Principal's Message

Topic: Digital Citizenship - what does it mean to all of us?

Dear GWSS Families:

As the school year progresses, we remain focused on learning, building relationships, and supporting our students in achieving their goals, experiencing academic success, and fostering strong, trusting, and healthy connections. 

On Wednesday, October 23, we celebrated Digital Citizen Day, an annual event that encourages everyone to engage and share responsibly in our digital world. The goal of this day—and beyond—is to work together to raise awareness and enhance our online spaces. It's essential for us to continue learning about digital citizenship and its related concepts. By doing so, we empower all the adults in our teens' lives to actively shape their online experiences, helping them thrive in a digital landscape.

According to HDSB - ​A Digital Citizen is One Who​:

• implements precautions for online security (e.g., passwords, settings)

• protects the privacy of self and others

• uses devices with attention to physical and mental health​

• develops a positive reputation and digital footprint

• contributes positively to the local and global communities​

• evaluates and reflects critically on information/resources/sites and respects intellectual property of others​​​

And according to MediaSmarts website - “Digital citizenship is the ability to navigate our digital environments in a way that's safe and responsible and to actively and respectfully engage in these spaces.”  This quote from MediaSmarts captures the essence of digital citizenship perfectly. It highlights the importance of not just navigating digital environments safely, but also engaging in them with respect and responsibility. In our increasingly connected world, teaching both young people and adults how to interact positively online is crucial. By fostering these skills, we can create healthier digital spaces where everyone feels safe and valued. It's a reminder that our online actions have real-world consequences, and being a good digital citizen is essential for building a supportive and inclusive community.

Mediasmarts has shared four different ways in which our students can start and continue to spread a positive culture online . The Four categories with a quick 2 minute video and the key guidelines under each area:

1. Empathy and Community: Empathy and Community | What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

✅Watch how you’re feeling.

✅Take a break before you respond.

✅Work it out face to face.

✅Imagine they’re next to you.

✅Don’t have your friends back you up.

✅Do talk about how you’re feeling.

2. Positive Technology Use: Positive Technology Use | What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

✅Connect with friends and family.

✅Use digital tools mindfully.

✅Be an engaged citizen in your online communities.

✅Don’t assume everyone believes what the loudest voices say.

✅Make your voice heard.

3. Sharing Information: Sharing Information | What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

✅Don’t share things right away.

✅Don’t be manipulated.

✅Do share information that you’ve confirmed is true.

✅Trusted sources check their facts.

✅Expert sources know their subject.

4. Ethics and Privacy: Ethics and Privacy | What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

✅Use privacy settings.

✅Use privacy tools.

✅Respect other people’s privacy.

✅Don’t pressure people to share anything.

Resources:

• HDSB Digital Literacy

• Media Smarts

• Protect Kids Online

• OSAPAC Digital Resources​​

Sincerely,

Luisa Botelho

Finalized Guidelines on Use of Technology at Garth Webb

Dear Parents & Guardians:

We are pleased to inform you that we have now completed the feedback consultation process regarding the Use of Technology guidelines at Garth Webb. After reviewing all the input from our community, we have finalized the document that outlines our updated approach to technology use at the school.

The finalized guidelines are now available for your review. We believe these guidelines will help support our students' learning while ensuring a safe and responsible use of technology.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation process. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping these final guidelines.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the document further, please feel free to reach out.

Luisa Botelho, Principal

Remembrance Day

It was an honour to watch our students and staff engage in Remembrance Week. The entire school showed their reverence and respect as they recognized the service and sacrifice of Canadian veterans (past and present). 

There are so many ways in which Staff and Students connected with Remembrance this week. Classes learned about Indigenous Veterans on Indigenous Veteran’s Day (November 8). And teachers throughout the school engaged students in learning and creating displays of remembrance outside of their classroom doors. 

And as a whole school community, we got a chance to stop and reflect, inspired by our annual traditions; the Remembrance Memorial and “Garth’s Honour Guard”. 

This year marks the 80th year since D-Day. To recognize this, our Grade 10 History Staff and Students created the memorial in our foyer again this year. It’s called “382 Blooms”, representing the 381 Canadian soldiers who died on Juno Beach as part of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.  Walking through a field of poppies in our foyer is both haunting and beautiful. The pictures below don't quite do it justice. So many of our students stopped as they passed the memorial to offer their respect, to explore and to consider the past. As a school we honour the past, and continue to hope for peace. 

Each of our classes, in all grades, actually visited 7 memorials, created by Grade 10 history students over the last decade. Everyone at GWSS had a part to play in building our memorial. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Rogers, Ms. Beltran, Ms. Ng, and Mr. Duncan and ALL of their students for creating our memorial. When we do this work, we’re following in Mr. Garth Webb’s footsteps. 

Remembrance Week will culminate with our PA Broadcast and “Garth’s Honour Guard” tomorrow on November 11th at 11am. Thank you to our musician Adithya Saravanan and readers (Hasan Rahman, Kaitlyn Green, Christopher Szura, and Karina Kak), to Mrs. Pontefract and Mrs. Rogers, and to the awesome support of our admin team and office staff for making this really important tradition so meaningful for GWSS. A very special thank you to Mr. Duncan and his team for their tireless efforts to bring all of this education to our school community each year during Remembrance Week.

Remembrance Week is such an important time at our school. Mr. Webb has left an immense legacy that inspires us in all we do.

CP Day This Wednesday

This Wednesday, November 13  is a Collaborative Planning day (“CP” day). CP Days are for staff and happen 4 times each 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.

Grad Photo Bookings

Attention Grade 12s! Be sure to book your grad photo sitting so you don't miss out on being in the grad composite and in the grad section of the yearbook. Grad photos are happening here at the school starting tomorrow and will run through December 13.

Click here to book your appointment today!

School Council Fundraiser

The Annual Garth Webb School Council Fundraising Campaign is here!

Our Goal: $15,000         

Raised to date: $2,220

We’re kicking off the third week of our annual fundraising campaign designed to support projects that enhance:

↪Academics

↪Athletics

↪The Arts

↪Student Engagement and Achievement

Spotlight on the Poppy Awards

Since our first graduating class in 2015, the GWS School Council has proudly funded the Poppy Awards, celebrating graduating students who embody Garth Webb’s values and vision. Through your generous support:

↪Four deserving students annually receive a $500 award

↪Awards help with the cost of post-secondary education

↪Total Poppy Awards given to date: $15,000

How You Can Help

Support our annual fundraising campaign:

↪Recommended donation: $30 per student

↪Tax benefit: automatic receipt for donations over $20

↪How to donate: online through this link. 

Make a Difference Today

Your donation helps fund programs such as school clubs, sports teams, the Arts, and student engagement. Every donation makes a difference. 

Thank you for investing in our school and supporting programs like the Poppy Awards!

Donations can be made online through this link.

Thank you for your contribution!

 Sincerely,

GWS School Council

Tuesdays @Ten

November's Tuesdays @Ten parent engagement session. It was geared towards families of students in Grade 9 and 10. We reviewed the various graduation requirements, programs available within the HDSB, as well as student support services available at Garth Webb and within the board. If you missed it, please click on the links below to view the recording.

Slides Recording

Full Disclosure - Grade 11/12 Students Course Drop Deadline

The full disclosure date for semester one is Friday November 22, 2024. Courses dropped after this date will appear on a high school transcript.  If you are considering dropping a course, we encourage you to speak with your guidance counselor as soon as possible and be mindful of the deadline.

Garth Webb Secondary School Grade 8 Family Information Session

This year’s Grade 8 program night will occur on the evening of Thursday, November 14 from 6:30-8:00 pm.  Following the presentation in the cafeteria, families will have an opportunity to tour the school and ask any questions they may have with regards to programming at Garth Webb.

Please feel free to share the information with anyone interested in attending Garth Webb next year.

Grade 12 - Post Secondary Applications and Graduation Requirements

This past month, Student Services met with all Grade 12 classes.  As a follow up to the presentation, we wanted to share the information below with students and their families. 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.

Post Secondary Applications - University

Students can apply via the Ontario Universities' Application Centre using their OENs (Ontario Education Number) and personal email account. An OEN can be found on a student’s report card. The due date for applications is January 15, 2025.

Post Secondary Applications - College 

Students can apply via ontariocolleges.ca using their personal email account. The due date for applications is February 1, 2025.

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.

HDSB Guide to Post Secondary

The transition from secondary school to post-secondary is a significant journey and one that is both exciting and potentially overwhelming at the same time. The HDSB has put together this guide to help students and families navigate. Click here to check it out.

Community Hours: New in the 2024-2025 School Year

Students who complete more than 40 community involvement hours are encouraged to maintain their own record of completed community involvement hours. Secondary schools will no longer track and collect documentation for the completion of community involvement hours beyond the 40 hours required. Students can maintain a record of completed involvement hours through a digital or hard copy portfolio should they wish to have proof of hours for future scholarship, award and/or special program opportunities.

Community Involvement Recording Sheet

Submit Your Community Hours

National Scholarships - Grade 12 Students

Information around scholarships will be shared via the google classroom throughout the year.  Please note that most National Scholarship deadlines are in the fall where has community scholarships are in the Spring.  Please feel free to investigate these Scholarships to see if you are eligible.

Deadlines:

Queen's - Deadline typically early December

Schulich - School Nomination Jan. 30

Western National - TBD but usually mid-February

HDSB Scholarship Page

Volunteer Club

Volunteer Club dedicates to provide more volunteering opportunities to our students. Our goal is to make the information more accessible for everyone. We post opportunities weekly with all of the information included in our google classroom! If you want to learn more about our club and wish to find more opportunities, please join our google classroom through code: dtpah5l.

 You can also find us on instagram (@gwss.volunteer), LinkedIn (GWSS Volunteer Club), and Twitter (@gwss_volunteer)! If you have any question, feel free to email us at gwssvolunteerclub@gmail.com.

Opportunity for this Week:

Volunteer for Oakville’s Santa Claus Parade!

Save the date – Nov 16 at 9 a.m.!  Be part of the magic as a volunteer. Visit the Oakville Santa Claus Parade website and or email us at events@oakville.ca

https://www.oakville.ca/community-events/events/events-calendar/santa-claus-parade/

Co-op Student of the Week

Student: Gavin Kerr, Grade 12 

Placement: Technoid Inc. 

My main tasks/responsibilities are:

• Building PCs

• Keeping a clean work area

• Packing deliveries

• Testing PCS

• Setting up windows

• Getting deliveries

The most important skills I have learned:

• Building PCS

• Accomplishing all assigned tasks

• Paying attention to detail in order to not make errors

• Meeting goals and deadlines

How Co-op has helped to make future Pathways decisions and plans for post-secondary:

I'm probably going into tech or PC related fields so this definitely helps a lot. I have already learned a lot about PCs in terms of both hardware and software. I am a lot more comfortable around PC parts now which will help when I work somewhere that has PCs.

To see what else the Co-op Crew has been up to, please follow us on Instagram @GWSSCoop

Inclement Weather Reminders for HDSB Families

With cooler weather approaching, we are writing to provide you with information on how decisions are made on days of inclement weather. 

In case of inclement weather, the decision to close schools and/or cancel buses is communicated by 6:30 a.m.  We use a variety of methods to communicate this important information including the SchoolMessenger email system, social media, TV, radio, the HDSB website and the HDSB Mobile App. 

We encourage all families to review the HDSB Inclement Weather Reminders. A printable version of this information is also available. 

Please note that when schools are closed due to inclement weather, both in-person and e-learning support will not be provided. If buses are canceled, in-person and e-learning courses will continue.

HDSB High School Information Nights

Discover the exciting opportunities available for incoming high school students! Throughout November, the HDSB will host High School Information Nights to share insights into academic courses, extracurricular activities and pathways to post-secondary education. Join us to explore what each school offers and how we support student success during this key transition. Learn more here. 

An Important Message from Halton Region Public Health

Translated into the following languages: 

اَلْعَرَبِيَّةُ (Arabic)     Français (French)     हिंदी (Hindi)     ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)     中文 (Simplified Chinese)      

Español (Spanish)     اردو (Urdu) 

Students in Grade 9 to 12 for the upcoming school year must have up to date immunization records on file with Halton Region Public Health. This letter explains how to report your immunizations to Public Health if you have not done so already.

In Halton Region, many students do not have updated immunization records, either because they missed receiving routine vaccines, or because parents/guardians have not reported their children’s immunizations to Public Health.

In Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires that children who attend school be immunized against nine diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis (meningococcal disease), whooping cough (pertussis), and chickenpox* (varicella - *immunization required for children born in 2010 or later).

For the 2024-2025 school year, Halton Region Public Health will review the immunization records of all Halton secondary students. Parents/guardians will be notified if their child’s record is not up-to-date. As directed by the ISPA, students may be suspended from school if their immunization records are not updated by October 2024. If your child is unable to be immunized for medical reasons, or if you choose not to immunize your child, you must submit vaccine exemption documentation to Halton Region Public Health. For more details about this process, please visit halton.ca/immunize.

Immunizations required for school attendance are free, safe, and effective.

Halton Region Public Health is asking parents/guardians of all students born in 2007 to 2010 (Grades 9 to 12 in the upcoming school year) to complete the following steps:

1. Review your child’s online record by visiting halton.ca/immunize.*

2. Book an immunization appointment with your health care provider if your child has missed any vaccines, or visit halton.ca/immunize to schedule an appointment at a Public Health Community Immunization Clinic (available throughout summer 2024).

3. Report vaccines to Public Health. Parents/guardians are responsible to report every vaccine their child receives to Public Health, because health care providers do not report immunizations they provide. Report vaccines by visiting halton.ca/immunize.  

To learn more about immunizations (including translated resources) visit ontario.ca/vaccines; or download A Parent's Guide to Vaccination at canada.ca/vaccines.

*For students who are new to the HDSB and from outside Ontario:

Students over 16 years, or parent/guardians/ custodians of students under 16 years, can either take their home country vaccine records in person to the Halton Regional Headquarters Building at 1151 Bronte Road in Oakville. 

OR a digit copy/photo can be emailed to accesshalton@halton.ca 

AND - request an Immunization Identification Number and Online Account access by emailing: vaccinerecords@halton.ca

For the email Subject Line, use --> "HDSB Student Outside of Ontario Vaccination Record Submission"

In the email body, please attach:

a photo or PDF of the student's vaccination record from their outside of Ontario jurisdiction, and include the following student information in the email: Student full LEGAL Name, which would be the name on their passport/ birth certificate.

Student Date of Birth, written with Month Day, Year - For example January 1, 2021

The HDSB School the student(s) are attending - For example: Garth Webb Secondary School

Click here for further information.

ROCK Workshops

Advanced Caregiving Workshop

Thursday in-person group running January 9-30 from 10:30-12:00 in Burlington 

Friday virtual group running January 10-31 from 10:30-12:00

The Advanced Caregiving workshop is a psycho-educational, prevention and early intervention clinical group developed to support caregivers in learning advanced skills for supporting their loved one with their mental health. Advanced Caregiving workshops are 90-minute sessions, delivered over 4 consecutive weeks and will introduce mental health recovery principles, Emotion Coaching, Validation and Behaviour Coaching skills.  

ROCK Your Self Esteem

WINTER REFERRALS OPENING as of November 26, 2024

Activities and crafts designed to increase feelings of self worth, self-compation, self-confidence, and much more! Join us for this 6 week, 2 hour long group on Wednesday evenings in Milton. For more information contact ROCK's ASN @289-266-0036.

 FIT

WINTER REFERRALS OPENING as of November 5, 2024; running February 5 - March 26, 2024 Wednesday's from 6:00-8:00 p.m. virtually. 

Caregivers can register on Bookwhen to receive a callback from ASN to register/create a Caseworks file: 

FIT is a unique, gender-affirming, psychoeducational group program originally designed and facilitated by mental health counsellors at Central Toronto Youth Services, now being offered through Queer@ROCK!

The primary goal of this intervention is to give families the tools they need to help trans, non-binary, and gender questioning youth feel fully supported in their homes.

This Families in Transition offering is a virtual group for the parents/caregivers of youth aged 13-17 who identify as trans, gender diverse and/or questioning.

Embrace and Empower 

WINTER REFERRALS OPENING as of November 6, 2024

Folks 13 to 17 years of age

Youth can register on Bookwhen to receive a callback to coordinate screening.

The Embrace & Empower program, in partnership with Speqtrum, focuses on exploring the historical and social influences that can impact queer and/or trans youth, their body image, body perception, identity and relationship with food. Embrace and Empower utilizes group-oriented peer-to-peer discussion and strategy-building activities to encourage body acceptance. Throughout the program, participants will explore identity, ancestry & queerness, queer and trans representation in new and old media, discuss queer and trans bodies around the world and unpack how food & body can be empowering, connecting and nourishing.

Here & Queer

WINTER REFERRALS OPENING as of November 4, 2024; February 4 - March 25 on Tuesday's from 6:00-7:30 p.m. In Oakville. 

Here & Queer is the raddest space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth agesd 13-17 to build those friendships and master those social skills that keep them soaring! Brace yourself for a warm and welcoming community, where you can have fun, learn social skills, and feel safe to be you.

Upcoming Key Dates

Nov 11 - Dec 13 Grad Photos

Nov 13 CP Day (late start @9:30 am)

Nov 13 OUAC/OCAS upload at 8 am

Nov 14 Grade 8 Family Evening – 6:30 pm

Nov 15 Semester 1 Mid-Semester Reports Distribution

Nov 22 Full Disclosure date for Grade 11 & 12 students

Nov 29 Professional Activity Day – No Classes

Dec 3 HDSB Pathways - 4 - 10 pm (@IRHS)

Dec 3 Tuesdays @Ten

Dec 4 Club Photo Day for Yearbook @lunch

Dec 11 CP Day (late start @9:30 am)

Dec 12 15th Week in Danger Reports Emailed

Dec 20 Last Day of Classes in 2024 (early dismissal at 1:15 pm)

Dec 23 - Jan 3 Winter Break

Jan 6 First Day of Classes After Holiday

Jan 7 Tuesdays @Ten

Jan 22 Last Day of Classes for Semester 1

Jan 23 - 29 Semester 1 Exams

Jan 30 Exam Review Day

Jan 31 Professional Activity Day – No Classes