Principal's Message

Topic: Navigating Change: Embracing the Uncertainty

Dear Students, Families, and Staff:

As we approach June, the end of the school year and the start of summer are fast approaching, bringing with it many changes. Whether these changes are big or small, they often come with feelings of uncertainty. It's natural to experience a mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, frustration, or even a sense of being a little lost. Whether you're a student facing transitions or a family navigating shifts, these feelings are completely normal. Remember, you are not alone in this experience. As a community, we can rely on each other for support and guidance during these transitions.

While we can't always control the changes that come our way, we can decide how we respond. Here are some directions that families and staff can offer to guide students through these changes with resilience:

1. Focus on What You Can Control – While external changes may feel overwhelming, it's important to focus on what you can control. This might be how you react to challenges, how you manage your time, or how you prioritize self-care. Embrace the power you have to make positive decisions, even when things feel uncertain.

2. Take Time for Self-Care – Change affects everyone differently, so it’s crucial to take time for self-care. Whether it’s reading a book, spending time outdoors, or engaging in an activity that makes you feel relaxed, small moments of self-care can make a big difference. Families and staff can encourage students to find ways to reset and care for their mental well-being.

3. Reach Out for Support – When transitions feel overwhelming, it's important to remember that no one has to navigate change alone. Families and staff can remind students that it’s okay to reach out for support—whether that’s talking with a friend, a parent, or a school counselor. Connection is key during times of uncertainty.

4. Take Things One Step at a Time – Transitioning can seem like a lot, but breaking things down into smaller, manageable steps makes it easier. Families and staff can guide students to focus on one day at a time, celebrating small victories as they go.

As Maya Angelou beautifully said, "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Change, though challenging, often brings growth and transformation. It’s important to embrace both the difficulties and the opportunities for growth that come with it.

Take care of yourselves, and remember that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. With summer approaching and all the changes it brings, we will face it together as a community—and we’ve got this!

Kindly,

Luisa Botelho

Some resources that might help: 

• Coping Strategies for Newcomer Youth – Practical tools to navigate change and uncertainty 

• Is it for me? Student Decision Tool – Tips for evaluating online mental health information 

• Mental Health Literacy and Anxiety Management – Resources to help manage stress and build resilience 

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:

• Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Jun 16

• Litha/Summer Solstice - Jun 20

• World Refugee Day - Jun 20

• National Indigenous Peoples Day - Jun 21

Locker Clean Out Tuesday

Locker clean out is this Tuesday at 11 am. Please bring a bag from home to transport your belongings and don’t forget to take your lock home too! 

Just a reminder that any locks left on lockers after the school closes on June 27 will be cut and the contents will be discarded.

Cafeteria Closed After Wednesday

The last day of cafeteria service for the 2024-2025 school year will be this Wednesday, June 18 and then the cafeteria will be closed until September. 

Thank you very much to Diane for all of her hard work to keep our cafeteria open and our students and staff fed!

June 2025 Final Evaluation Block

The HDSB school year calendar shows there are 5 designated Exam Days at the end of each semester. The Halton District School Board’s 2024-2025 Ministry approved school year calendar’s semester 2 exams days are from Thursday, June 19 to Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This is referred to as our “Final Evaluation Block”, and students will be completing components of the final 30% of a course’s grade on each of these days. The final 30% takes a variety of formats and could include a performance, written assignment, formal exam, presentation, etc., each of which are referred to as “Final Evaluations”. 

As per Growing Success (page 41), “Final Evaluations will be based on evidence from one or a combination  of the following: an examination, a performance task, an essay, and/or another method of evaluation suitable to the course content. The final evaluation must allow the student an opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive achievement of the overall expectations for the course.”

Here are some details in reference to the the Final Evaluation Block:

• Final evaluations are to be written on the assigned date, except in the case of illness and/or extenuating circumstances. As soon as you become aware of a circumstance that will conflict with any final evaluation date, please have your student complete this Final Evaluation Conflict Request form.

• All final evaluations begin at 9:00 a.m. and are scheduled to be written in the regular classroom unless a change in location is announced by the teacher. 

• Students are to exit the building immediately after they complete their final evaluation each day. Please dress appropriately.

• Click here to see the complete final evaluation schedule (subject to change before June 19). 

• The library will be closed during the final evaluation block and the cafeteria will be closed from June 19 for the rest of the year. 

• The final evaluation schedule follows the format of one evaluation per day based on a Week A schedule:

Thu, June 19 Period 1 Evaluations @ 9 am

Fri, June 20 Period 2 Evaluations @ 9 am

Mon, June 23 Period 4 Evaluations @ 9 am

Tue, June 24 Period 5 Evaluations @ 9 am

Wed, June 25 Evaluation Make Up Day if needed due to school closure

• If the Board makes a decision to close all schools for any reason, all evaluations will be cancelled for that day and shifted to the final evaluation make-up day - Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

(i.e. If schools were closed on Thursday June 19, Thursday's Period 1 evaluations would be cancelled and then written on the evaluation make-up day which is Wednesday, June 25).

Final Evaluation Review Day: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Students will be provided an opportunity to review their work on the Final Evaluations and receive feedback on their evidence of learning. This date will involve a different timetable where attendance is taken and students will meet with their teachers for a short review period. This is the last day of school for Garth Webb students.

The Final Evaluation Review Day Schedule as follows:

Period 1 8:30 - 9:00 AM

Period 2 9:05 - 9:35 AM

Period 4 9:40 - 10:10 AM

Period 5 and Dismissal 10:15 - 10:45 AM

Click here to access a printable version of this message.

School Store Questionnaire

Students, we want your input!

We're exploring the idea of opening a school store and would love to hear your thoughts. Please take a moment to answer a few quick questions to help us understand what you'd like to see in a school store at our school.

CLICK HERE

The HISTORYTELLERS Exhibit! 

This past Thursday was the HISTORYTELLERS Exhibit at GW. This project, created by Mr. Duncan's Grade 10 history students was on display for students, staff, families, and community members. 

Here is some information on how the exhibit came to be:

• We partnered with Canada's 2SLGBTQ+ archive (The ArQuives is the largest independent archive for LGBTQ+ history in the world!) to build short historical narratives from Canada's 2SLGBTQ+ history. We have collected 36 stories! 

• We had our work edited by some amazing 2SLGBTQ+ people across Canada including Senator Marnie McBean, Dr. ABC, Kathleen Wynne, Michelle Douglas, and 26 others! 

• 2SLGBTQ+ students from Garth Webb recorded the stories to create an audio guide and amplify young Queer and Trans voices. 

• Our Semester 1 work recently launched as a Digital Exhibit on The ArQuives Website. Semester 2 additions are coming soon! 

• And the physical exhibit (in our foyer) was created with the generosity of a grant from the Halton Learning Foundation, and support from our Principal Luisa Botelho and our admin team, and HDSB's Department of Human Rights Equity and Inclusion.

Thank you to everyone involved in this important project and a special thanks to Mr. Duncan for spearheading this groundbreaking work.

Grade 9, 10 & 11 Students not Returning to GW or Starting after September 3, 2025

If your student is currently in grade 9, 10, or 11 and they are not returing to Garth Webb in September or if your student will be arriving at school after the first day on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, it is very important that you fill in the form linked below.

Please note that this form is not for students who are graduating this year and leaving Garth Webb after completing grade 12.

Thank you for your help!

FORM LINK

Ecuador Trip 2026

It's time to register for our international trip to Ecuador March Break 2026! Please read the information slideshow for details. It includes information about safety, our itinerary, service work, cost, payment options, and more! Are you ready for Ecuador? 

Click here to register: eftours.ca/2797949MD

Questions? Email zinkenc@hdsb.ca or call the EF Tours traveler support line at 1-800-263-2806 (available between 9am – 5:30pm). 

Land restoration, personal growth, and Amazonian adventure converge on this misty adventure deep into the vibrant landscape of Ecuador – the only question is: how will it change you?

Summer School

The deadline to register for summer school is Today (Sunday, June 15).  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.

Important Message from IT for Students Leaving the HDSB

As of July 11, 2025 students who are not:

• actively registered with HDSB (Summer School), or

• Pre-Registered for the 2025-2026 School Year with HDSB

will lose access to the HDSB Network & Halton Cloud / Google Workspace for Education applications, data, and email.

IMPORTANT:  If you have used your HDSB email when applying for post secondary, resume,  job applications, you will need to update your information and change it to a personal email address before access to your HDSB account is lost.

 To retain your Google Workspace data please see one of the options below:

• Transfer email and Drive files to a personal Google Account using Google Takeout Transfer Your Content - see Transfer their content *Personal G Mail accounts only have 15 GB free drive space. All files in your My Drive will count toward your quota. 

• Archive data using Google Takeout - The traditional Takeout is also available to create an archive of all your data in Google Workspace. 

This will enable you to easily retain your email, essays, resumes, science projects and any other files stored on Google Drive before access has been removed to your HDSB account.

This must be completed by July 11, 2025. Please note that the process can take quite some time to complete so don’t delay!

Be Wise - YMCA

Be Wise program at the YMCA. Be Wise is a free support service for Youth aged 12-18 in the Halton region, through workshops and one-on-ones. 

We’re hosting a few series and workshops throughout the summer for Youth ages 12-18:

• Employment Workshop (Online June 27 and 30): In this two-day session Youth learn how to write a resume, job search and interview techniques. As well as tips and tricks that employers look for when hiring and conducting interviews.

• Thrive series (In person starting July 31): 4-week series, Youth will have the opportunity engage in recreational activities alongside learning valuable life skills through workshops. The program's aim is to promote an active lifestyle in youth while developing teen life skills in a fun, healthy environment. High School students may earn volunteer hours for their contribution. 

• How to Adult Workshops (Online Tuesday's starting July 8): Drop-in information sessions for youth (ages 12-18) to build essential life skills. Topics include Volunteering, financial Literacy, personal care and many more.

Tuesdays @Ten

Our June Tuesdays @Ten session was on Tuesday, June 10. We were joined by a representative from Sheridan College who provided an virtual information session on OSAP and financially planning for post secondary. An overview of applying to college and university programs at college was included.

Unfortunately, due to a technical glitch, we were unable to record the meeting. Here is a link to the presentation on the same topic from June 2024 which covered much of the same content.

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:

Join us for HMC Multiculturalism Day!

Time: Saturday, June 28th, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Sherwood Forest Park, 5270 Fairview St., Burlington, ON L7L 6B7

• Orientation/Training beforehand – more volunteer hours!

We’re looking for energetic, community-minded volunteers to help with:

• Cultural Booths

• Green Team

• Stage Helpers

• Kids’ Zone

• Event Support

Please see the flyer attached for all the info 

Link to sign up: https://hmcconnections.com/mc-day-youth-volunteer-registration/ 

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 

Class of 2025 Commencement

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Time: 7:30 -9:30 pm

Location: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex (3070 Neyagawa Blvd, Oakville, ON L6M 4L6)

Entrance: Students will enter through the west entrance on the lower level. Guests will enter through the north entrance (main entrance).

Guests: All guests will check in with staff upon arrival under the student's name. Guest names are on the list and there are no paper tickets needed. All students who asked for an additional ticket (4 guests total) have been informed that they are able to bring their 4th guest.

Gown Packages: Grad gowns and caps were handed out at school this week. If your student has not yet picked up their package, please have them visit the main office ASAP.

IMPORTANT: PARKING IS VERY LIMITED AND THERE IS ONLY ENOUGH ROOM FOR 1 VEHICLE PER STUDENT/FAMILY. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY AND CARPOOL WHERE POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.

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

2024-2025 Athletic Banquet

The Athletic Council ran their annual Athletic Banquet this past Wednesday, June 11 to celebrate Garth Webb Athletic achievements throughout this school year. We had lots of MVP winners for their respective teams and the meal was provided by Big Grill Shawarma and Kababs.

Here is a recap of the following Major Award Winners:

Rookies of the Year: Oscar Taht, Alexa Graff, Mia Zangari, Kevin Xherro

Jr. Chargers Pride Winner: Maja Selkirk

Sr. Chargers Pride Winner: The Hype Team (Colsen Flemington, Braiden Flemington, Keith Bizjak-Lawrence, Harry Birch, Carter Lemieux, Ricky Zhaung)

Athletic Council Leadership Award: Colsen Flemington

Academic Achievement Award: Daria Meleshko

Junior Athletes of the Year: Rainn Baliat and Joel Cruise

Senior Athletes of the Year: Emi Harumoto and James Lawrie

Coach of the Year: Mr. Luke Boesveld

Coach of the Year has also been renamed to Jay Anderson Coach of the Year

We also had some new inductions to our Hall of Fame:

Emily McKee - For her gold medal in Golf at OFSAA

Isaiah George - NHL player, drafted by New York Islanders as the 98th pick

Connor Waters - Team Canada Speedskater

Ana Nastase - Team Canada Under 19 Volleyball player

It was a super successful evening to complete another amazing year of Athletics at Garth Webb. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event happen! And a special thank you to coaches Mr. Emmerson and Mr. Boesveld for all their work with our teams and with Athletic Council this year.

Sr. Boys Rugby Win OFSAA Bronze

The Senior Boys Rugby team recently competed at OFSAA in Aurora, Ontario. This 16 team tournament is one of the toughest championships to compete in to determine which teams are the best in the province. In their first game on Thursday, they played against St. Theresa of Lisieux from Richmond Hill which your Chargers dominated from the start of the game to advance to the Elite 8.

Their next matchup on Friday was against the #2 seed Uxbridge Tigers - who is a regular high seed rugby team since the year 2000, in which they have made multiple final four appearances and two OFSAA titles. The boys were down 12-5, when a diving catch off a restart by Zach Hersi gained possession, and soon after a Mango Maul call put the Chargers back in the game with Lucas Deline scoring the huge try to get within two points. Rhys Jones stepped up to kick the conversion, which he nailed to tie the game. The boys had the momentum, and had Uxbridge on their heels and tiring out. Uxbridge started making some costly mistakes which we capitalized when they got a penalty 12 metres away from the goal line with 1 minute to play. Rhys Jones converted on the penalty kick to go ahead in the game 15-12, and that was enough for your Chargers to advance to the final four!

In the semi final matchup that was played later on Friday, your Chargers were matched up against the powerhouse Brantford Collegiate Mustangs, who are well known for having one of the best and most consistent rugby programs in Ontario. The Chargers battled well, however they fell short of the Gold Medal appearance, losing 21-7. The Chargers were now playing for a Bronze medal on Saturday vs. Waterloo Collegiate. The boys controlled the game from the start, determined to finish their season with a win, which they did! Defeating WCI 28-10, capturing the bronze medal! 

This was Garth Webb’s first appearance at OFSAA for boys rugby, and being officially named 3rd in the province is an amazing accomplishment for these boys. What a season, Chargers!! Be proud!!!

Sr. Girls Rugby OFSAA Update

For the first time in history, the Girls Rugby Team qualified for OFSAA to represent the GHAC region for AAA Rugby.  The season has been one to remember, as this is the most accomplished Girls rugby team thus far in Garth Webb history.  They traveled to Aurora to play in this major provincial 16 team tournament.

Game #1 - vs. Nantyr Shores

The first game to determine which side of the bracket they would pursue was a tough draw.  Nantyr Shores went to OFSAA last year with many of the same players they had this season.  The girls played tough in the first half, with a back and forth battle to really test the physicality of both teams.  The score at half was 7-5 for Nantyr.  Emi Harumoto made some incredible tackles throughout the contest, but it was Sofia Barry who was fearless with her tackling and ball carrying that really kept the team in the game.  Unfortunately, Nantyr was too strong, and ended up winning the game 19-5.  Although the girls were devastated with the loss, they knew they could still win the consolation round, so the mindset shifted to focus on the next game.

Game #2 - vs. Malvern 

The next day had our girls facing Malvern, a team from Scarborough.  The first half saw our girls in their finest form, getting the lead quickly with swift passing and running.  The majority of the first half was played in Malvern's side of the field, and the domination of the first half resulted in a score of 14-0.  Second half was a bit of a different story.  Malvern came out determined to flip the script.  They charged past our defense early to score to make the score 14-7.  Malvern kept it coming, getting close to the try zone a couple times, but our goal line defense stood strong and prevented them from scoring 3 times.  Malvern was pressuring us on our heels in our try zone, our defense caused a knockon near the goal line which ended up a scrum for our side.  This allowed our team to come up with a play to get the ball out of our territory, and when Carrington Reipas received the pass, she turned on the wheels and ran the ball 80 metres to score to flip the momentum and seal the game's fate.  The final score ended up 26-7.  

Game #3 - vs. Sir Wilfred Laurier of London 

Later that day, the next matchup was to determine who would advance to the consolation finals.  The opening minute of the game was highlighted by one player on the opposing team, who is a strong runner and very tough to bring down.  It was a wake up call for the ladies that this game will not be handed to them.  Tessa Jackson played phenomenal in this game with her tackling ability, showing no fear to take on the one strong running player by herself.  A couple key injuries we suffered during the game made it hard for us to comeback from a 14-7 halftime score, and we ended up completing the season with a 28-12 loss to the eventual consolation champions.  

Overall, this experience was fantastic.  This team clearly had a strong bond and it was a remarkable season.  This team went undefeated in Halton and GHAC play, and being able to get to OFSAA is an incredible accomplishment.  This was a season to remember that everyone involved with the team will cherish it for the rest of their lives.  We hope this isn't the last time Garth Webb goes to OFSAA, and we can use this season as the bar that we need to raise every season moving forward.

Track & Field OFSAA Update

The Garth Webb track team wrapped up its season with both Maya Selkirk and Caden Ekpe representing the school at the provincial level in Toronto. At the OFSAA Championships, Maya competed in the Junior Girls 400m and 300m hurdles, while Caden competed in the Novice Boys 100m hurdles. 

Mr. Monahan and Mr. Faulhafer would like to congratulate both athletes, as well as all members of the team on their hard work this season. Go Chargers!

Mental Health & Well-Being Information Session for Parents/Guardians

Parents/guardians of elementary and secondary students are invited to join the final Mental Health & Well-Being Information Session for parents/guardians this Spring: Navigating Cell Phone Use and Addictive Behaviours on Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.

This informative webinar will focus on understanding healthy cell phone use and addressing potentially addictive behaviours. Led by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Alex Russell, Ph.D., C.Psych., this session will provide valuable insights into child and youth development and help families make thoughtful decisions about managing digital technology at home.

Learn more and register here.

Anti-Sex Trafficking Information Session

The HDSB, in collaboration with SAVIS of Halton and EFRY Hope and Help for Women, invites you to an Anti-Sex Trafficking Information Session on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The session is open to all members of the Halton community and will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Burlington). 

This session is being held in response to overwhelming participation in the previous Anti-Sex Trafficking information sessions held throughout the school year. The event will uncover the realities of sex trafficking and provide insight into who is at risk, digital and cyber security considerations, warning signs and how to keep our children and youth safe. 

Learn more and register here.

Graduation Coach for Black Students Program

The HDSB Graduation Coach for Black Students Program is hosting the Exploring Us Summer Camp this July! Exploring Us is a free, in-person program for Grade 6-8 students that runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program strives to affirm the identities of Black-identifying students, foster relationships, unleash creativity and create lasting memories.

Week 1: Roots & Branches: A Journey through Africa | July 8-10

Week 2: Diaspora Dreams: Sailing to the Caribbean | July 15-17

Week 3: Canadian footprints: True North Black and Free | July 22-24

Register today at tinyurl.com/ExploringUs2025 

Youth Vaping, Substance Use & Technology Dependence

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has launched the Youth Vaping, Substance Use, and Technology Dependence (Youth-VAST) Program to provide comprehensive, personalized support for Ontario youth (ages 12 to 21) to manage their vaping and other nicotine use, substance use, and excessive technology use. This program offers assessments, group and individual programming, and connections to specialized resources, virtually or in person.

Upcoming Key Dates

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 9 am - 2 pm