Principal's Message

Topic: Destreaming

Dear GWSS Families:

Destreaming, the removal of academic streaming (Applied vs Academic) in Grade 9 courses, is a Ministry initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environment for all students. At Garth Webb Secondary School, this initiative has brought significant benefits to students, helping them develop a growth mindset, build confidence, and pursue academic success regardless of their previous academic placements. While de-streaming was initially introduced in September 2021 in the Grade 9 Math curriculum, it has now been implemented provincially across all subject areas in Grade 9. This shift in educational practice is helping students find greater success.

One of the primary benefits of destreaming is that it provides all students with an equal opportunity to thrive academically. Prior to destreaming, students were placed into different academic streams based on their perceived abilities, often leading to divisions in the classroom and limiting students’ potential. With destreaming, there are no separate tracks for students to follow based on ability; instead, all students are in the same classroom, learning and growing together. This inclusive approach promotes collaboration and fosters a stronger sense of community within the school.

At Garth Webb, the Destreaming Committee (which is made up of administrators, teachers, and support staff across multiple discipline areas) works collaboratively to ensure that de-streaming is implemented effectively across the curriculum. Teachers are able to share insights, strategies, and best practices from their respective disciplines, creating a cohesive and unified approach to supporting students in a de-streamed environment. This interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that students receive consistent, high-quality instruction that meets their individual needs. 

The impact of destreaming has already been observed within our school in the transition from Grade 9 to Grade 10. Data collected since the implementation of destreaming is showing us that more students are now choosing and succeeding in Grade 10 Academic courses. This helps to highlight that destreaming has removed barriers for students who may have been discouraged from pursuing Academic courses in the past. By ensuring that all students are exposed to the same curriculum from the outset, destreaming gives them the chance to perform at their best without being confined by labels. As a result, many students are taking greater ownership of their learning, recognizing that they have the ability to succeed in challenging courses. Destreaming encourages a growth mindset, where students are empowered to see challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. This change in mindset has contributed to increased confidence and a greater sense of agency in their education.

To further support the work of destreaming, the teaching staff at Garth Webb spent their last Professional Activity Day collaborating with other schools in the HDSB to learn about asset-based assessment. Asset-based assessment focuses on recognizing and building upon students’ strengths, rather than focusing on their deficits. This approach complements the principles of destreaming as it ensures that all students are evaluated fairly and equitably, based on their unique abilities. By focusing on strengths, teachers are better able to support students in overcoming challenges and achieving success in their studies. This approach not only helps students feel valued but also supports their academic progress by identifying areas where they can improve and grow.

The implementation of destreaming at Garth Webb Secondary School and across the HDSB has already shown significant benefits for students. Through destreaming, Garth Webb is helping to shape the future of education - one where all students can reach their fullest potential.

To learn more about destreaming, please view this resource from the Ontario Educators resource site: https://www.onted.ca/destreaming

Sincerely,

Sahar Monzavi-Bacon, Vice Principal

CP Day This Wednesday

This Wednesday, December 11  is a Collaborative Planning day (“CP” day). CP Days are for staff and happen 4 times each semester. On Wednesday, 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.

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.

This is the final CP Day until semester 2 in February 2025.

GW School Council Presents: 

Future of Work Ideathon

Final Call for Registrations!

Get ready to brainstorm and innovate at our Future of Work Ideathon, where we'll tackle the challenges of tomorrow's workplace together!

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

@ Garth Webb S.S.

Join us for the Future of Work Ideathon, an enlightening journey into the evolving landscape of employment and skills organized by the GW School Council.

Following the great success of last year’s event, which brought together over 120 parents for insightful discussions and meaningful engagement, this year’s workshop has been expanded to include both parents and high school students. This unique format will bridge the gap between today’s education and tomorrow’s career opportunities by fostering a collaborative environment where parents and students can explore and discuss the trends shaping the future of work.

Experience a hands-on workshop guided by mentors and an inspiring keynote speech that will delve into the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the future job market. Engage in group activities tailored to spark conversation, share ideas, and create actionable insights.

Prepare to leave with valuable knowledge, innovative strategies, and a shared enthusiasm for guiding the next generation toward a successful and adaptable future.

Spaces are limited, reserve your spot today and be part of shaping the future together!

Eventbrite Registration

Promotional Video

2SLGBTQIA+ Parent/Guardian Advocacy and Support Group

The December meeting for our group will be this Thursday, December 12 from 7-8 pm (online). 

The goal of the group is to provide a safe space to share resources, expand our education, learn how to better advocate for and support our children, and to share our challenges and victories. We will work together to advocate for all students who experience social and systemic discrimination based on their 2SLGBTQIA+ identity. We have a zero tolerance policy for any kind of discrimination within our group. 

We are always happy to welcome new members so if you would like to attend our meeting on Thursday, December 12 or would like more information about the group, please email Kerri Lee at leeke@hdsb.ca. A link for the meeting will be sent to the group members prior to December 12.

Grade 11 HSP Field Trip

The grade 11 HSP students from Ms. Robert and Ms. Beltran’s classes had an amazing opportunity to go to Brock University on Thursday! The students had the opportunity to listen to two guest lectures: 

1. Applied Linguistics (including activities about brain recovery after two types of strokes, how children acquire language and learn how to write their names in the International Phonetic Alphabet).

2. Understanding Psychopaths presented by Dr. Amanda Book.

An incredible field trip and incredible students on the trip! Looking forward to the trip in the spring. 

Extended Absence Reminder

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 that your student will be away for more than 3 consecutive school days, please print this extended absence form and fill it in with the information requested 2 weeks prior to the planned absence (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. 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. Thank you.

School Council Fundraiser Thank You

Thank you to all of the families who were able to donate to our annual School Council Fundraiser. We were able to raise just over $7,000 to help support students at Garth Webb S.S.

The next School Council meeting is on Monday, January 13, 2025 and will be virtual. A link will be sent out to families through email prior to the meeting. All parents/guardians are welcome to attend. 

Sincerely,

GWS School Council

Tuesdays @Ten

This past Tuesday we held our monthly parent/guardian engagement session. This month's topic was Scholarships and Financing Post Secondary Education. We shared information on the various scholarships that exist, resources available to help support applications, and a quick summary on OSAP.  

If you missed the session, please feel free to access the the slides and recording.

Course Selection 2025/2026 School Year

Student Services will be running Grade presentations around the course selection process for the 2025/2026 school year during the week of December 16. Information around the process and considerations will be shared with families in the coming weeks. Students will be able to select their courses using myBlueprint throughout the month of January.

Grade 12 - Post Secondary Applications and Graduation Requirements

Student Services met with all Grade 12 classes this fall.  As a follow up to the presentation, we wanted to share the information below with students and their families. 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.

Post Secondary Applications - University

Students can apply via the Ontario Universities' Application Centre using their OENs (Ontario Education Number) and personal email account. An OEN can be found on a student’s report card. The due date for applications is January 15, 2025.

Post Secondary Applications - College 

Students can apply via ontariocolleges.ca using their personal email account. The due date for applications is February 1, 2025.

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.

National Scholarships - Grade 12 Students

Information around scholarships will be shared via the google classroom throughout the year.  Please note that most National Scholarship deadlines are in the fall where has community scholarships are in the Spring.  Please feel free to investigate these Scholarships to see if you are eligible.

Deadlines:

Queen's - Deadline typically early December

Schulich - School Nomination Jan. 30

Western National - TBD but usually mid-February

HDSB Scholarship Page

HDSB Guide to Post Secondary

The transition from secondary school to post-secondary is a significant journey and one that is both exciting and potentially overwhelming at the same time. The HDSB has put together this guide to help students and families navigate. Click here to check it out.

Community Hours: New in the 2024-2025 School Year

Students who complete more than 40 community involvement hours are encouraged to maintain their own record of completed community involvement hours. Secondary schools will no longer track and collect documentation for the completion of community involvement hours beyond the 40 hours required. Students can maintain a record of completed involvement hours through a digital or hard copy portfolio should they wish to have proof of hours for future scholarship, award and/or special program opportunities.

Community Involvement Recording Sheet

Submit Your Community Hours

Co-op Student of the Week

Student: Ciana Robillard, Grade 11

Placement: Perri’s Cabinetry

My main tasks/responsibilities include:

• Use tools and machines

• Build cabinets and parts for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms with different materials

• Do proper measurements 

• Cutting materials

• Sanding materials

• Read drawings and plans for houses

• Keep workspace clean and tidy

• Follow health and safety procedures

I think the most important skill at my placement is reading the drawings/plans for the house to get the measurements for cabinets and parts for furniture. This is an important skill because all the materials that get cut for building depend on the measurements taken from the drawings/plans.

For post-secondary, I currently want to study architecture. Working at my placement has allowed me to experience the different types of materials and tools that are used when building. Also, visiting job sites has allowed me to see the finished products that are the physical representations of the drawings and plans for the house.

To see what else the Co-op Crew has been up to, please follow us on Instagram @GWSSCoop

myBlueprint Virtual Session - Dec 12

Students and their families are invited to attend a virtual session hosted by myBlueprint on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7 - 8 p.m. to explore how students and families can use myBlueprint to guide meaningful planning conversations and support future success. myBlueprint is the individual Pathways Planning digital tool for secondary students in the HDSB to explore who they are, select their courses, track the completion of graduation requirements, research careers and Canadian post-secondary programs of interest, set goals, create budgets and so much more. All HDSB secondary students and their families have access to myBlueprint and the resources it offers to help students build self-awareness and make informed decisions about pathway options. 

To learn more about myBlueprint, students and families are invited to the upcoming session:

Discover myBlueprint: Empowering Your Student's Pathway Planning

Thursday, Dec. 12 from 7 - 8 p.m. 

This will be a virtual event streamed live through the HDSB YouTube channel and accessible from the HDSB website (hdsb.ca).

Registration is not required.

Submitting Questions 

Viewers can submit questions through this Google form before and during the session.

A recording of the virtual session will be shared on the HDSB website following the session for those who are unable to attend. Please email Lisa Galay, Instructional Program Leader for Student Supports and Regional Programs at galayl@hdsb.ca if you have any questions about this session. 

We look forward to connecting with you at this session.

An Important Message from Halton Region Public Health

Students/parents can report immunization information by:

• visiting halton.ca/immunize to view and report immunization records online;

• calling 311;

• emailing accesshalton@halton.ca; OR

• mailing or dropping off to: Vaccination Services, Halton Region Public Health, located at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6M 3L1.

Student immunization records can be viewed and updated online through Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON), available at halton.ca/immunize.  ***NOTE: ICON PINs expire when a student turns 16 years old and will need to be reset. Direct these students to halton.ca/immunize to follow the instructions for resetting a PIN.

Students with incomplete records are encouraged to receive missing vaccine doses through their health care provider, or at a Public Health Community Immunization Clinic. Required vaccines are free of charge.

Parents with questions about their student’s record are encouraged to call 311 to speak to a public health nurse. If the student is 16/16+ the student is encouraged to call 311 themselves. Alternatively, if consent is provided by the student, the parent or guardian can speak on the student’s behalf. 

Information about vaccine exemption can be found at halton.ca/immunize. 

For more general information about Immunization in Ontario - see this Ministry of Health Informative Flier.

 Additional Language Translations can be found on the Ministry website linked here.

*For students who are new to the HDSB and from outside Ontario:

Students over 16 years, or parent/guardians/ custodians of students under 16 years, can either take their home country vaccine records in person to the Halton Regional Headquarters Building at 1151 Bronte Road in Oakville. 

OR a digit copy/photo can be emailed to accesshalton@halton.ca 

AND - request an Immunization Identification Number and Online Account access by emailing: vaccinerecords@halton.ca

For the email Subject Line, use --> "HDSB Student Outside of Ontario Vaccination Record Submission"

In the email body, please attach:

a photo or PDF of the student's vaccination record from their outside of Ontario jurisdiction, and include the following student information in the email: Student full LEGAL Name, which would be the name on their passport/ birth certificate.

Student Date of Birth, written with Month Day, Year - For example January 1, 2021

The HDSB School the student(s) are attending - For example: Garth Webb Secondary School

Click here for further information.

Upcoming Key Dates

Dec 11 CP Day (late start @9:30 am)

Dec 12 15th Week in Danger Reports Emailed

Dec 20 Last Day of Classes in 2024 (early dismissal at 1:15 pm)

Dec 23 - Jan 3 Winter Break

Jan 6 First Day of Classes After Holiday

Jan 7 Tuesdays @Ten

Jan 22 Last Day of Classes for Semester 1

Jan 23 - 29 Semester 1 Exams

Jan 30 Exam Review Day

Jan 31 Professional Activity Day – No Classes