Principal's Message

Topic: Healthy Relationships: Navigating Cyberbullying and Cyberviolence

Dear Students, Families, and Staff:

In today's digital world, it is essential for us to understand the challenges our children may face online, including cyberbullying and cyberviolence. This handout is designed to provide important information to help you recognize the signs of these harmful behaviors and offer practical steps to support your child in navigating the online world safely.

What is Cyberbullying and Cyberviolence? 

Cyberviolence is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of online behaviors intended to harm others. This can include cyberbullying, which specifically refers to behaviors aimed at causing emotional harm through the use of technology. Cyberbullying often involves an imbalance of power, whether real or perceived, and is characterized by repetitive hurtful actions.

While the internet can provide opportunities for connection and growth, it also opens the door to harmful experiences. Studies show that a significant number of teens have witnessed or been affected by online bullying or negative interactions. It is crucial for parents to be vigilant and proactive in understanding the digital landscape their children navigate daily.

Recognizing the Signs

As a parent/guardian, you know your child best. There are signs to watch for if you suspect your child might be experiencing cyberbullying or cyberviolence. These include changes in behavior such as trouble sleeping, avoiding school or social activities, withdrawing from family interactions, or becoming overly reactive. If you notice these or other concerning changes, it may be time to have a conversation with your child and offer support.

How Can You Help?

This handout provides practical advice for parents on how to engage with their children about online safety, how to set appropriate boundaries, and how to ensure a safe and open line of communication. We also outline some steps you can take if you suspect your child is facing online harm.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. By working together, schools and families can help ensure that our children grow up in a safe, supportive environment—both online and offline.

We are here to support you as you help guide your child through the complexities of digital life. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need assistance or resources.

Kindly,

Luisa Botelho

This year, we have been sharing our Equity & Inclusive Education section on a standalone page on our site. Please click here to read about the various days of significance throughout the year.

Days of significance added this week:

• Theravada New Year - Apr 13

• Vaisakhi - Apr 14

• Mesha Sankranti (Solar New Year) - Apr 14

• Sinhala & Tamil New Year - Apr 14

Free Parent/Guardian Workshop 

Chris Alexiou Think:Kids Certified Trainer Presents:

An Introduction to Collaborative Problem Solving® 

Garth Webb School Council is happy to host the Introduction to Collaborative Problem Solving ® free workshop for parents/guardians on Tuesday, April 29 online at 6 pm.

Join us for this free virtual session with Think:Kids Certified Trainer Chris Alexiou where participants will learn to:

• Recognize everyday examples of how lagging skills contribute to challenging behaviours

• Better understand and feel empathy toward people who exhibit challenging behaviours

• Develop an understanding of what causes concerning behaviour or unmet expectations

• Discover the limitations of motivational approaches to unwanted behaviour

• Envision how the Collaborative Problem Solving® approach can positively change interactions and outcomes

We look forward to seeing you there.

Meeting Link

Elections Canada

Garth Webb S.S. has been designated as a polling station for the upcoming Canadian federal election on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Please be assured that the safety of our students is our top priority. The Halton District School Board (HDSB) and our school staff work closely with Elections Canada to ensure a secure voting area is designated within the school to minimize any disruptions to students and staff. 

On the day of the election, a specific and direct route will be put in place to keep voters separate from school activities. Elections Canada volunteers will be present in high-visibility vests and ID tags at the school entrance and within the voting area to help guide voters and maintain separation between voters and students. In some areas, barriers may be used to further separate the voting space from student areas. 

The decision to use schools as polling stations for federal elections is made by Elections Canada, the non-partisan agency responsible for administering federal elections. Under the Canada Elections Act (S.C. 2000, c. 9), school boards are required to provide space for polling stations when requested, and locations are chosen based on accessibility for voters. HDSB schools have regularly served as polling stations during municipal, provincial and federal elections. 

We appreciate your understanding and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the office.

Eco Club Earth Day Litter Clean Up

As part of Earth Week, Eco club is organizing a litter cleanup around our school to promote eco-friendly practices within our community. This event will take place on Wednesday, April 23 in the morning from 8:30 -- 9:20 (CP Day) during Earth Week, and we will start the event in front of the main entrance of school. By participating, you’ll be contributing to a cleaner environment and helping to foster a sense of responsibility toward our community and the planet. Volunteer hours will be provided for your time and effort!

Scan the QR code or click here to sign up for it!

Bee 🐝 the change, our planet is our responsibility! We look forward to seeing you there, Chargers!

Guest Speaker - Oakville Green

We’re really excited to share that on Friday, April 25, our school will be welcoming a special guest speaker from Oakville Green! As students who care deeply about the environment, this is a great opportunity to learn more about sustainable gardening and biodiversity right in our own community.

The presentation will focus on how we can help protect local ecosystems, with a special spotlight on endangered Monarch butterflies and migratory bird species that travel through the Halton region. These creatures are not just beautiful but they’re important indicators of environmental health, and it’s up to all of us to help them thrive.

We'll be sharing what we learn and how we plan to turn that knowledge into action. So stay tuned!

HDSB Rock Band Festival

Our two Rock Bands performed at the HDSB Rock Band Festival at Milton District High School on Thursday, April 9.

Students had the opportunity to perform three songs on stage with professional sound and lights, then hone their skills in a 30 minute workshop with the adjudicator. We’re so proud of all of the hard work these students put in for this event!

Stay tuned for their next performance along with our other ensembles at our Spring Concert on Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 PM!

Spring Concert Save the Date

Our Garth Webb musicians have been working hard preparing for their upcoming Spring Concert! Mark your calendars, it's Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria. Admission is free but donations are always appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of musical entertainment.

5409 FIRST Robotics Update

Hello Chargers! ⚡️

Team 5409 is back with some more exciting news. From April 2nd to April 5th , the Robotics Team traveled to Missisauaga to compete in the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship! Last week we were happy to share some exciting accomplishments and this week we’re back with more!

The team competed over the course of three days, ranking in 6th place overall, before progressing to playoffs. On the technology division, team 5409 placed 2nd, solidifying us as division finalists.

Another big thank you to everyone for your support. Please follow us on LinkedIn to help us meet our goal of 500 followers!!! @5409 Garth Webb Robotics.

Order Your Yearbook Today

Don't forget to order your copy of the 2024-2025 yearbook before it's too late. Yearbooks are available to order on School Cash Online only. We do not order extra copies so you must order online before the deadline of May 1, 2025 to be able to get a copy of the 2024-2025 yearbook.

If you don't see the fee available on School Cash Online it is most likely because you have already purchased the yearbook for this year. Please check in your purchase history to confirm. 

Don't miss out on ordering this keepsake!

Final Fashion Forward Open House

Students will have the opportunity to view and try on formal wear in a friendly and welcoming environment. Students may select from a variety of new and gently-used attire that has been donated for proms, graduations, and other special events. Many different styles, colours, and sizes of formal dresses will be available as well as suits, shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories.

The Final Open House will be held on the following date:

• Wednesday, May 7 from 3:30 - 8 p.m. at W.I. Dick Middle School (351 Highside Dr., Milton)

An opportunity will be made available for gender diverse youth who require a private shopping experience between the hours of 3 - 3:30 p.m.

Important Reminders for our Students and Families

School Dismissal

This is just a reminder that students must be out of the building after school no later than 3:15 pm unless you are in a staff supervised activity such as a team or club. Students who are in the building after 3:00 pm must be in the foyer/cafeteria area and should then vacate the school by 3:15 pm.

Trespassing

We wanted to remind students that you are not allowed to visit other schools during the school day without making arrangements with the staff at that school. If you go to another school without permission it is considered trespassing. The same goes for people from other schools visiting Garth Webb during the school day. This is not allowed and there will be consequences if students from another school are in or on our property without permission.

Varsity Girls Rugby Champions

The Varsity Girls rugby team went to McMaster on Friday April 11 to participate in the McMaster Invitational.  These Chargers put on a performance, winning their pool by winning both games vs Assumption College and Dunbarton (both gamescores were 20-0).  They went on to the semi finals to face St. Francis Xavier from Milton and won 15-5, and put together their best performance of the day in the championship game vs Milton, winning 25-5.  

Excellent start to the season! They start league play this Tuesday, April 15 vs Georgetown.  Go Chargers!

Tuesdays @Ten

On April 1, we welcomed Alison Parker from the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) to discuss academic support for students with IEPs at postsecondary institutions. 

If you missed it, please feel free to access the recording.

Important Information for the Class of 2025

Recently, we sent some important information out to our Grade 12 families about:

• Students over 18 consent to sharing information with parents/guardians

• 40 Community Service hours

• 2 mandatory online learning credits (including the opt-out process)

• Courses taken outside of the Halton District School Board

Please click here to read the message in full.

Scholarships and Awards

Community Awards (Rotary, Halton Learning Foundation, Maycourt, CFUW, Lion's Club, Chinese Canadian Association)

It's that time of year when applications open for the various community awards. All information can be found on the online awards hub. Please take a look at the site and direct any questions you may have to your guidance counsellor. Students are encouraged to create an account and review the various awards criteria. Please note that most application deadlines are in the spring.

Awards Hub

Grade 12 - Graduation Requirements

This message is a reminder of some important information as you navigate the postsecondary application process and completion of the final graduation requirements.

Community Hours

Students need to submit 40 community hours no later than May 1, 2025 for completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students can submit their hours HERE. If needed, they can complete our recording form found HERE.

Online Learning Requirement

Students are also required to take two e-learning credits to graduate. However, students can opt out by returning this form to Student Services.

Scholarships

Information will be posted on the Grade 12 Google Classroom stream as well as in a document in Classwork. Information can also be found via the HDSB website: HDSB Scholarship Resources.

More details and resources on the above information can be found in our Grade 12 Presentation and Resource Slide Deck: Grade 12 Presentation 2024.

HDSB School Trustee Vacancy

The Halton District School Board is seeking to fill a trustee vacancy for Oakville (Wards 5 & 7) through an appointment process in which members of the Board will select a successful candidate at a special board meeting. 

Interested applicants can apply by submitting an application form and resume by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22. Click here to learn more.

April is HLF Month at HDSB!

We are thrilled to share that HLF Month is in full swing across HDSB! Schools, staff, and students are already stepping up to raise awareness and funds to support students in need—and there’s still plenty of time to get involved.

So far, we have 28 teams joining the fun, and your school can still take part in HLF Month by creating or joining a team. Check out our Teachers Toolkit for ideas to get involved. 

Our goal is to raise $50,000 to support 200 students in need—and with your help, we can get there! For more info, resources, and fundraising tools, visit the HLF Month page. 

Save the Date: Students in the Spotlight

 Tuesday, April 30 |  7:00 PM 

 Burlington Central High School 

Help us spread the word about this unforgettable fundraising evening celebrating HDSB student talent while supporting students in need. If your students made it to the finalist list make sure you promote them through your platforms. 

Get your tickets 

HLF Month is Presented By CN. They will match donations to a total of $25,000. Donations will have double the impact and help twice as many students! 

Click here to make a donation today!

Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions This Spring

The HDSB has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring. 

The upcoming session:

• Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Child: Resource Overview, Relationships and Self-Care | April 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Families are encouraged to learn more about the sessions available and register: https://tinyurl.com/2s474h4b   

Loss and Grief Virtual Workshop for Parents and Caregivers

Join Lighthouse for a free presentation and discussion about how children and youth grieve, and ways to support them as they confront and mourn the loss of the person who died.

Monday, April 14, 2025

7 pm Online

Click here for more information and to register.

Virtual Parent Group - Navigating Teens Together

Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services is offering free online parent sessions from May 6 - June 10. Click here for more information about Woodview  and you can call 289-266-0036 to register for this program.

Upcoming Key Dates

Apr 16 First Day of Semester 2, Term 2

Apr 18 Good Friday - No Classes

Apr 21 Easter Monday - No Classes

Apr 23 CP Day (late start at 9:30 am)

Apr 23 OUAC/OCAS Upload

Apr 25 Semester 2 Mid-Term Reports Issued

May 2 Full Disclosure Date

May 6 Tuesdays @Ten

May 19 Victoria Day Holiday - No Classes

May 21 CP Day (late start at 9:30 am)

May 22 15th Week in Danger Reports Emailed

Jun 3 Tuesdays @Ten

Jun 19-25 Semester 2 Final Evaluation Block

Jun 25 Class of 2025 Commencement @Sixteen Mile Creek 7:30 pm

Jun 26 Exam Review Day

Jun 26 Last Day of Classes for Semester 2

Jun 27 Professional Activity Day – No Classes

Jul 2 OUAC/OCAS Upload

Jul 4 Final Report Cards Sent Electronically