Principal's Message

Topic: Important Reminder About the HDSB Code of Conduct

Dear Students, Families, and Staff:

Last month, in one of my February blogs, I shared the following:

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

Unfortunately, since then, we have experienced several incidents that have deeply impacted our students, staff, families, and the broader community. It is important to revisit some key points from the HDSB Code of Conduct because we must work together to create a safe, respectful learning environment for all, regardless of our differences or the challenges we may face.

Here are some essential reminders:

1. Treat one another with dignity and respect – Always, especially during disagreements.

2. Take appropriate measures to help those in need – If you witness a conflict or fight, please contact an adult or call 911 for help instead of recording the incident.

3. Seek assistance from school staff – If necessary, to resolve conflicts peacefully. Before March break, I shared a list of staff roles who are here to support every student.

4. Resolve conflicts peacefully – Keep your hands to yourself and use words to solve disagreements. Violence will never resolve issues; constructive conversations often lead to understanding or, at the very least, an agreement to move on.

5. Exercise self-control and self-discipline – We all need to act with responsibility and respect for each other.

As the principal, along with our vice principals, we thoroughly review each incident that occurs both in and outside of school. We assess the impact of these actions, considering whether they significantly affect the moral tone of the school or the physical and mental well-being of others. We also take mitigating factors into account and conduct thorough investigations to ensure our decisions support our students and the overall well-being of our learning community.

Let’s continue to work together to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

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 learn about the various days of significance throughout the year.

Days of significance added this week:

• National School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day - Mar 23

• Epilepsy Awareness Day (Purple Day) - Mar 26

• Khordad Sal (Birth of Prophet Zarathushtra) - Mar 26

• Laylat al-Qadr - Mar 27

• Guan Yin Birthday - Mar 28

• Jumu’atul-Wida - Mar 28

Important Message Regarding Oakville Transit 

Dear students and families:

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to remind everyone of the privilege our students have in being able to access Oakville Transit free of charge. This service plays an important role in supporting our students' ability to get to and from school safely and conveniently, and we are incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity.

However, we have recently seen some unexpected behaviors from students while riding the bus that could jeopardize our access to this valuable service. It is essential that we all work together to ensure that our students continue to demonstrate respect for the rules and the community as a whole while using Oakville Transit.

The expectations we have for our students while riding the bus are as follows:

• Respect for others: Students must show kindness and consideration to their fellow passengers and bus drivers.

• Safety first: Students are expected to follow all safety protocols, including remaining seated and refraining from distracting the driver.

• Appropriate behaviour: Disruptive or rude behaviour will not be tolerated. Students should engage in respectful and responsible conduct while on the bus.

• Care for the environment: Students should keep the bus clean and free from litter, treating it with the same respect as they would their own classroom or home.

Remember the following 

• Tap a PRESTO card when boarding the bus. This confirms your free ride and helps to collect ridership numbers that can assist with future route adjustments or service updates.

• Each student should have their own PRESTO card. You cannot have more than one person tap a card when riding for free.

• If you don’t have a PRESTO card, you can get a free virtual PRESTO card (PRESTO in Mobile Wallet) for your Google or Apple Wallet or you can purchase a physical PRESTO card at any Shoppers Drug Mart location in Oakville for a one time fee of $4. Be sure to have your card programmed with the special Youth category and your birthdate. This will ensure you continue to ride for free until you turn 20. Learn more at prestocard.ca.

We are fortunate to have this access, and it is important that we protect it. I ask that you please take a moment to talk with your student(s) about these expectations and encourage them to be mindful of their actions while riding the bus.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a positive relationship with Oakville Transit. Together, we can ensure that all students continue to benefit from this valuable service.

Kindly,

Luisa Botelho

GWS School Council Meeting

Our next School Council meeting is this Monday, March 24 at 7 pm online.  All parents/guardians are welcome to attend school council meetings anytime. A link for the meeting was sent to families on Friday.

Visit the Garth Webb School Council page here.

CP Day This Wednesday

This Wednesday, March 26 is a Collaborative Planning day (“CP” day). CP Days are for staff and 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.

Parent/Teacher Interviews Thursday

This Thursday, March 27 you are invited to attend our Semester 2 Parent/Guardian Teacher Interview Night (Open House Format). This is in follow up to our 5th Week Report timeline. 5th week reports were sent out on March 6 to all grade 9 students, and to students in grades 10 to 12, who may be experiencing some difficulties. Parents/guardians will have an opportunity to connect informally with teachers and to discuss their student’s overall learning skills and coursework to date.

Staff members will be available to meet parents/guardians between 5 - 7 PM. Location details will be provided in the main foyer just inside the main doors and are available here. Due to the tremendous turnout of GWSS parents/guardians at our semester 1 interview night, we have asked staff to keep discussions to a maximum of 5 minutes in order to meet as many parents/guardians as possible. If you require a more detailed interview with a staff member, please contact the teacher directly through email to set a mutually convenient date and time. We ask everyone to please be respectful of the 5 minute maximum. The evening will conclude at 7 PM.

Parents/guardians who are unable to attend or who are not able to meet with a specific teacher, are encouraged to contact the teacher by email, to arrange a mutually convenient time to connect.

Guidance Counsellors, Special Education Teachers, and our Student Success Teacher will be available in the Student Services area adjacent to the Main Office. Remember to get the names of your student's teachers and a copy of their timetable prior to attending as we will not have these available during the evening.

As we look forward to welcoming parents/guardians to the upcoming parent/guardian-teacher interviews, we kindly ask that all interactions remain respectful and focused on positive, two-way communication. Let’s work together to ensure a productive and supportive environment for all. For further details, please refer to the HDSB Code of Conduct. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, March 27!

Caversham Booksellers at GWSS – Parent/Guardian Teacher Interview Night

We are excited to announce that Caversham Booksellers will be at Garth Webb Secondary School during our Parent/Guardian Teacher Interview Night (Open House Format) on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 5 - 7 p.m.

For those who wish to purchase a book, you will receive a $10 coupon to use on your purchase! Each family will have access to one coupon. We have a total of 30. This has been funded by the Parent Reach Out Grant.

The bookstore will be bringing a wide selection of educational books, including resources on:

• Mindfulness and positive mindset

• Approaching alternative learning and neurodivergence

• Resilience and overcoming challenges

• Teaching financial literacy at home

• Strategies for post-secondary pathways to success

• Parenting and fostering growth through non-catastrophic failure

This is a great opportunity to find valuable resources to support both students and parents on their educational journey. We look forward to seeing you there!

Graduation Packages - 1 Week Left to Purchase

Grade 12 Graduation will be on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 pm at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex (3070 Neyagawa Blvd, Oakville, ON L6M 4L6). More details will be shared closer to the time.

Grad packages are now ready for purchase on School Cash Online for $50 and the package includes 2 tickets each for guests to attend, a gown and Class of 2025 cap, as well as a professional photo that will be taken at commencement. Please order your packages as soon as possible and before the deadline on March 31.

Please note that all students who are attending Commencement must purchase a grad package. If you need financial assistance with this purchase, please reach out to our Principal Luisa Botelho directly.

NEW INFORMATION ABOUT TICKETS:

Students will now be allowed up to 3 tickets (paperless) so that 3 guests can attend commencement. We will run a lottery for the chance to get 1 additional ticket. We will communicate with families through email, google classrom, the Principal's Blog, and our website when the sign up for the lottery opens in May 2025. It is not first come first served, just a random lottery system. 

TEDx Garth Webb Applications Now Open!

At Garth Webb, we believe in the power of student voices to inspire change. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for this year’s TEDx Garth Webb event!

TEDx is all about "ideas worth spreading," and we are looking for students who want to step onto the stage and share a story, perspective, or idea that could inspire and challenge others. This year our theme is Voices of the Future – How is the next generation shaping the world? Whether it’s a personal journey, a groundbreaking concept, or a fresh take on an important issue, this is an opportunity to shape your future!

All students are welcome to apply—no experience required! If you have a great idea and the passion to share it, we encourage you to submit an application. Our TEDx team will provide guidance and support to help you bring your talk to life.

Application Form for TEDx Garth Webb Event

Stay tuned for more details on the application process, and don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of something truly impactful. We can’t wait to see the incredible ideas that our Chargers have to share!

For any questions reach out to: Aaisha - 1hassanaai@hdsb.ca and Anya - 1malhotraany@hdsb.ca

#TEDxGWSS #StudentVoices #IdeasWorthSpreading

5409 FIRST Robotics Update

Team 5409 is currently having an absolute BLAST competing at the North Bay district FIRST Robotics Competition!!! We’re competing alongside some of the best robotics teams in Canada and are super pumped to be here. A special thank to all our amazing sponsors, teachers, mentors, and school community members.

We’re honoured to have our principal Ms. Botelho, here in North Bay with us! If you're interested in sharing the excitement please use this link to watch us live!!!

See you all soon Chargers!

Grade 12 Law Field Trip

Our Grade 12 Law classes traveled last week to visit the Ontario Court of Justice at the new "megacourt" in Downtown Toronto. Students were able to observe a variety of criminal law matters of their choice, including trials on a number of complex matters. 

Students saw lawyers making submissions, questioning witnesses, and presenting evidence. Students also participated in an informative chat with Honourable Mr. Justice Giourgas along with several defence lawyers, a Crown lawyer, and a police investigator, to learn about different career paths within the justice system. Our students had a great day! Thank you to Mr. Wilks for organizing this valuable learning opportunity for our students.

March Break International Trip

Over the March Break, 24 Garth Webb students traveled to Europe along with staff chaperones Mr. Anderson, Ms. Salisbury, and Mr. Emmerson. Their tour guide from Ellison Travel was Garth Webb's Founding Principal Larry O'Malley and he sent this feedback to Ms. Botehlo that we wanted to share with you:

I just wanted to send you a brief note to let you know what a pleasure it was to travel with the students from Garth Webb SS on their commemorative tour, March 5 - 13.  The students were outstanding ambassadors for Garth Webb SS and the Halton District School Board. They were respectful, well-behaved, and participated in a range of activities throughout the trip that honoured the men and women of Canada who did so much to ensure our freedom. Their parents can certainly be proud of how well their students reflected the pride and honour of the GWSS community. Please be sure to express my thanks to the students, and their parents, for being such wonderful participants throughout this tour.

I would also like to thank the chaperones --- Lori Salisbury, Jay Anderson, and Keith Emmerson — for their outstanding work with the students. The chaperones ensured the safety and well-being of the students throughout the trip and they are to be commended for giving their time so that the students could experience a significant undertaking of international travel.

Finally, I want to say thank you to you for supporting this trip. The encouragement and support of the school principal is most valuable in ensuring that the board approves such trips which help students learn in a way that is simply not possible within the confines of the classroom space.

Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Larry O'Malley

International Women's Day Activity

To pay respect to International Women’s Day, the Youth In Action club organized a DIY friendship bracelet-making event throughout lunch in the library on March 4. The motive for this event was to develop community and consider different women who originated empowerment, inspirations, change and more.  It was a great success! Thank you to everyone who participated.

Order Your Yearbook Today

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 to be able to get a copy of the 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!

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:

• Monday, March 31 from 3:30 - 8 p.m at Rolling Meadows Public School (1522 Mountain Grove, Burlington)

• Wednesday, April 2 from 3:30 - 8 p.m at Rolling Meadows Public School (1522 Mountain Grove, Burlington)

• 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.

Important Information for the Class of 2025

This past week, we sent some important information out to our Grade 12 families about:

• Graduation Fee

• Students over 18 consent to sharing information with parents/guardians

• 40 Community Service hours

• 2 mandatory online learning credits (including the opt-out process)

• Courses taken outside of the Halton District School Board

Please click here to read the message in full.

Tuesdays @Ten - March 18

For our March Tuesdays @Ten, we welcomed Heather Fawcett from Sheridan College to highlight their different programs offered, including various degree programs. Heather is a Student Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator. She has 19 years of experience at Sheridan and has helped many students navigate their post-secondary journey.

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

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

U of T 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 

1. Summer Mentorship Program (Temerty Faculty of Medicine)

   • Program Dates: July 2-25, 2025

   • Location: U of T St. George campus

   • Age group: Students currently in Grades 10-11

   • Application deadline: March 23, 2025 (with preference to apply as soon as possible)

   • The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) gives high school students who self-identify as Indigenous or Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, or multi-racial students who have and identify with their Black ancestry, a chance to explore health sciences at the University of Toronto over four weeks in July.

Click here to APPLY

2. Blueprint (Engineering Outreach)

   • Program Dates: July 7-August 1, 2025

   • Location: U of T St. George campus

   • Age group: Students currently in Grades 10-11

   • Application deadline: March 28, 2025

   • Blueprint is an academic enrichment experience designed for motivated Black students passionate about science and engineering. Students will learn the Engineering Design Process, apply it to real-world issues, and take two engineering-focused courses with lab components.

Click here to APPLY

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.

Grade 10 Career Coach Initiative Pilot - Spring 2025

We are excited to inform you that in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s announcement in May 2024, Grade 9 and 10 students will be receiving mentorship from community-based Career Coaches. The Career Coach initiative will be a pilot program this year as the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) was hired mid-year by the province to oversee this initiative. 

Program Details

Through this program, Grade 10 students will have the opportunity to have at least one 30-minute career coach visit this year to learn about various careers with a focus on local, in-demand career sectors.  Beginning in the Fall, every Grade 9 and 10 student will receive two visits from Career Coaches over the school year.

Career Coaches from a variety of high demand labour market areas across the Halton region will be recruited, vetted and trained by HIEC. These coaches will then meet with HDSB students in small groups to provide insight into regional labour market trends and share their career journey. Parents/guardians that are interested in serving as a Career Coach can learn more here.

Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on what they have learned from the Career Coach and how it connects to their own post-secondary and career interests as part of their Individual Pathways Plan (IPP). 

Next Steps

In the coming weeks, your school will be in touch with additional information about how and when Career Coach visits will take place. Each school has been given the opportunity to create a plan for these visits that meets the needs of their school community. As a result, these visits may look different from school to school.  

Questions

Should you have any questions about the Career Coach initiative at your school, please reach out to your secondary school Guidance team. For any questions about how the initiative is being organized across the Halton District School Board, please email Lisa Galay, Secondary Instructional Program Leader for Student Supports and Regional Programs at galayl@hdsb.ca.

April is HLF Month at HDSB!

The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) is excited to launch our second annual HLF Month, “The Start of Potential,” in April 2025. Building on last year’s success, this month is packed with opportunities for our community to unite, raise awareness, and tackle the financial challenges that prevent students from accessing a full education.

Mark your calendars for the “Students in the Spotlight” live performance on April 30, 2025, at Burlington Central High School!

For further details, please check out HLF Month page, and if you have any questions please send an email to Fadwa Hadeed. 

Let’s make this HLF Month unforgettable—together, we can unleash the potential in every student!

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 next upcoming session is: 

• Navigating Mental Health Resources for Children and Teens: A Guide for Parents/Guardians - Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

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

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.

Upcoming Key Dates

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

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

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