Principal's Message

Good Morning Garth Webb:

I am very excited to begin my first school year here at Garth Webb Secondary School as the new Principal. Garth Webb is a wonderful, diverse community that I am very proud to be a part of. I am entering my 34th year in education and am coming to you from Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton where I was the Principal for 7 years. I believe that all students can be successful and that we are here to help them remove any barriers to their learning that may be getting in their way. With your help and input, our collective efforts will enable our students to have the necessary skills to be successful in life. We aim to produce students that are great global citizens who not only have a lot to offer the world, but who are kind and caring human beings!

On Wednesday, September 6, school will start at 8:00 a.m. for all Grade 9s. Classes begin at 12:10 p.m. for students in Grade 10, 11, and 12. See details and the full schedule below in the blog.

I encourage you to order some Spirit Wear as soon as possible to increase that sense of belonging. It really is something small that makes a big difference for feeling that they are part of our school community. See ordering details later in the blog.

I can't wait for all of the sports, activities, clubs, drama productions, concerts, building seasons, etc. to start. If there is anything that you can do to start off the school year right...it is to get involved. Four years of high school goes by pretty fast, let's start making positive memories!

I wanted to take a moment to talk about the Student Engagement Fees. Each year in September, we ask families to purchase the Student Engagement Fee option through their School Cash Online account. I thought it would be helpful to explain why we request these fees, especially 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!

I would like to thank the following for helping to get our school ready to open for students: Vice Principals Meg Carey (alpha A-F), Nancy Annibale (G-M), and our new Vice Principal Eric Keunne (N-Z), our Business Manager, Guidance staff, administrative assistants, and custodial staff. Teachers have been busy preparing and are ready to welcome all students back to school where we can learn together. I am excited about this school year and meeting everyone on September 6 for the first day of school.

If you have any questions or suggestions for improving the school, my door is always open. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. I would also be happy to meet with you in person. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you in these next coming weeks. Enjoy the rest of your long weekend!

Welcome to the Class of 2027 and welcome back Chargers!!!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Pece

First Day of School—Grade 9 Orientation & Tour for New Grade 10-12 Students

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023 we will be starting the day with the Grade 9 Orientation. Grade 9 students should arrive at the school at 8:00 am and meet in the front foyer. We will end the morning with a complimentary BBQ lunch from 11:00 am—12:00 pm. 

We will also be conducting a tour of the school for students who are brand new to Garth Webb and in Grade 10, 11, or 12 starting at 10 am in the front foyer. Please note that this tour is only for students who are new to GWSS.

All returning students in Grades 10, 11 & 12 should plan to arrive at the school at noon and classes will start at 12:10 pm with dismissal at 2:45 pm.

The first day schedule for classes will be:

Period 1 12:10 - 12:45 pm

Period 2 12:50 - 1:25 pm

Period 4 1:30 - 2:05 pm

Period 5 2:10 - 2:45 pm

On Thursday, September 7 we will be back to our regular daily schedule and all students are to be in classes by 8:30 am for morning announcements and attendance.

Weekly School Schedules

Week A and Week B

This year we are continuing our “Week A” and “Week B” schedules. This means that every other week, our morning and afternoon classes will flip (i.e. switch places). We will also have 4 Collaborative Planning days for staff each semester (“CP” days). On CP days, students will start school one hour later at 9:30 am, our periods will be shortened slightly, and lunch time is from 11:40 am—12:40 pm.

Week A and Week B schedules as well as the CP schedule and dates are on our website here and in the school calendar for your reference. Please put these dates into your calendar.

Student Attendance

SchoolMessenger is the application for student attendance and notifications from the school, please sign up if you have not already. This application is used to report all absences from school as well as late arrivals and early departures. You can report using the app on your smartphone (recommended) or by calling 1-877-409-6310.

 Please note that the attendance system does contact parents/guardians during 1st period (the period that starts at 8:30 am) when a student is away from school and the absence/late arrival has not been reported through the SchoolMessenger system. There is a second communication sent to parents in the evening for any unexplained absences throughout the rest of the school day.

 If students are arriving late to school, they should proceed directly to their class and the teacher will update the attendance to reflect the late arrival (students do not come to sign in at the main office). If students are signing out early with parent/guardian permission, they will be dismissed directly from their class. Please remember to enter the early departure through SchoolMessenger so your student’s teacher will see that they have permission to leave at the appropriate time.

 If you have any trouble connecting to the SchoolMessenger system, or if you need any clarification on how our attendance system works, please contact the main office so that we can assist you.

Extended Absences

 Students are expected to be in attendance on school days, unless unable to attend by reason of illness, medical appointment, bereavement, or other circumstances beyond their control. Parents who withdraw students during school time are advised that, depending on the timing and length of the absence, academic performance of your student may be affected. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on missed work.

In secondary school, any absence that is longer than 3 consecutive days is referred to as an extended absence. If you know ahead of time that your student will be away for more than 3 consecutive school days, please print this form and fill it in with the information requested (hard copies are available in the office). Students should ask their parent/guardian and teachers to fill in the form and once it is complete, the form should be handed in at the main office 2 weeks prior to the planned absence. The Vice Principal will then review the form and it will be given to the attendance Administrative Assistant for attendance to be entered (absences longer than 3 days are not able to be entered into School Messenger by parents). 

If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to the main office at 905-847-6875.

Parking Lot Safety

Please be aware that our parking lot is very busy at school entry and dismissal times. It is preferred that students walk to school whenever possible. However, if you do end up driving your student to school (or for students who are driving themselves), please note that once you enter our main parking lot from the driveway to the west of the stop lights, it will be one way traffic only. You cannot exit the school parking lot from the same place you entered it; you can only exit through the stop lights onto Westoak Trails or Stratus Drive. 

Please drive slowly and always look around carefully for pedestrians who are crossing the parking lot. We advise that people arrive early to avoid delays especially during the winter months and on inclement weather days. Come before 8:15 am if you need a parking spot. Please do not park in “no parking zones” and never park your vehicle in the fire zone at the front of the school.  If you are a student or you are visiting our school, please park in the lot closest to the front entrance of the school only.

Many vehicles enter the east parking lot of our school at the end of the school day. Please note that the east entrance is ONE LANE ONLY. There are two exit lanes, but the entrance is only for one lane of cars at a time. It is preferred that you enter the school parking lot via the main driveway just to the west of the stoplight. DO NOT ENTER THE PARKING LOT THROUGH THE STOP LIGHTS—IT IS AN EXIT ONLY. 

Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe!

Student Parking Passes

Students who will be driving to school must have their vehicle registered with the main office and must display a school parking pass in their vehicle while it is parked on school property.

Please use this form to request a parking pass. You will need to have your vehicle make/license plate information to register for a parking pass. The office will contact you via email when your parking pass is ready to be picked up.

Students are permitted to park in the lot closest to the front entrance to the school ONLY. Please note that having a parking pass does not guarantee you a parking spot. You must arrive early (before 8:15 am is recommended) to be sure to get a spot as it’s first come, first served.

Town of Oakville Parking Lot

The parking lot that is by the playground area is owned by the Town of Oakville and is closed off during the winter months. It is usually closed from late October to late April/early May but Garth Webb has no control over when the lot is closed or opened. When it is open, students are permitted to park there.

Free Transit for Students

If students have a PRESTO card, they can now use Oakville Transit free of charge. Please visit the Oakville Transit website for further information. Be sure to register your PRESTO card online so balances can be transferred to a new card in the event that you lose your PRESTO.

Garth Webb is a “walk to” school and therefore, we do not have any school busses. However, Oakville Transit has a "School Special" bus route for Garth Webb that runs before and after school. Please click here for more information.

Bicycles, Scooters & Skateboards

Many students at Garth Webb ride bicycles, scooters, and skateboards to school daily. Bicycles and scooters must be locked up outside at the bike racks on the west side of the school (near the main entrance). Please be sure that students have a working lock and remind them to use it EVERY time they park their bike or scooter. There have been unfortunate instances of theft when items are not locked up. 

It is also recommended that students use the 529 Garage app to register their bicycles. The Halton Regional Police Service has partnered with 529 Garage to introduce their bicycle registration app to residents of Halton. 529 Garage is an application that connects you, other cyclists, police, and local bicycle shops in the event your bicycle is stolen. Registration is easy - simply download the app, input your contact information and bicycle serial number, and upload photos of yourself and your bicycle. Registrations can also be made on the 529 Garage website if you do not have a smart phone or tablet. Once you have registered your bicycle on the app, if it is stolen or goes missing, you can notify 529 Garage and they will issue an alert from the app that is sent to other local cyclists and bike shops alerting them to the missing bicycle. Once an alert for your bicycle has been posted, the app will also direct you to the HRPS online reporting tool where you can report it to police. By registering, if a bicycle is recovered, it is easier for police to identify and return the bicycle to the proper owner.

Students who are riding their skateboards to school, can store them in the main office while they are in class. There is a skateboard rack where items can be safely stored (locks can also be used).

Please remind students that bicycles, scooters, and skateboards should not be used on school property. Finally, when traveling to and from school in the designated bike lanes, students are reminded that they are to travel in the same direction as the vehichles on the road. This is important and helps to keep everyone safe.

Student Parking Passes

Students who will be driving to school on a regular basis must register their vehicle with the main office and must have a school parking pass displayed in their vehicle at all times while it is parked on school property. 

Please use this form to request a parking pass. You will need to have your vehicle make/license plate information to register for a parking pass. 

Students are permitted to park in the lot closest to the front entrance to the school ONLY. The office will contact you via email when your pass is ready.

Nut Free School

We wanted to remind GWSS families that nut products should not be brought into the school. Please read the following excerpt from this document from the HDSB:

We are asking ​ALL​ students, families and members of our school community to adhere to the

following requests regarding peanuts/tree nuts:

• Lunches and snacks are free of peanuts and tree nuts​, as well as products that may contain peanuts/tree nuts such as donuts, granola bars, etc.

• Read food labels, checking for peanut/nut ingredients​ prior to sending them to school.

• Ensure ​food from takeout restaurants is free from nuts​, AND free from cross-contamination of nuts.

• If peanut butter is eaten at home before school​, ensure lips, mouth, and hands are washed thoroughly before attending school (​this is truly an​ ​essential action to prevent cross contamination​).

Thank you for helping to keep the school safe for everyone!

GWS School Council 2023-2024

GWS School Council self nominations are now open for the 2023-2024 school  year. Our school council meets 4—5 times per year and any parent/guardian can attend school council at any time - you do not have to be a member to attend and share ideas.

Every year, we do reach out to the community to see if others would like roles on the council. To be on council as a voting member, it is required for you to attend all meetings and if you are the PIC representative you are required to organize parent involvement events for our school.

If you are interested in being on council for the 2023-2024 school year, please complete this google form. If there is more than one nominee for the executive roles, then it will be determined if a school wide election is needed. Self nominations are open until 3 pm on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Photo Days

Our photos days are the first week of school. Grade 9 & 11 students will get their photograph taken on Thursday, September 7, 2023 and Grade 10 & 12 students will get their photograph taken on Friday, September 8, 2023.

Cafeteria

Please be aware that there will be no cafeteria service on Wednesday, September 6. Our school cafeteria food service will be open starting Thursday, September 7. Students can make purchases before school and at lunch time with cash or debit.

Football Tryouts on Tuesday

Anyone interested in trying out for the Senior and Junior Football teams are highly encouraged to come out as soon as possible. All prospective players cannot tryout until they download, fill out, and submit the permission form (hard copies can be picked up in the main office). Signed forms can be handed into the coach at the first tryout/practice.

The next Senior practice is Tuesday, September 5 at 1:00 pm on the main field. The next Junior practice will be held Tuesday, September 5 at 3:00 pm. If you cannot make it, but are interested in playing, please contact Mr. Anderson for the Seniors and Mr. Crabtree for the Juniors.

Go Chargers!

From Your Student Services Department

Student Schedules

Schedules with teacher names and room numbers were sent out to students last Thursday, August 31 at the end of the day to your HDSB email. For students who are new to the HDSB, parents/guardians have been sent information on how students can access their new HDSB email accounts.

Course Change Process

Wednesday, September 6 will be reserved for students who require a course change for the following reasons only:

1) they have already completed the course in summer school

2) they need to repeat a course based on their June report card

3) they are missing a compulsory course

Students are asked to come to Student Services starting at 10 am and we will see them as soon as possible.

All other course change appointments will begin on Thursday, September 7.  Students will have an opportunity to request a timetable change by booking an appointment with their Guidance Counsellor. The link to book an appointment was shared with students in the email with their timetable.

Please note that many courses are at capacity and we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

Tuesdays @Ten

Guidance Counsellors will be hosting our first Tuesdays @Ten session of the year on Wednesday, September 6 at 8:30 am (special day/time for this session only). This session is geared specifically towards parents/guardians who are new to Garth Webb. This session will take place in person in the school library. If you are a new parent/guardian to Garth Webb, please join us as we welcome you to our school and answer some frequently asked questions.

Click here to visit the Tuesdays @Ten webpage for more information and to view previous sessions.

Upcoming Key Dates

Sep 4 Labour Day Holiday - School Closed

Sep 5 PA Day - No school for students

Sep 6 First Day of School (see information and schedule at the top of this blog)

Sep 7 Photo Day (Grade 9 & 11)

Sep 8 Photo Day (Grade 10 & 12)

Sep 12 Grade Assemblies

Sep 14 Fire Drill #1

Sep 18 School Council Meeting @7 pm

Sep 20 CP Day - Late Start (students start class at 9:30 am)

Sep 28 Fire Drill #2