Principal's Message

Topic: Vaping Awareness and Resource

Dear Students, Families, and Staff:

At Garth Webb Secondary School, we continue to face challenges with students vaping, despite our ongoing efforts to educate them about the health risks and legal implications. Vaping remains a serious concern as it negatively impacts students' health, well-being, and academic performance. Many students are still not fully understanding the consequences of vaping and are not taking proper care of themselves. As part of our efforts to combat this issue, today we are sharing a resource titled Vaping: What You and Your Friends Need to Know. This resource provides important information about vaping, including facts about the risks involved, the effects it can have on students' health, and additional resources to help them make informed decisions.

What is Vaping and How Does it Work?

Vaping refers to inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by an e-cigarette or similar device, which is powered by a battery. The devices, often called vapes or e-cigarettes, contain liquids (e-juice) that, when heated, turn into vapour. These liquids often contain nicotine, an addictive substance found in tobacco, and in some cases, cannabis. Many vaping products are marketed with appealing flavors, such as mint, fruit, and chocolate, which make them especially attractive to younger individuals. While some may think vaping is harmless, it introduces harmful chemicals into the body, including substances that can damage the lungs and even worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The Risks of Vaping

The health risks associated with vaping are significant. It can cause immediate effects such as sore throats, shortness of breath, nausea, and coughing. More concerning are the long-term risks, including lung damage, brain development interference, and increased vulnerability to conditions like COVID-19. Nicotine and cannabis in vaping liquids can also harm mental health, particularly in young people, affecting memory, attention, and behavior. Even e-liquids without nicotine can be harmful.

The Importance of Education and Support

While most young people in Ontario do not vape, the vape industry targets youth with flashy packaging and enticing flavors. We need your help in educating students on the importance of making informed choices and understanding the consequences of vaping. It is essential that we continue to work together to guide students toward healthier decisions and ensure that they are aware of the risks involved.

We encourage you to have conversations with your child about vaping, its risks, and how to say no if offered a vape. By educating our students and working together, we can help reduce vaping in our school community.

We thank you for your continued support and partnership in maintaining the health and safety of our students.

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 read about the various days of significance throughout the year.

Day of significance added this week:

• Declaration of the Bá’b - May 23

GW Fun Fest 4HLF

We are sharing this exciting opportunity for your high school student to participate in the GW Fun Fest 4HLF! This fun-filled event, organized to support the vital work of the Halton Learning Foundation, is taking place on Wednesday, May 28 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The Halton Learning Foundation plays a crucial role in our community by providing support and resources to students facing financial barriers, ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed in their education. This includes things like providing nutritious meals, funding essential school supplies, and supporting participation in extracurricular activities.

To participate in the GW Fun Fest, we are asking students to raise a minimum of $50 per team of 4-6 students in support of the Halton Learning Foundation. This is a fantastic way for your student to contribute to a meaningful cause while enjoying a day of fun activities.

More details about the Fun Fest activities and how students can collect pledges will be shared with them at school next week. We encourage you to discuss this opportunity with your student and support their fundraising efforts.

Thank you for your continued support of your student's education and our community.

Ecuador Trip 2026 Information

Garth Webb Secondary School’s next international trip is a service trip headed to Ecuador during March Break 2026! This will be our school’s fourth service learning trip, and we can’t wait to offer this amazing opportunity for your student to be a part of a movement to learn about and participate in Reforestation and Conservation in Ecuador. 

Trip Overview

Students will spend 11 days discovering Ecuador’s lush highlands and cloud forests through community projects, reforestation efforts, sightseeing, and Amazonian adventure. This experience is more than a field trip. Students will learn about new cultures, languages, foods, and histories, and learn about themselves as they develop new skills that travelling prompts them to gain.Students will earn community service hours by participating in this trip. 

*Note: This trip is designed for next year’s grade 11 and 12 students (current grade 10, 11, or returning 12 students).

Information Meetings

There will be a STUDENT info meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at lunch in room 2002, and there will be a PARENT INFO MEETING on Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00pm in the school library. If you would like to learn more about the trip, please attend the meeting. We’re asking families to RSVP with this link. If you cannot attend the meeting, please RSVP as “no but send info” to receive updates about the trip and how to enroll.

We can’t wait to help your student have the experience of a lifetime in Ecuador! We hope to see you at our parent info meeting Wednesday, May 28.

“It changes you so much because you realize life is what matters, happiness is what matters, and it’s not the things you can buy. When I came home from the trip I was so motivated to do something. I felt like I could make a difference, I felt unstoppable.” -- Former trip participant 

Senior Mock Trial Team Wins Bronze

We are delighted to report that the senior mock trial team won a bronze medal at the public tournament on April 30 at Elsie MacGill S.S. The team had very competitive match ups with Oakville Trafalgar High School, Elsie MacGill S.S, and Craig Kielburger S.S. 

Our students impressed the judges with their persuasiveness on the law. They also displayed a high degree of professionalism thanks to their hard work.

The team moved onto the regional tournament on May 9 at the Superior Court of Justice in Milton and came in fourth place. Congratulations to the team on a successful season.

Thank you to Mr. Wilks for all of his work with the team this year!

University of Guelph Business Pentathalon

On April 30, 24 students (listed below) traveled by GO Bus to the University of Guelph to participate in the Lang School of Management Business Pentathlon. It featured interactive events such as a business scavenger hunt, social/environmental/governance analysis, accounting project, sports marketing  activity, and Gryphen's Den sales pitch. 

Prabhav B., Neev B., Kshitij D., Sarah D., Hanah D., Jason G., Shaurya G., Reeva J., Ryan J., Deepa K., Rafay K., Guanhao L., Daniel M., Anvay M., Rayan M., Austin P., Banipreet S., Ajitesh S-N., Mateo S., Hannan S., Eric S., Aarnav S., Will W., Oscar Z.

International DECA Competition Results (ICDC)

The DECA Business Club recently sent 6 students to compete for team Ontario at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida. These students competed with the best of the best across the globe in their respective events. 

In addition to the awards that the Garth Webb team brought back, the students say that DECA is an amazing and fun way to learn business skills to become leaders of the future. By working hard on their exams, case studies, papers, and presentations these students enjoyed a 5 day competition trip in the sunshine state.

International Winner

Congratulations to Maria Polyanska (Grade 9) for receiving 3rd place on the international stage in the Principles of Finance (PFN) event and becoming an International Winner! Maria also brought home the prestigious DECA Glass!

International Finalist

Congratulations to Arthur Chao (Grade 11) for receiving a top 10 exam score worldwide on the tough 100 question Marketing Exam in the Marketing Communications Series (MCS) event and becoming an International Exam Finalist!

Competitors

Additionally, these students competed at ICDC: Shaan Sharma (Grade 12) in the International Business Plan, Leo Wang (Grade 11), Rickey Yang (Grade 11), and Adithya Saravanan (Grade 11), all three as a team in Financial Operations Research.

Thank You Mr. Chau

The students also would like to thank Mr. Chau for all the time and energy he devoted to the success of these students! None of this would have been possible without him!

Submitted by:  Maria Polyanska, Garth Webb DECA member

TEDx GWSS: Voices of the Future 2025 

On May 1, Garth Webb Secondary School proudly hosted its second annual TEDx event, “Voices of the Future” — and what a phenomenal success it was! The evening was filled with insight, emotion, and inspiration, as our student speakers took to the stage and reminded us all of the power of youth voices. Each speaker brought a unique story, perspective, and passion to the event, sparking conversations and leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the room.

A heartfelt congratulations to our incredible speakers:

Amelia Lortie, Niam Maharajh, Banipreet Kaur Sachdeva, Maria Polyanska, Menha Omer, Jenna El Malak, Charlene Pham, Ankita Kadival, Allaya Omer, Yonina Wu, Anya Malhotra, and Aadhya Choudhury.

Each of them delivered their talk with courage, vulnerability, and strength — and we could not be prouder.

The evening would not have been the same without the energy and charisma of our wonderful emcee, Issam Al Baghdadi, who kept the crowd engaged and smiling throughout the night.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our lead organizers, Aaisha Hassan and Anya Malhotra, whose vision, leadership, and countless hours of hard work brought TEDx GWSS to life.

We’d also like to thank Mr. Wilks for his supervision and ongoing support throughout the planning and execution of the event.

This event truly reflected what it means to be a Garth Webb student: passionate, driven, and ready to make a difference. To everyone who participated, supported, and cheered from the audience — thank you for making this TEDx event unforgettable.

We look forward to seeing how these voices of the future continue to shape the world around them.

– The Garth Webb TEDx Team

Latin Student Association Field Trip

On May 2, our Latin Students' Association went on a field trip to Familia Fine Dining and Taste of Colombia to experience Latin culture and all that it offers! 

First we went to Familia Fine Dining to try a delicious Colombian soup called Ajiaco. It’s a creamy broth coupled with chicken, corn, and potato, and is garnished with avocado and capers on top! To top it all off, we enjoyed a unique dessert: Ariquipe (aka dulce de leche) and cheese! It was a lovely environment and we learned a lot about Colombia and Latin culture with this experience. 

Afterwards, we took the bus to Bronte and enjoyed an hour-long dance class at Taste of Colombia (although not before enjoying a smooth Colombian brew of coffee!) We were taught how to dance Marimba (Guatemala), Salsa (Cuban), and Bachata (The Dominican Republic), and we learned about these dances' fascinating multicultural roots and how they culminated into these staples of Latin culture!

Skills Ontario Competition

On May 5 and 6 GW students participated in the Skills Ontario Competition at the Toronto Congress Centre. The Skills Ontario Competition offers students a unique opportunity to demonstrate that they are the best of the best in their field, enabling and empowering youth to consider a career in the skilled trades and technologies.

Garth Webb students earned Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards in various technological challenges. 

Gold Medal Winners:

• Tegan Tao and Bella Zhao, Grade 11 students, for 2D Character Animation

Silver Medal Winner:

• Jessica Wang, Grade 11 student, for Computer Aided Manufacturing

Bronze Medal Winner:

• Sienna Mason, Grade 11 student, for Fashion Design

Congratulations to all who competed!

A special congratulations to Tegan Tao and Bella Zhao for being the top animators in the province and they will now move on to Skills Canada the week of May, 26 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

2D ANIMATION AT SKILLS COMPETITIONS

2D animators create movement in a flat space, using drawings or digital illustrations. They bring characters and scenes to life frame by frame—often starting with rough sketches, then refining them into polished sequences. Whether for cartoons, apps, or explainer videos, 2D animators mix art, timing, and storytelling to make still images move and connect with audiences.  

We are wishing Tegan & Bella all the best with their travel and success in their competition. Go Chargers!

Girls Fitness Class Field Trip

The GW girls fitness classes recently traveled to F45 Glen Abbey to take part in a functional fitness class. The girls were put to work with a mixture of strength and cardio based movements and definitely got their sweat on. We highly recommend trying out this community fitness facility!

Grade 8 Day: Welcoming Our Future Students!

By: Aabeer Abbas, Grade 11 Student and Link Leader

On May 8, 300 future grade 9 students from eight different schools toured Garth Webb! Grade 8 Day is a chance for incoming students to explore all the classes and clubs we offer here at Garth Webb. They also had a chance to meet some of the staff and students that make our school community so welcoming. 

Guided by our incredible Link Crew Leaders, small groups of grade 8 students were taken on a personalized tour around Garth Webb. Not only did they learn about academics, but our club fair showed them 25 different clubs/extracurriculars that we have to offer.  

We had over 164 of our senior students step up to volunteer. They had an incredible amount of enthusiasm and were very eager to share their love and experience at GW. 

We also asked a few of our Link Crew leaders to tell us how their days went during the event:

“Last week, I had the chance to be one of the students stationed in the presentation room for Grade 8 Day. I was part of a team of Gr 9s and Gr 10s, sharing our experiences with the younger students. We did 10 presentations throughout the day, covering topics like the transition from Grade 9 to 10, balancing workload, and getting involved in clubs and sports. I spoke specifically about the importance of creating a four-year plan to make sure the Grade 8s were thinking ahead about their high school journey. It was a really fun and special experience, and it was especially cool to see my younger brother and his friends in the crowd, listening to our advice. As a bonus, our room was the cookie station, so we got to hand out delicious caf cookies to the Grade 8s—and of course, the link leaders too! This was a cool opportunity for me, and it felt really good to be able to showcase my experiences and give my advice to younger students, especially knowing how they’re feeling since I was in their shoes only 2 years ago. This was a great way to connect with the younger students and welcome them into the Garth Webb community!”  

Inaya Ahmad, Grade 10 Student

“We started things off by welcoming students from West Oak with a big, friendly sign before introducing ourselves, and getting to know everyone's names. After that, we had the pleasure of guiding them around the school, introducing them to some of our favourite teachers, and showing them the ins and outs of Garth Webb! Next, we took them upstairs to give them a sneak peek of what life as a Grade 9 student will be like (and reassured them to stay cool and don't freak out!) By the end of the tour, the students seemed much more relaxed and ready to take on high school. We hope that our tour and all the tips we shared will help them feel calm, confident, and prepared when it’s time for their very first day of Grade 9!”  

Keira Cunningham, Grade 10 Student

A huge thank you to our staff and students who also helped make this event possible. Your dedication, effort, and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed. Let’s make sure to give our future grade 9’s as big of a warm welcome in the fall!

If you have any questions about the transition from grade 8 to grade 9, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Sanderson in Student Services (sandersonjo@hdsb.ca).

BSA Field Trip

On May 9, Garth Webb's BSA (Black & Biracial Student Association) had the amazing opportunity to attend a trip to UofT OISE (Ontario Institute For Studies In Education), where we had a very eventful day! Upon arrival we were kindly welcomed by Professor Andrew B. Campbell (Dr. ABC), who is the director of the Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE). Dr. ABC gave us students an amazing talk about the strength of chasing your wildest dreams. Encouraging us, Black and Biracial students, to use our magic and creativity in ways past just a “high school hobby”. 

Following Dr ABC’s discussion “D.R.E.A.M”, we heard from Deborah Peart (Assistant Director, EDI Recruitment & Engagement). Peart gave an informative presentation, including data around Black teachers within classrooms, Percentages of Black staff in schools and overall stats on minorities with their masters & PhDs. Learning that the percentage to encounter a Black teacher/staff within Halton District School Board is about 1%, we as Black students must take up as much space as we can! 

Following these amazing presentations we had the chance to be taken on a campus tour by our group leader Isaiah Forrest (BFEP Teacher Candidate). Then we finished our day with a delicious meal! 

On behalf of Garth Webb's BSA (Black Student Association), we appreciate everyone who was able to make this event possible.

Dodgeball HLF Fundraiser

On May 9, our Dodgeball Fundraising Event in support of the Halton Learning Foundation was an incredible success and a powerful example of what our school community can achieve when we come together. Students, staff, and parents all took part in an action-packed afternoon filled with laughter, teamwork, and some seriously impressive dodgeball skills! The gym was buzzing with energy as teams faced off in friendly competition!

More than just a fun event, the tournament had a meaningful purpose—supporting students in need through the Halton Learning Foundation. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of everyone involved, we proudly raised $300 for this important cause. These funds will go directly toward helping students overcome financial barriers so they can fully participate in their education and school life.

We’re so proud of how our school community came together—not only to compete and have fun, but to make a real difference in the lives of others. Events like this remind us that when we support each other, we create a stronger, more compassionate community. A big thank you to everyone who played, volunteered, and donated —we couldn’t have done it without you!

Written by: Banipreet Sachdeva

Black Student Excellence Night

On Tuesday, May 13 Garth Webb hosted its fourth annual Black Student Excellence Night, a celebration of the achievements of our Black and Biracial graduating students and the Black Student Alliance (BSA).

The evening began with opening remarks from our Black Parent Council, followed by inspiring words from our Director of Education, Curtis Ennis. BSA co-chairs Summer Charles and Anysia Gayle reflected on the highlights of this year’s journey.

We wrapped up the night with messages from visiting alumni and presented our graduating students with a small token to honor their accomplishments.

It was truly powerful to see the Garth Webb community, both past and present, come together in celebration of Black excellence.

A heartfelt thank you to our Parents for Black Student Achievement group, who worked tirelessly all year to make this event possible.

Energy and Environmental SHSM Field Trip

On Monday, May 14, students in our Energy and Environmental SHSM programs took their learning to new heights—literally! They participated in an exciting Treetop Trekking adventure where they challenged themselves both physically and mentally. 

As part of the experience, students earned their Leadership and GPS certifications, gaining valuable skills in teamwork, navigation, and outdoor education. It was an unforgettable day that combined adventure with hands-on learning in the great outdoors!

Eddie's Film Festival Update

This past week was the annual HDSB Eddie's Film Festival. Please join us in congratulating the following GW students for their medal places being the top in Halton...

• Gold in Action/Adventure and editing techniques as well as Silver in Suspense and Horror  - Zack Besana

• Gold in Animation - Bella Zhao and Tegan Tao 

• Gold in Commercial/Trailer - E'sa Hussain

• Gold in Re-Creation - Hyein Lee and Brooke Nelson

• Silver in Documentary - Zack Besana, Daniel Maier, Matthew Marincic, Cayden Nash and Sam Walker

• Silver in Experimental - Brooke Nelson

• Bronze in Animation - Mikey Ain

• Bronze in Commercial/Trailer - Lia Harper

• Bronze in Music Video - Cedric Yarnell, David Monteith and Luke Patel

Thank you to all of our competitors!

If you have an interest in film, go to theeddies.ca to get more information.

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)

Valedictorian Process

The process for selection of this year’s Valedictorian is now under way.  Check out the slidedeck for all information in regards to the Valedictorian Process.

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

Varsity Girls Soccer Team Halton Finals Buyout

This is a huge congratulations to our varsity girls soccer team who defeated Abbey Park in the semi finals this past Thursday 7-0. The girls will now head into the Halton finals next Wednesday to face off against Blakelock and we will be having a buyout to go and cheer on the girls. If you’re interested in attending the game, you must purchase a ticket on School Cash Online and hand in a signed permission form to the phys ed office by the end of the day on Tuesday, May 20. There are only 44 spots available and it's first come, first served. Let’s cheer on our team as they play to bring home the gold. Good luck Chargers!!

Ontario Universities Information Session (virtual)

Ontario’s universities are excited to host the virtual Information Sessions, geared toward Grade 11 and younger students, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5 to 7 pm (ET).

This event is a great opportunity for students to explore their university options ahead of Grade 12 and learn more about the university application process. Students can attend up to four 30-minute sessions and watch presentations from the universities of their choice.

Please use this link to register for the event.

Support Ontario Youth & HDSB Pathways

Are you thinking about a future in the skilled trades?

Whether you're heading straight into an apprenticeship or planning to attend a college pre-apprenticeship program, this event is for you!

Join Support Ontario Youth (SOY) and HDSB Pathways on Monday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m. for an evening packed with information to help you prepare for your next steps after graduation.

📅 Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

🕡 Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

📍 Location: Elsie MacGill Secondary School

At this session, you’ll learn:

• How to transition from high school into an apprenticeship

• Tips on finding a sponsor/employer

• What to expect if you’re entering a college trades program first

• The steps to become a registered apprentice

SOY are experts in apprenticeship pathways and will be there to answer your questions and help you get started.

Please complete this Google Form to register for the event.

Tuesdays @Ten

At our Tuesday, May 6 session we talked about summer school. Here is a link to the recording if you missed the session.

Summer School

Summer school registration is now open.  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.

Scholarship Due Dates Approaching - Don’t forget to apply!

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

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.

Join Us for Co-op Information Night!

Curious about how co-op programs work? Want to gain hands-on experience while earning credits? Come to our Co-op Information Night to learn everything you need to know!

🗓 Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
⏰Time: 7pm
📍Location: Virtual - get access to the Google Meet link by registering at bit.ly/CoopInfoMay2025

This event is for anyone, whether you have already added co-op to your timetable or are just interested in learning more about the program. Don't miss this opportunity to find out how you can apply to get a head start on your career and explore how co-op can boost your skills and open doors!

See you there!

Co-op Update

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 

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:

Joseph Brant Hospital

Looking for a meaningful and fun way to give back to the community? Join the Joseph Brant Hospital and help create a warm and welcoming experience for patients, visitors, and staff.

Volunteer Roles:

•  CARE Ambassadors - Welcome patients and visitors to the hospital at the Information desk

• Direct Patient Contact - Eating Matters (Assisted Dining), Hospital Elder Life Program, etc

• Family and Visitor Related Programs - ICU, Surgical Information waiting area where volunteers are the liaison between the family and the unit.

• Gift Shop -  Assist with the functioning of the gift shop, including sales, OLG Lottery and checking in new items and pricing.

And more!

Location: 1245 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2

Time: 4 hours / weekly - One shift a week

Minimum age to Volunteer: 15 years old

Click here for more info.

Mental Health and Well-Being Information Sessions for Parents/Guardians

The Halton District School Board has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring. 

Upcoming session:

• Youth and Vaping: What Parents/Guardians Need to Know | Thursday, May 22 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. When you register, you can also submit a question for the presenters.

Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. Registrants will be emailed a Google Meet link to access the session. Captioning in various languages is available. 

Reach Out Centre For Kids (ROCK) - Access & System Navigation Webinars 

ROCK is a non-profit, community-based agency that supports the mental health and well-being of children, youth and families. ROCK is offering free webinars to help families learn how to access ROCK’s programs and services. Each session will review the general process from first contact, connections to programs and services and more. Webinars run throughout the year with identical content and families are encouraged to register for the session that best fits their schedule. Learn more and register.

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.

Vaping Awareness Info Sessions

The HDSB and Halton Region Public Health are hosting joint information sessions to raise awareness about the impact of vaping on youth and how parents/guardians can support their children. At the information sessions, parents/guardians will gain a better understanding of vaping, including how to spot the risks, recognize the signs, talk to children about vaping and discover tools, strategies and resources to support their child.

Information Session Details:

The sessions, hosted by Halton Region Public Health and school principals/vice-principals, will be held at four secondary schools across Halton. Each session will run from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. The sessions will deliver identical content and parents/guardians are encouraged to register for the session that best fits their schedule:

• Milton: Craig Kielburger Secondary School – Tuesday, May 27

• Halton Hills: Georgetown District High School – Thursday, May 29

• Oakville: Garth Webb Secondary School – Monday, June 2

• Burlington: Nelson High School – Tuesday, June 3

• Virtual: Those who are unable to attend in-person can register for a virtual session on Thursday, May 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

To register, complete the registration form on the Vaping and e-cigarettes webpage of the HDSB website (hdsb.ca) by Thursday, May 22.

Upcoming Key Dates

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

Jul 7/8 Diploma Pick Up 8 am - 2 pm