Principal's Message

Good Morning Garth Webb:

I would like to take a moment to reflect on the anti-2SLGBTQ+ protests that happened in various communities last week and elaborate on the Board messaging that was sent out in support of our 2SLGBTQ+ community. Much harm can come from these types of protests to our 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, and families within our school community. I would like to help educate people on doing what is right for all. 

I am proud to be a 5th generation Canadian, living in the country that we do, and to be a principal in a school system that upholds the Human Rights Code of Canada, as these rights are non negotiable. The HDSB and GW affirm all human rights and celebrate the diversity of our community. Below are some quotes from the Supreme Court of Canada that state the following:

"Pursuit of secular values means respecting the right to hold and manifest different religious beliefs. A secular state respects religious differences, it does not seek to extinguish them." - Supreme Court of Canada

"When we ask people to be tolerant of others, we do not ask them to abandon their personal convictions.  We merely ask them to respect the rights, values, and ways of being of those who may not share those convictions. The belief that others are entitled to equal respect depends, not on the belief that their values are right, but on the belief that they have a claim to equal respect regardless of whether they are right." - Supreme Court of Canada

moreover...

"Children encounter [some cognitive dissonance] every day in the public school system as members of a diverse student body. They see their classmates, and perhaps also their teachers, eating foods at lunch that they themselves are not permitted to eat, whether because of their parents' religious strictures or because of other moral beliefs. They see their classmates wearing clothes with features or brand labels that their parents have forbidden them to wear. And they see their classmates engaging in behaviour that their parents have told them not to engage in. The cognitive dissonance that results from such encounters is simply part of living in a diverse society. It is also a part of growing up. Through such experiences, children come to realize that not all of their values are shared by others. Exposure to some cognitive dissonance is arguably necessary if children are to be taught what tolerance itself involves." - Supreme Court of Canada

In our schools, we teach students about a variety of topics with various beliefs that most certainly do not indoctrinate students. The early exposure to different realities is a fact of life in Canada's multicultural society and is part of becoming a global citizen and a good human being. Seek to understand that people with different opinions can also be right. Also, the HDSB policy on Creed affirms, "Where the learning in the classroom or school program promotes inclusion on any of the protected grounds in the Ontario Human Rights Code, the HDSB will not provide creed based or any other accommodation."  

I hope that you are able to use this information to enhance your understanding of "why?" we do what we do...and that we will always do what is right for all.   

This week on Sept. 29 we will recognize, The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30th) & Orange Shirt Day which seeks to, “honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”  Our work continues.

I choose love....not hate. 

Thank you,

Jacquie Pece

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a popular and extensively observed Hindu event. It marks Lord Ganesha's birth, the elephant-headed deity revered as the remover of barriers and patron of the arts and sciences. Devotees spend 10 days commemorating the birth of Lord Ganesha. The event is celebrated in the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month on Chaturthi Tithi (August or September). This year it will be celebrated with a lot of pomp and enthusiasm from September 19 to September 28. 

Traditional pujas (prayer practices) are central to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Canada. Devotees congregate in temples and community centres to pray, perform aarti (ceremonial lamp worship), and seek Lord Ganesha's blessings. The spiritual mood is created by the resonance of Sanskrit chanting and the perfume of incense.

Elaborate decorations adorn homes and temples, including beautiful idols and exquisite rangoli (decorative art formed with coloured powders). These artistic manifestations not only adorn the surroundings but also show the community's passion and creativity.

Due to the immersion of idols in bodies of water, there has been an increasing awareness of environmental issues related to Ganesh Chaturthi in recent years. In response, several Canadian groups have embraced eco-friendly practices such as the use of clay idols and symbolic immersions in enclosed water bodies.

Food is an important aspect of any celebration, including Ganesh Chaturthi 2023. Communities gather to cook delectable feasts featuring a mix of sweet and savoury delicacies. Sharing these meals fosters a sense of belonging and community.

While Ganesh Chaturthi is a widely celebrated festival in India, and people of all religions, castes, and creeds celebrate it without distinction, it also has a unique place in the hearts of Indians residing in Canada. 

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi for all those celebrating!

https://www.indiatimes.com/events/ganesh-chaturthi-2023-how-canada-celebrates-615315.html

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/festivals/happy-ganesh-chaturthi-2023-best-wishes-images-messages-and-greetings-to-share-with-friends-and-family-101694947020445.html

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is nationally recognized on September 30 of each year. This year, 2023, the HDSB will recognize this day on September 29, 2023, due to the 30th landing on a Saturday. This also aligns with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Truth and Reconciliation Week. Some families may wish to observe on October 2, 2023.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #80 was fulfilled by the federal government with the creation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day.

 Inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, Orange Shirt Day is held annually on September 30. Phyllis was a student at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C.  Orange Shirt Day became a symbol of Residential Schools because of her experience on her first day at a Residential School. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) seeks to, “honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors, their families and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

 In anticipation of this day, we must ensure that we go beyond wearing orange shirts. Creating meaningful learning opportunities that centre Indigenous voices, focus on Indigenous rights, contributions, histories, truths and contemporary realities that are understood in the context of colonization helps to create a more complete picture of the historical truths and realities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit.  We all play a part in upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.

What Can You Do to Help?

These are suggestions Woodland Cultural Centre is providing for you to take action!

1. Read the 94 Calls To Action provided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

You can find the Calls to Action here and also visit the TRC website for many additional resources regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Report.  Click here for a child-friendly educational resource on Truth and Reconciliation from the CBC that centres Indigenous voices.

2. Educate Yourself About the History of Residential Schools

Woodland Cultural Centre provides numerous resources about residential schools, including a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. 

3. Sharing the History

As much as it’s important to educate yourself, what you do with that information is also important. Share the history with your family, friends, workplaces, service organizations, and faith groups! These conversations can be difficult to have but they are essential. We need to ensure that future generations of children are being properly educated on Indigenous history and culture. When sharing, be sure to highlight stories of resistance and resilience. Indigenous people have always resisted colonization. Consider resources like: Facing History Stories of Resistance or the Canadian Encyclopedia’s Resistance and Residential Schools.

4. Support Indigenous Communities in their journey to truth and reconciliation

Look for opportunities to support local individuals or communities directly impacted by residential schools  by supporting initiatives like Save The Evidence Campaign or Project of Heart.

Daily Announcements & 

Clubs and Councils

Did you know that we post our morning announcements on the website each day? It's a great place to look if you are interested in a team/club/event and don't know where and when it meets. Click here to access the page which is under our Student tab.

We also have a list of our clubs and councils here on the website.

Student Engagement Fees

Each year in September, we ask families to purchase the Student Engagement Fee option through their School Cash Online account. These fees are even more needed now than ever with everything being back to "normal" and student engagement being at an all time high for school wide participation in events and activities. 

Garth Webb is an active and inclusive place to learn. The Student Engagement Fees generate start up and operating funds for student run clubs including but not limited to environment issues, global issues, student newspaper, philanthropy, wellness council, etc. The fees also supplement the cost of school wide spirit events, LINK Crew transition, leadership training, motivational speakers, and student recognition awards and events. In addition, student engagement fees fund Student Council events such as assemblies and anti-bullying initiatives. In September alone, the fees will go towards supporting our Grade 9 Welcome BBQ, our Link Crew activities, our Terry Fox Colour Run, and our whole school assemblies. We will have many more activities and events throughout the year that the money collected through these fees will support. 

Our school fee is $30 per student and although it is optional to purchase, we greatly appreciate and depend on the support from our families. We remain aware of the social economic constraints in our present day lives and are working hard to keep these fees low. Please visit School Cash Online today to pay the Student Engagement Fees. Thank you so much for your support in advance!

Start Up Forms - Action Required

1. All students were sent home with the Secondary Intramural Acknowledgement of Elements of Risk, Consent to Participate, and Medical Information Form in the first week of school. Those forms need to be returned to homeroom teachers ASAP if you have not already handed it in. ALL students must have a completed form (whether or not they will be participating in intramurals). For students who have a spare period 1, they will need to collect a blank form from the main office and hand in their completed forms to the main office as well. 

2. We also sent out electronic forms last week (that are different from the paper form mentioned above) and we need this form filled in online for every student at GWSS. Please click here to access the form if you have not already completed it.

3. Finally, the Student Verification Forms were emailed out this past Thursday. Please review the form that is linked in your email and complete this google form if you have changes you would like us to make to our data.

Your prompt attention to these important forms is much appreciated.

From Your Student Services Department

Tuesdays @Ten - Save the Date

Our next session will be on Tuesday, October 3 @10 am.  Our October presentation will be geared to the Grade 12 community as we will be reviewing the post secondary application process.  This session will be virtual (and recorded for those who are unable to join us).  

Grade 9 Night

This past Thursday we welcomed all Grade 9 students and their families into the school.  If you weren’t able to attend, the welcome presentation can be found here.

Community Program Opportunity: YMCA Y Mind Program

The Y Mind program is beginning once again at the YMCA Oakville- a program based on early intervention strategies to assist those between the ages of 13-18 and 18-30 related to stress, worry, and anxiety. 

It is a great resource to provide to interested teens looking for a free program that provides both a safe space to come together with other teens while also learning ways to better manage difficult emotions through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques. The program runs during after school hours for 7 weeks and provides snacks and refreshments and a free 3-month gym membership from the YMCA Oakville.

More information and a registration form can be found on the website here: https://ymcaofoakville.org/programs/mental-wellness/.

National Scholarships - Grade 12 students

Information around scholarships will be shared via the google classroom throughout the year.  Most National Scholarship deadlines are in the fall.  Please feel free to investigate these Scholarships to see if you are eligible.

Deadlines:

Loran Scholarship - Oct 11th 

Queen's - Dec. 8

Lester B. Pearson - School Nomination Nov. 30

Schulich - School Nomination Jan. 30

Western National - TBD but usually mid-February

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:

Start2Finish has a Running & Reading Club fit for highschool volunteers!

The R&R program helps kids grades 1-6 improve literacy and physical activity. This club runs once a week, after school for 2 hours/session from October to December and January to May. Includes playing games, exercising and running activities, one on one and group discussions, reading stories, and building connections!

Oakville location: Oakwood Elementary on Thursdays

Time: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

If interested send applications through this link: 

https://timecounts.app/start2finish/applications/b3cad10e-ab7d-42f2-98da-e3e7a9bda2b7

For more locations click this link: 

https://timecounts.app/start2finish/opportunities/applications

Free Math Tutoring

 Attention all semester 1 math students! TVO Mathify offers FREE 1:1 online Grade 4-12 math tutoring to students enrolled in Ontario’s public schools. The math tutors are Ontario-certified teachers who use interactive whiteboards, voice, and text chat to help with your specific math questions. You can even take a picture of your math question and upload it to the whiteboard to work on with your tutor. For more information and to register please read below:

Website: https://www.tvomathify.com/students

Grades: 4 to 12

Subject: Mathematics

Courses:   All secondary math courses are supported

Tutors Available: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm; Saturday & Sunday from 3 pm to 9 pm

How do you register? To register use the link above. You will need your OEN number (found on any report card)

Questions?   Please email Ms. Carmichael (carmichaeld@hdsb.ca)

Upcoming Key Dates

Sep 29 Fire Drill #2

Sep 29 National Day for Truth & Reconcilliation and Orange Shirt Day (Observed)

Sep 30 National Day for Truth & Reconcilliation and Orange Shirt Day

Oct 4 OUAC / OCAS Demographics Upload

Oct 6 PA Day - no school for students

Oct 9 Thanksgiving Monday - school closed

Oct 10 Photo Retake Day (for students who have not had a photo taken)

Oct 12 Lockdown Drill

Oct 12 5th Week Report Distribution

Oct 18 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

Oct 25 Grade 12 Post Secondary Exploration Event