February 16, 2025

WEEK A

Principal's Message

Topic: Student Trustees Elections 

Dear Students, Families, and Staff:

I am excited to announce the beginning of our annual Student Trustee election process, with the big day coming up on Thursday, February 20. The election will be held online, and voting will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Becoming a Student Trustee is an important and meaningful responsibility. This position involves two senior students representing all 67,000 Halton District School Board students. These Student Trustees have a unique opportunity to sit on the Board of Trustees, advocating for youth issues at the Board, regional, and provincial levels. They play a key role in shaping decisions that affect students, and their work extends beyond our school community. Student Trustees also chair the Student Senate and collaborate with the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) to discuss and influence educational issues across the province.

At Garth Webb Secondary School, we are fortunate to have three talented and passionate student candidates running for the position of Student Trustee this year. We are incredibly proud of their leadership, and we have worked hard to foster an environment where our students feel empowered to step up and represent their peers.

To ensure all students make an informed decision when casting their vote, I am sharing information about each of our three candidates in alphabetical order. I encourage families to discuss this with their children, helping them understand the importance of this election and the candidates’ platforms. Voting is a powerful right, and it’s essential that all students participate so that their voices are heard and their ideas and challenges are brought to the table.

Let’s work together to encourage our students to exercise their right to vote and help shape the future of our school community.

Kindly,

Luisa Botelho

Arthur Chao, Grade 11

Poster - click here  Response - click here

Reeva Jiyani, Grade 10

Poster - click here  Response - click here

Banipreet Kaur Sachdeva, Grade 10

Poster - click here  Response - click here

Student Trustee Elections 2025 

Here are the remaining timelines for our Student Trustee Elections:

More details here

CP Day This Wednesday

This Wednesday, February 19 is our first Collaborative Planning day (“CP” day) of semester 2. CP Days are for staff and will happen 4 times this 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.

BHM Career Panels

In celebration of Black History Month, Garth Webb’s Black and Biracial Student Alliance (BSA), in collaboration with Student Services, has planned a series of Career Panels.

Please join us in the library to hear from the following individuals:

STEM Focused

Thursday Feb. 27 @ lunch in the library

Judith Robillard - Manager in Health Care

Dr. Shelly Morgan - Pharmacist

Tamika Ramsay - Co-op program Specialist with TMU

All presentations are tied to Education and Career/Life Planning Ministry Policy (Creating Pathways to Success: An Education and Career/Life Planning Program for Ontario Schools – Policy and Program Requirements, Kindergarten to Grade 12, 2013) with the goals of:

Maria Polyanska

DECA Provincial Competition

The DECA business club recently sent 65 students to represent Garth Webb Secondary School at the annual DECA Provincial Business Competition in downtown Toronto.  The atmosphere at the competition was buzzing with enthusiasm as over 4000 high school students from across Ontario came together with the hopes of winning an award.

Our students competed in events that required the ability to analyze a business scenario, apply creative problem-solving skills, then make recommendations for how to improve the situation using strong oral communication skills.  Our students looked sharp dressed in their formal business attire!  This was a memorable experience for our students because they witnessed first hand just how many teens love the thrill of a business competition!

Special mention to the following students who earned a Provincial Champion award:

DECA Provincial Champions - Top 10 ranking (qualified for the DECA International Competition (ICDC) - Orlando, Florida (April 2025)

DECA Provincial Medal Winners -  Top 20 ranking

Shaan Sharma

Arthur Chao

Adithya Saravanan/Leo Wang/Rickey Yang

OSSLT Results

EQAO has notified us with the results of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) for those students who wrote in the Fall of 2024.  All students will be able to see their results reflected in myBlueprint as of Friday, February 7, 2025 and Individual Student Reports are now available for pick up in the Main Office. Please come to the office to pick up your results if you have not already done so.

Students who were not yet successful and their parent(s)/guardian(s) were notified via email on Thursday, January 30 at 4:00pm. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Sahar Monzavi-Bacon at monzavibacos@hdsb.ca.

Upcoming Grade 9 & 10 Workshops

The week of March 3rd, the Get Real Movement will be joining us at Garth Webb to run a Social Media Literacy Workshop with all Grade 9 and 10 students. Facilitators from Get Real will guide an interactive session that helps students explore how misinformation spreads on social media and its impact on their online interactions. 

This dynamic workshop highlights the importance of mindful social media use, encouraging students to develop healthier habits for a positive digital environment and to become supportive allies in addressing online hate and cyberbullying. Students will also learn how to fact-check information, equipping them with the skills to identify credible sources and avoid spreading false misinformation.

This workshop encourages a healthy balance between online and offline lives, helping students set boundaries and protect their mental well-being, while also providing a space for them to anonymously share their own social media experiences.

Prior to the workshop, students will complete some “pre-work” with their classroom teachers that you can view here. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any one of the administrators here at the school.

Fashion Forward Open Houses

Thank you to everyone who was able to donate formal wear to the Fashion Forward project. The open houses are scheduled in February through May for students to select, at no cost, donated formal wear for upcoming prom/graduation celebrations.

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 Open Houses will be held on the following dates:

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.

University of Ottawa - Applicant Reception

Our applicant receptions are designed to provide students who have applied to uOttawa with comprehensive information about student life, scholarships, financial aid, housing, our French Immersion Stream, and more. This year we will be expanding our invitations to grade 9, 10, and 11 students for our Mississauga and Markham events! Thus, you can let students know that these events are open to all. These events offer an excellent opportunity for students and their families to ask questions and learn why the University of Ottawa is an ideal place for their academic and personal growth. We encourage parents, guardians, and supporters to attend as well.

 Details of the closest reception are as follows:

 Location: Renaissance by the Creek Mississauga 

Date: Thursday, February 20th  

Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm

 For registration, please visit: Applicant Receptions | Study

Community Opportunities - University of Toronto

For Black History Month, UofT wanted to share a few more opportunities for students to connect with U of T as well as some engaging outreach programs with applications that are currently open. Please see our Equity & Outreach Community Newsletter - February 2025 

Tuesdays @Ten

This month, our school social worker joined us for the following presentation:

Supporting Secondary Students (Grade 9-12) with Anxiety and Depression: Practical Strategies and Interventions 

This presentation helps parents identify the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety among teens. Attendees will learn practical mental health coping strategies including how to support and validate your youth. Information about how to access school and community mental health services will be provided.

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

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.

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 in Museums of Burlington: Tour Guide/Docent at Ireland House Museum

Guides/Docents provide a welcoming environment and learning experience to museum visitors. 

Online application form: https://museumsofburlington.ca/support/volunteer/ 

Email: robin.hill@burlington.ca

For more info: https://www.volunteerconnector.org/burlington/museums-of-burlington/tour-guide-docent-at-ireland-house-museum

This year, we will be sharing our Equity & Inclusive Education section on a standalone webpage on our site. 

We will have this link in the weekly blog to direct you so that you can read about the various days of significance throughout the school year.

Naming the Newest HDSB Elementary School

Suggest a name for the new HDSB elementary school opening in Oakville!

The HDSB is opening a new elementary school in Oakville, located at 1235 Wheat Boom Drive, in September 2025. Students, families and community members are encouraged to submit suggestions for the name of the new school by March 5. 

Learn more and submit your suggestion: https://bit.ly/3EK2H5G 

Anti-Sex Trafficking Information Session on Feb 20

The Halton District School Board, in collaboration with SAVIS of Halton and EFRY Hope and Help for Women, invites HDSB families and community members to an Anti-Sex Trafficking Information Session on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The session will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Georgetown District High School (70 Guelph Street, Georgetown). 

This session is being held in response to overwhelming participation in the joint Anti-Sex Trafficking information sessions held in February and June 2024 in Milton. This third session will be held in Halton Hills and will be identical in content to reach those in the community who were unable to attend the first two sessions. View a recap video from a previous session to learn more about the information and resources provided.

Those interested in attending can register online. This information session is open to all members of the community, and registration will remain open until the event reaches full capacity. Child minding will be provided at no cost for school-age children (Kindergarten to Grade 8). Overflow parking will be available next door at St. George's Anglican Church (60 Guelph Street, Georgetown).

The session will uncover the realities of sex trafficking and exploitation and provide insight into who is at risk, digital and cyber security considerations, warning signs and how to keep our children and youth safe. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from survivors of sex trafficking and representatives from Halton Regional Police Service, SAVIS of Halton and EFRY Hope and Help for Women. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the direct effects sex trafficking has on the individual and their community. 

We look forward to connecting with you at this important session. If you have any questions, please email contact@hdsb.ca. 

Free Parent Session from ADAPT

ADAPT (Addiction, Drugs and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) – Problem Gambling and Behavioural Addictions Program is offering a 1-Day Education and Information Session:

PROBLEM GAMING AWARENESS & EDUCATION

Wednesday, February 26

6-8pm Via ZOOM

This presentation is designed for families, loved ones, and friends who want to better understand Problem Gaming, support a loved one struggling with Gaming dependency, and learn how to maintain boundaries and a healthy balance.

Topics we will explore:   

**This presentation is free of charge.

Alternatively, Problem Gambling, Problem Gaming and Behavioural Addictions Program offers counselling support to individuals looking for one-on-one support. Our services are available via phone, video, or in-person. All services are client centred, confidential, and free of charge. 

If you are interested in registering for this presentation, or connecting with our program for individual services, please contact Jerico via email at JericoA@haltonadapt.org or Priya (Program Intake) via email priyac@haltonadapt.org or via telephone (905) 875-7924.

Free Parent and Teen Workshops from JHS

Links to Mental Health Resources

HDSB Mental Health and Well-Being Programs

The HDSB is offering mental health and well-being programs for students and families this winter and spring. We encourage families to review these opportunities and registration information. 

Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians

The HDSB has announced additional mental health & well-being information sessions for parents/guardians this Winter and Spring. Each session will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources. The upcoming sessions include: 

Learn more about the sessions available by visiting our Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions webpage and register online by completing the registration form.  

Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®)

The HDSB invites Grade 9 and 10 students to participate in a modified version of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®), an evidence-based social skills program designed to help students make and maintain friendships. PEERS® uses video modelling, games and social coaching to help students build friendships and learn how to start/end conversations, choose friends, handle disagreements and navigate social events. The program will be available in person at select schools (based on demand) and virtually after school. Students in Grade 9 to 12 at Milton District High School are also eligible to participate.

The in-person sessions, led by HDSB Child and Youth Counsellors (CYCs), will run weekly from March 17 until the week of April 28. Specific days, times and locations will be provided at a later date. Virtual sessions will take place Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Feb. 18 to April 9 on Google Meet. Those interested are invited to complete a Referral Form by Feb. 11, 2025 to schedule an intake call. If the program reaches capacity and a spot is unavailable, you will be notified and placed on the waitlist.

After School Virtual Groups for Elementary Students (Student Well-Being)

The HDSB is offering four psychoeducational groups for students in Grade 3 to 8 who would like to develop skills for managing stress and worry, learn about thoughts, actions and behaviours and enhance their well-being. This program is based on the TRAILS for Wellness curriculum and principles from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Led by HDSB Child and Youth Counsellors, the sessions will be held on Google Meet on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from Feb. 17 until April 11.  

To register for these programs, parents/guardians must complete the Registration Form by Feb. 11 and request which group the student would like to attend. If the student is available for both Tuesday and Wednesday, you may choose both options. After registration, a Child and Youth Counsellor will contact families to schedule an intake session. Spots are limited and final time slots will be confirmed based on registration numbers. 

Mental Health & Well-Being Resources

The mental health and well-being of our students and families is important. We encourage all families to view the HDSB’s Mental Health & Well-Being webpage which has information for parents/guardians and students on mental health, ways to support positive mental health and well-being and how to get additional support at school and in the community.

School Calendar & Sports Schedule

Families can use the link below to find details on game days/times for our various athletic teams throughout the year.

Important Dates for Your Calendar

Upcoming Key Dates

Feb 17 Family Day Holiday - School Closed

Feb 19 CP Day (late start @9:30 am)

Mar 4 Tuesdays @Ten

Mar 6 5th Week Progress Reports Emailed

Mar 10 - 14 Spring Break

Mar 26 CP Day (late start at 9:30 am)

Mar 27 Parent/Teacher Interviews 5:00 - 7:00 pm - NEW DATE

Apr 1 Tuesdays @Ten

Apr 4 Professional Activity Day – No Classes

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-Semester 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

If you have any questions or suggestions for improving the school, our door is always open. Please feel free to contact our admin team by email.

Please remember that our work hours may not be your work hours. As a result, responses to emails sent outside our standard hours may not be immediate. We appreciate your understanding. Thank you.

Luisa Botelho, Robin Toffolo, Rav Bhathal, Sahar Monzavi-Bacon

Garth Webb S.S. Admin Team