Principal's Message

Topic: Cyber Safety – Parent Tip Sheet

Dear Students, Families, and Staff:

This week marks the third installment in our series on supporting our children in the digital world. Over the past two weeks, we’ve discussed the importance of understanding cyberbullying and cyberviolence, as well as introducing the Family Online Safety Agreement to help families set clear expectations and foster safe online behavior. If you haven't had a chance to review these newsletters, I encourage you to take a look at the valuable information provided.

This week, we are sharing a helpful Cyber Safety Tip Sheet designed to offer practical tips for parents/guardians on how to protect their children from online risks, while promoting healthy digital habits. These tips cover a wide range of topics, including:

1. Promoting Open and Supportive Communication: Encourage your child to feel comfortable discussing their online experiences with you.
   
   

2. Learning About Social Media Apps Together: Familiarize yourselves with the apps your child uses to better understand their online world.
   
   

3. Setting Boundaries and Rules: Establish clear guidelines for technology use and online behavior.
   
   

4. Privacy and Safety: Review privacy settings, use strong passwords, and talk about the importance of keeping personal information private.
   
   

5. Fostering Digital Leadership and Citizenship: Encourage your child to develop a positive online presence and support others who may be experiencing cyberbullying.
   
   

6. Thinking Before Posting: Remind your child to consider whether their posts are true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.
   
   

7. Reaching Out for Support: If your child encounters negative online behavior, ensure they know how to seek help.

These tips, along with the Family Online Safety Agreement introduced last week, are part of our commitment to helping parents/guardians support their children in navigating the online world safely. As always, we encourage you to stay engaged, set boundaries, and create an open environment for discussion with your child. Together, we can ensure that our students are equipped with the tools and knowledge to make responsible decisions and foster a safe digital experience.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for additional resources or support. We are here to help! Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.

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:

• National Day of Mourning - Apr 28

• Akshaya Tritiya - Apr 30

• Armenian Heritage Month - May

• Asian Heritage Month - May

• Canadian Jewish Heritage Month - May

• Dutch Heritage Month - May

• Polish Heritage Month

• Beltane May 1

• Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti - May 2

• Children's Mental Health Week - May 5-11

• National Day of Awareness for MMIWG and Red Dress Day - May 5

• Buddha Day - May 12

• International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia - May 17

Yearbook Order Deadline is May 1

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!

Report Card Reminder

Just a reminder that semester 2 mid term report cards went out electronically on Friday, April 25. Please be sure to download a copy on your computer now as the link is only valid for 30 days.

Student Newsletter Juno Journal

Click here to read the Spring 2025 issue of the student newsletter Juno Journal. Thank you to the student newsletter team and advisors for your work in putting this together. We hope you enjoy this issue.

You can view past issues on our website here.

Student Senate Committee

Do you want to make a difference in the school community? Do you have ideas that should be implemented in our school? Then join the Student Senate Committee. 

This committee is a group of passionate students supporting the Student Senators, ensuring the growth of student government. You get to work hand in hand with the student senators, and plan events or bring change. 

To apply, interested students, from grade 9-11, must submit an application outlining their interest, skills, and goals if they were to join the committee. Applications are due by May 12. 

Application Form 

Check out this Slideshow for more information: Student Senate Committee info presentation.

Join the Student Senate Committee TODAY!

Garth Webb's HLF Fundraiser Dodgeball Tournament

Get ready, everyone — we’re hosting a Fundraising Dodgeball Game for students, staff, and families in celebration of HLF Month! 🏐✨

It’s happening on May 9 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Garth Webb Secondary School’s Gym — and YOU can be a part of it! Invite your friends and family members to sign up or join solo for a chance to play, have fun, and raise money for the Halton Learning Foundation, a foundation that financially supports students who need it. 

Please note that this event is for participants who are 13 years old and up.

Entry is just $20 — and every dollar raised goes toward supporting the Halton Learning Foundation!  For payment use  School Cash Online.

Sign up by Friday, May 2nd and get ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and donate!

Let’s make this HLF Month one to remember! See you there!

Details:

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025

Time: 5 - 7:30 PM

Where: Garth Webb S.S.

Fee: $20 per person

Registration: FORM LINK HERE

All attendees are expected to follow the HDSB Code of Conduct at all times.

Remembrance Day Video Contest Winner

Congratulations to Garth Webb student Doyoon Lee who won third place in the senior level category of the Remembrance Day Video Contest. This past week, Marie who is a member of the Bronte Legion, came to present Doyoon with his award and congratulate him on this win. Thank you for representing GW so well Doyoon and congratulations again!

Commencement Guest List Sign Up

As you know, our Class of 2025 Commencement will happen on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Tickets are paperless. Students can now tell us who their guests are by using this form. There is no cost for the guest tickets (they were included with the grad package that was already purchased). Students will provide us with the names of the guests who will be attending and when guests arrive at the venue on June 25, they will check in with our registration tables.

Important

Please note that students must be the ones to complete this form from their HDSB account. Parents/Guardians will not be able to access the google form.

Extra Guests

Due to the size of our graduating class of over 425 students, we only have enough seats to allow for up to 3 guests per student. However, there will be a limited number of extra seats so students can also request to enter the ticket lottery (using the google form linked below) to potentially receive 1 extra guest ticket. We will hold the lottery sometime in late May/early June and then will let those who were successful know that they can bring a 4th guest to the event.

Students, please complete this form ASAP and let us know if you would like to enter the lottery for a potential 4th guest. The deadline for completing this form is Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Valedictorian Process

The process for selection of this year’s Valedictorian is now under way.  The deadline for interested students to self-nominate and submit their application  is Wednesday, May 7.

Check out the slidedeck for all information in regards to the Valedictorian Process.

Pre Order Gifts for Commencement

Once again this year, The Commencement Group will be  offering flowers and graduation teddy bears for sale for anyone who would like to purchase them for commencement. The Commencement Company has an online store where you can order your items ahead and pick them up at the commencement ceremony on June 25. They will also have a kiosk set up at commencement on June 25 where families can purchase items on the day of if they choose. LINK FOR PRE ORDERS

Tuesdays @Ten

Please join us on Tuesday, May 6 at 10 am for our next community engagement session. In the May session we will be talking about summer school. We will discuss how to register and answer any questions that you may have. 

A link to the session will be sent out to families on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Summer School

Summer school registration is now open.  Please check out Gary Allan’s website for course offerings and timelines.  Registration for courses will occur through myBlueprint.  Also be sure to check out their Frequently Asked Questions.

Full Disclosure - Grade 11/12 Students

The full disclosure date for semester two is Friday, May 2, 2025.  Courses dropped after this date will appear on a high school transcript.  If you are considering dropping a course, we encourage you to speak with your guidance counselor and be mindful of the deadline.

Scholarship Due Dates Approaching - Don’t forget to apply!

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.

Join Us for Co-op Information Night!

Curious about how co-op programs work? Want to gain hands-on experience while earning credits? Come to our Co-op Information Night to learn everything you need to know!

🗓 Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
⏰Time: 7pm
📍Location: Virtual - get access to the Google Meet link by registering at bit.ly/CoopInfoMay2025

This event is for anyone, whether you have already added co-op to your timetable or are just interested in learning more about the program. Don't miss this opportunity to find out how you can apply to get a head start on your career and explore how co-op can boost your skills and open doors!

See you there!

Co-op Update

This week in Co-op, we want to celebrate:

• Our Co-op Employers and Community Partners who support and mentor our students

• Our dedicated students who are gaining real-world experience, building valuable skills, and representing our school with professionalism and pride!

Follow us on Instagram!

@GWSSCoop 

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:

Volunteer opportunity for High School Students with Crohns and Colitis Canada as support for their annual Gutsy Walk.

The walk is on Sunday June 1st in Oakville and they are looking for students to help with greeting participants, kids area, food distribution, etc.

Students can sign up through their website.

Elections Canada - Apr 28

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.

Free Parent/Guardian Workshop - Apr 29

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

Career Coaching Event Guest Speakers - May 1 & 2

GWSS will be hosting guest speakers through the Ministry of Education’s Career Coach Program for all grade 10 students, which is being led by the non-profit HIEC. This initiative connects students with industry professionals to explore career pathways and develop essential skills for their futures.

Students will hear directly from experts about career options, industry insights, and ways to pursue meaningful opportunities.

Event Details

Date: May 1 and May 2

Time: Period 1 (8:30 - 9:50 am)

Location: GWSS Cafeteria

Final Fashion Forward Open House - May 7

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.

Spring Concert - May 15

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.

Unwritten Chapters: Narratives in Canadian History

The HDSB invites students, families and community members to attend Unwritten Chapters: Narratives in Canadian History, a powerful evening of learning and engagement focused on the lived experiences of Black Canadians and their settlement across Canada. 

Unwritten Chapters: Narratives in Canadian History

Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Abbey Park High School (1455 Glen Abbey Gate, Oakville)

Space is limited and registration is required. 

Community Event Details

Facilitated by Sudz Sutherland, Co-Founder of Hungry Eyes Media, and Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB, the event will feature a 45-minute screening of the Hungry Eyes film resource: BLK: An Origin Story. Following the screening, a meaningful discussion will be held to explore how these resources connect to student learning and the lived experiences of Black Canadians. This conversation will look at the rich history of Black Canadians, affirm Black excellence and celebrate achievements. 

Students, families and community members interested in attending are invited to register by completing this Google Form by Monday, April 28.

April is HLF Month at HDSB!

Last Week of HLF Month—One Week Away from Students in the Spotlight! 

Our school communities are making amazing progress. So far this April, school and community teams have raised around $20,000 toward our $50,000 goal to support 200 HDSB students in need. Thank you for your incredible support! Now let’s keep the momentum going and rally our school communities to help us reach the finish line. 

There’s still time to get involved and do more! Check out our HLF Month Page for resources. 

Make sure to tag HLF in your social media posts, or you can send us your content and we can promote your fundraising activities through ours. Send us an email at  olawumnip@haltonlearningfoundation.ca 

Don’t Miss Our Signature Fundraising Event! 

Join us on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Burlington Central High School for Students in the Spotlight—an inspiring evening of live music, dance, and artistic performances by talented HDSB students. All proceeds support students facing financial barriers. Students in the Spotlight Ticket Link. Come as a crowd—let’s fill the seats and show our students they’re supported and celebrated!

HLF Month and Students in the Spotlight are 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!

Upcoming Key Dates

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

Jul 7/8 Diploma Pick Up 8 am - 2 pm