February 23, 2025

WEEK B

Principal's Message

Topic: Semester Two Start-Up Reminders 

Dear Students, Families, and Staff:

Now that we’ve settled into Semester Two, we’d like to take a moment to share some important reminders and initiatives that will shape our secondary classrooms in the weeks ahead. We’re excited to welcome students back and continue nurturing a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for everyone.

1. Core Concepts of the HDSB Code of Conduct
One of our key focuses this semester will be ensuring that all students are aware of the HDSB Code of Conduct and how it applies in our school community. We will continue to review, discuss, and reinforce important aspects of the Code, helping students understand what respectful behavior looks like and how to hold themselves accountable.

2. Discriminatory and Harmful Language Protocol
It’s crucial that we continue to educate students about our HDSB Discriminatory and Hurtful Language Protocol. This semester, we will continue to emphasize the importance of reporting any incidents of discriminatory language or behavior. We want students to know that we care deeply about their well-being and that these issues will be taken seriously and addressed promptly. We encourage you to review the protocol with your student to reinforce its significance.

3. Building Classroom Community and Positive Relationships
In addition to the Code of Conduct, we will continue to focus on building strong classroom communities and fostering positive relationships. Teachers consistently work with students to co-create classroom norms and expectations, reinforcing that these are integral to upholding the values in the Code of Conduct. These shared norms will help create a respectful and supportive environment for all.

4. Technology Use Guidelines
As part of our commitment to creating a productive and respectful learning environment, we also want to remind students of our guidelines for the use of personal technology. At Garth Webb, students are expected to store their mobile devices out of view during class, unless otherwise directed by the teacher for educational purposes. Devices may be used during breaks, but social media, games, and non-educational content should be avoided in learning spaces. We also emphasize responsible digital citizenship and the importance of maintaining a safe, inclusive environment both in-person and online.

5. Mental Health and Well-Being
In Ontario, schools are often the first place children and youth turn to for mental health support. We recognize the importance of fostering positive mental health in our school community, and we’re committed to being a supportive space for students who may need assistance. Our staff are trained to notice when a student may need help, and we work closely with families and the community to provide the necessary resources. By working together—family, school, and community—we can ensure that your child’s mental health and overall well-being are supported. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns or if you’d like more information about the resources available to your child.

6. Vaping Awareness
Vaping continues to be a growing concern among students, and many are unaware of the serious health risks it poses. We ask for your help in discussing these risks with your child, emphasizing the importance of making healthy, informed choices. At Garth Webb, we are actively monitoring washrooms, providing education through announcements, and displaying posters about vaping’s harmful effects. We're also working with community partners to understand how students are acquiring vapes and are considering preventive measures like vape detectors. Please take a moment to talk with your child about vaping, and feel free to share any suggestions with us.

Additional Resources

We are excited for a productive semester and look forward to working together to support your child’s success. If you have any questions or would like more information about these initiatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

Kindly,

Luisa Botelho

Contacts

Guidance Counsellors:

Ms. Tolton (A-E)

Ms. Mactaggart (F-L)

Mr. Sanderson (M-Q)

Ms. Hosany (R-Z)


Vice Principals:

Robin Toffolo - Alpha A-F

Rav Bhathal - Alpha G-M

Sahar Monzavi-Bacon - Alpha N-Z

Pink Shirt Day This Wednesday

On Wednesday, February 26, Garth Webb staff and students will participate in PINK shirt day. On this day we stand together against bullying. We invite everyone to wear pink shirts.

Now a movement celebrated across the globe, Pink Shirt Day has humble beginnings. Inspired by an act of kindness in small-town Nova Scotia, CKNW Kids' Fund, working with partners Boys & Girls Clubs and 980 CKNW, was inspired to raise funds to support anti-bullying programs. Here is a snippet of an article detailing the original incident:

“David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied [for wearing a pink shirt]…[They] took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of a new Grade 9 student by distributing pink T-shirts to all the boys in their school. ‘I learned that two people can come up with an idea, run with it, and it can do wonders,’ says Mr. Price, 17, who organized the pink protest. ‘Finally, someone stood up for a weaker kid.’ So Mr. Shepherd and some others headed off to a discount store and bought 50 pink tank tops. They sent out message to schoolmates that night, and the next morning they hauled the shirts to school in a plastic bag. As they stood in the foyer handing out the shirts, the bullied boy walked in. His face spoke volumes. ‘It looked like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders,’ Mr. Price recalled. The bullies were never heard from again.”

— GLOBE & MAIL

After David and Travis’ act of kindness in 2007, CKNW was inspired to help other youth affected by bullying, with many staff members wearing pink shirts and collecting funds to support Boys and Girls Clubs. Since then, the idea has only grown each year, with worldwide support and participation. Click here to read more.

BHM Career Panels

In celebration of Black History Month, Garth Webb’s Black and Biracial Student Alliance (BSA), in collaboration with Student Services, has been hosting a series of Career Panels. This past Thursday, February 20 was the second Career Panel for Black History Month! This panel featured Black Alumni and professionals who returned to share their experiences with our current students.

Our panelists included undergraduate and masters students, lawyers, engineers, and marketing specialists, who each shared their journeys, challenges, and successes. Their insights offered valuable perspectives for our students as they navigate their own futures.

A huge thank you to Maxwell Evans, Nneka Lemon, Audrey Rosa, Kini Rosa, Kelachi Nsitem, Chimele Nsitem, Anyaowa Nsitem, and Annette Evans for taking the time to connect with our students. We truly appreciate your willingness to pour back into the community!

Next Thursday we'll host our final Career Panel of the month, where we’ll hear from Black professionals making an impact in STEM fields.  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:

5409 FIRST Robotics Update

5409 Robotics is hard at work this season and we’re beyond excited to share our third biweekly update! We've made some incredible progress so far and we are continuing to turn our goals into reality. 

Recently the team received our JERSEYS!!! A huge thank you to our marketing sub-team for the design. They look absolutely amazing and we can’t wait to wear them during competition! 

As team 5409 speeds into our first competition of the 2025 season, we would like to share another exciting progress update:

Please check out our latest video on Youtube!!!

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Robotics with Student Senate

At Garth Webb, innovation and student leadership go hand in hand, and our recent Student Senate tour of the Robotics team was a perfect example of that. This experience gave our Senators an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, creativity, and expertise that drive our school’s robotics program.

From the moment we stepped into the robotics lab, we were immersed in a world of engineering, coding, and teamwork. The Robotics team walked us through their projects, sharing insights into the complex mechanisms and programming that bring their creations to life. It was inspiring to see firsthand how much time and effort goes into each build, from designing and constructing robots to problem-solving and preparing for competitions.

Our Robotics team has achieved so much, competing at high levels and continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Their commitment to excellence and innovation is truly commendable, and it was exciting to learn about the new projects they’re working on.

Beyond just a tour, this meeting was a major success in fostering collaboration between Student Senate and the Robotics team. Both groups left with a clearer understanding of how they can support each other—whether through increased visibility for robotics initiatives, advocacy for resources, or finding new ways to engage more students in STEM opportunities.

A huge thank you to our Robotics team for hosting us and sharing their incredible work. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!

~ Aaisha Hassan, Student Senator

HDSB Newcomer Arrive & Thrive Conference

Our Garth Webb Newcomer students attended an HDSB Arrive and Thrive Conference this week. Over 160 students from all HDSB secondary schools joined together for a day focused on welcoming, supporting, and amplifying the voices of newcomer students. 

Our students listened to motivating speeches by well-known author and poet Wali Shah and also HDSB Director Curtis Ennis who shared their personal stories as newcomers to Canada. Students also engaged in activities, learning sessions, and community building in an effort to support and help them acclimatize to life in Canada.

Fashion Forward Open Houses Start Tomorrow!

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.

Elections Ontario

Elections Ontario will be using the gymnasium at Garth Webb as a voting station for the upcoming Provincial election on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

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

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:

Stay tuned for a new opportunity next week...

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.

Town of Oakville Public Consultation 

Potential Protest By-law Near Vulnerable Social Infrastructure 

On behalf of the Town of Oakville, we are sharing an opportunity for Oakville residents to participate in a public consultation. The Town of Oakville is gathering community feedback on the development of a by-law aimed at regulating certain forms of protests near vulnerable social infrastructure, such as places of worship, hospitals, schools, daycares and libraries. From February 12 to March 5, Oakville residents can provide input through a telephone or online questionnaire.

The feedback gathered will help guide Town of Oakville staff in preparing a draft by-law for the consideration of Oakville's Town Council. Learn more and provide input here.

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 here.

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

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