade 10 - bix3yen
Grade 11 - krgiixa
Grade 12 - reyclkl
From Your Student Services Department
Grade 8 Program Night
This year’s Grade 8 program night will occur on the evening of Thursday Nov 16th from 6:30-8:00 pm. Following the presentation in the gym, families will have an opportunity to tour the school and ask any questions they may have with regards to programming at Garth Webb.
Please feel free to share the information with anyone interested in attending Garth Webb next year.
Tuesdays @Ten
Our November parent engagement session was geared towards families of students in Grades 9 and 10. We covered the various graduation requirements and programs available in the HDSB.
If you weren’t able to join us, you can access the slides and recording below.
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
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Week - November 13-17
Many students have a good idea of what bullying is because they see it every day! Bullying happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending themselves. So, everyone needs to get involved to help stop it.
Bullying is wrong! It is behaviour that makes the person being bullied feel afraid or uncomfortable. There are many ways that young people bully each other, even if they don’t realize it at the time.
Some of these include:
Punching, shoving, and other acts that hurt people physically
Spreading bad rumours about people
Keeping certain people out of a group
Teasing people in a mean way
Getting certain people to “gang up” on others
Posting hateful messages or lies about people online
If you or anyone you know is being bullied, reach out to an adult (parent , teacher, guidance counsellor , trusted adult) and explain what is happening to you so they can get you the help you need.
Fall Sports Spirit Week
This week from Monday, November 13 to Thursday, November 16 will be our Fall Sports Spirit Week organized by the Athletic Council.
Monday is Twin Day
Tuesday is Neon Day
Wednesday is Tropical Beach Day
Thursday is Jersey Day
Be sure to participate and show your Chargers spirit!
School Musical - Into the Woods
Save the Date
Tickets to go on sale this week!
Join us for the school musical Into the Woods happening on November 30, December 1, 2, 8 & 9. Our students and staff have been working hard to bring you this entertaining production.
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! Tickets will be available on School Cash Online later this week.
Graduation Photos - Book Now
Graduation Photo Bookings Are Filling up Fast!
Our graduation photos started last week and will be running for the rest of the month. To be included in the GRADUATION COMPOSITE PHOTO and the GRADUATION SECTION of the yearbook, please be sure to book your photo during this Fall Grad Photo Session. Once this fall photo session closes, students can book a photo at the studio in Burlington, but we cannot guarantee that photos taken in Burlington will be included in the composite and/or yearbook.
Please click here to book your photo sitting ASAP (School Code is GWE). Please put your booking date/time into your calendar and students should plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before their session already dressed in the clothing they will be wearing for the photo (including a tied tie if you're wearing one). There will be a grad gown and sash for students to borrow during their photo shoot.
Please Support the 2023-24 School Council Fundraising Campaign!
Please Support Your Garth Webb School Council Fundraising Campaign
We are in the 4th week of our annual fundraising campaign designed to help supplement a series of projects enhancing academics, athletics, the arts, and student engagement and achievement at the school.
Fundraising Spotlight - 5409 Chargers Robotics
In previous years, GWS School Council was able to financially support our award-winning Chargers Robotics program. Team 5409 is part of the First Robotics Canada program.
The generous funding support supercharged our Chargers on their journey to compete at the 2023 World Championship - an incredible accomplishment!
This support was essential to the growth of this world-class program and very appreciated. This support was only available because of the generous contributions to the annual school council fundraiser from our amazing GWSS families.
Here is a note of thanks to our community from our 5409 Chargers Robotics students.
Dear Parents and Guardians:
We greatly appreciate all of your contributions to the Robotics Team. Through your donations and support, our students have achieved some huge milestones over the past few years. We won 18 awards in total, including the Excellence in Engineering and Industrial Design award, in 2023. We achieved a team goal in 2023 and qualified to compete at Worlds in Houston, Texas. Our students are passionate about becoming science and technology leaders and we need your support to maintain the level of excellence. Every 5409 team member and their family benefit from this program as we share our passion and excitement with the community. Everyone in this program benefits from the supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture that builds long-lasting relationships and promotes a safe space for each person to discover their potential.
Thank you for your support.
Please follow us on LinkedIn for this year’s updates and progress:
Linkedin - @GarthWebbRobotics
We appreciate all donations to this annual fundraiser and we look forward to continuing to support GWSS teams, clubs, and events.
Donations can be made online through this link (please choose “School/Parent Council” in the Initiative drop down field). The recommended donation is $30 per student. A tax receipt will be issued automatically for any donation over $20.
Thank you for your contribution!
Sincerely,
Parent Workshop Survey - Open Through the Weekend
The Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants program provides funding to school boards to lead projects with a focus on the identification and removal of barriers that prevent parents and families from participating and engaging fully in their student's learning.
There are 5 possible workshops that School Council would like to offer the Garth Webb parent/guardian community. Once we have feedback from our parents/guardians, we will choose the most popular workshop and start planning. Stay tuned for more information soon.
Please complete this form before Monday, November 13, 2023. Thank you.
THIS SURVEY IS ONLY FOR GARTH WEBB PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO COMPLETE PLEASE.
5409 Chargers Robotics
We have our 2024 Robotics team! Thank you to everyone who tried out. We’re really looking forward to starting up again! Speaking of, we would like to give a big shout out to the Westoak Animal Hospital for their generous donation! The team is extremely grateful.
Volunteer Club
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:
Town of Oakville Santa Claus Parade
If you are interested in volunteering with the Oakville Santa Claus Parade, please apply by emailing events@oakville.ca. All volunteers must attend a mandatory pre-parade training meeting in order to qualify. More details via this link.
Diwali
Diwali (pronounced “de-VAH-lee”), the Festival of Light, comes at the end of October or early November. This year it will be celebrated today on Sunday, November 12, 2023. It's a festival that Sikhs, Hindus, and Jains celebrate.
Diwali for Sikhs
For Sikhs, Diwali is particularly important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619.
The Sikh tradition holds that the Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned Guru Hargobind and 52 princes. The Emperor was asked to release Guru Hargobind which he agreed to do. However, Guru Hargobind asked that the princes be released also. The Emperor agreed, but said only those who could hold onto his cloak tail would be allowed to leave the prison. This was in order to limit the number of prisoners who could leave.
However, Guru Hargobind had a cloak made with 52 pieces of string and so each prince was able to hold onto one string and leave prison.
Sikhs celebrated the return of Guru Hargobind by lighting the Golden Temple and this tradition continues today.
The Festival of Lights
The name of the festival comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, meaning row of lights.
Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights' because houses, shops and public places are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called Diyas. These lamps, which are traditionally fueled by mustard oil, are placed in rows in windows, doors and outside buildings to decorate them.
In towns in India (and around the world) electric lights are often used in Diwali displays.
In India oil lamps are often floated across the river Ganges - it is regarded as a good omen if the lamp manages to get all the way across.
Fireworks are also a big part of the Diwali celebrations.
Trans Awareness Week - Nov 13-19
The Trans Day of Remembrance and Resilience (TDoRR) is observed annually and on November 20 to honour the lives of trans people who have lost their lives as a result of transphobic violence that year. The week preceding the TDoRR is Trans Awareness Week (November 13- 19).
Trans and nonbinary people continue to face marginalisation and discrimination in the form of transphobia. Transphobia can manifest as negative attitudes and beliefs about trans people, irrational fears and misunderstandings, a disbelief or discounting of a person’s pronouns or their gender identity, misgendering, derogatory language and name-calling, and bullying, abuse, and violence. Transphobia and associated stigma can also create barriers (and deterrents) for trans and nonbinary people’s access to and inclusion in services, resources, and communities. It is a collective responsibility to work to reduce these barriers.
Trans Awareness Week aims to increase awareness, visibility and knowledge of trans people and the issues faced by members of trans communities. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the lives of trans and nonbinary people and the contributions they have made and continue to make.
What can I do to become a better ally to my trans community members?
See this glossary of terms to help you use the most inclusive language (i.e. use “sex assigned at birth” rather than “born a man” or “biologically female”)
See GLAAD’s tips for allies of transgender people (i.e. challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes; listen to transgender people; avoid backhanded compliments and ‘helpful’ tips).
Seek out stories by transgender creators (i.e. watch Disclosure on Netflix, which follows an in-depth look at Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and the impact of their stories on transgender lives and American culture and is directed by Sam Feder, a transgender American filmmaker).
Include trans voices in your social media feed. You will learn a lot. (i.e. Alok Vaid-Menon a gender non-conforming and trans-feminine author, poet, comedian, and public speaker).
Sources:
Transgender Awareness Week. GLAAD. Accessed 8 November 2023.
Inclement Weather Reminders for HDSB Families
With cooler weather approaching, we are writing to provide you with information on how decisions are made on days of inclement weather.
In case of inclement weather, the decision to close schools and/or cancel buses is communicated by 6:30 a.m. We use a variety of methods to communicate this important information including the SchoolMessenger email system, social media, TV, radio, the HDSB website and the HDSB Mobile App.
We encourage all families to review the HDSB Inclement Weather Reminders. A printable version of this information is also available.
Please note that when schools are closed due to inclement weather, both in-person and e-learning support will not be provided. If buses are canceled, in-person and e-learning courses will continue.
Coyote Safety
The Municipal Enforcement Services Department with the Town of Oakville is reaching out to schools as we get closer to the winter season. We are hoping schools could assist with coyote awareness by sending out the attached Winter Fact Sheet to all parents.
We would like to remind students to never feed wildlife. It’s one of the main reasons conflict arises between people and animals. All garbage including organic waste should be placed in receptacles with lids.
For quick tips about coyotes, watch this short video or visit the Coyotes page at oakville.ca.
Wishing everyone a safe winter season.
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.
Links to Community Resources
School Calendar & Sports Schedule
Important Dates for Your Calendar
Upcoming Key Dates
Nov 15 OUAC / OCAS Midterm Mark Upload
Nov 15 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am
Nov 16 Grade 8 Information Night
Nov 17 Midterm Report Distribution
Nov 24 PA Day - no school for students
Nov 27 Full Disclosure
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 16 PA Day - no school for students
Feb 19 Family Day (School Closed)
Feb 22 OUAC / OCAS Mark Upload
If you have any questions or suggestions for improving the school, our virtual door is always open. Please feel free to contact our admin team by email anytime.
Jacquie Pece, Meg Carey, Nancy Annibale, Eric Keunne