Principal's Message

Topic: Remembrance Day and Week

Dear GWSS Families:

​​This past Monday November 11th was Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, is observed on November 11 each year to honor the members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty during World War I and subsequent conflicts. The date marks the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. At Garth Webb Secondary School we organize a whole week of Remembrance, and as stated by our own teacher Mr. Duncan “Remembrance Week is an important and impactful way for our school to recognize the life and legacy of our namesake. When we engage with Remembrance, we follow in the footsteps of Mr. Webb, and deepen our understanding of the values that he shared with us. This is a tremendous time of learning and reflection for our school.”

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasions, a pivotal moment that signaled the beginning of the end of World War II. Garth Webb was among the Canadian forces who landed at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944. Today, the Juno Beach Centre stands as a museum and memorial, honoring their bravery and the events of the war. To commemorate Mr. Webb and this significant milestone, we organized a tour of memorials from previous years, including our current installation, “382 Blooms” - 381 Canadian soldiers who died on Juno Beach on D-Day plus one more for Garth Webb.

This past year, we reached out to Peter Webb and shared many things about his dad including some of his character traits. He shared that one of Garth Webb’s expressions was “do what you say you are going to do” - he demonstrated integrity and fulfilled personal goals such as getting a university degree (he started this before the war; after the war he returned to school and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce). Another outstanding goal was to build a memorial in France to honour Canadians who lost their lives in the war. Mr. Webb spearheaded a nationwide campaign to raise $12.1 million to build this centre, ensuring that Canadians would remember and appreciate the sacrifices made during this pivotal time in our history. His vision was realized on June 6, 2003, with the opening of the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. This centre stands as a testament to Canada’s past, honoring the sacrifices and achievements from 1939-45 and fostering renewed interest in the legacy of our Veterans.

At GWSS, Remembrance is embedded in our school culture and curriculum year round. Our athletes, clubs, and teams proudly incorporate the poppy as a symbol of our school’s commitment to Remembrance. Every semester, our Grade 10 History program embeds this into their Lest We Forget Project; studying the archival documents of deceased service men and women from World War II, and telling their previously untold stories. Their memorials beautify our school and also give us all something to think about. Two of our Grade 10 history classes represented our school and namesake at the Halton District School Board office. These students did an exemplary job in leading the board’s remembrance ceremony this year, and sharing their memorial and stories with over 100 of our board staff, superintendents, and directors. 

As we navigate the day to day of school, we work together to uphold the commitment to collaborate with each other to explore, learn, experience, and remember. Just like this past week, we will continue at Garth Webb to give our students opportunities to achieve their potential, thereby inspiring connectedness, creativity, and citizenship.

Lest We Forget, 

Luisa Botelho and Ian Duncan 

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

Report Card Reminder

Just a reminder that semester 1 midterm report cards went out electronically on Friday, November 15. Please be sure to download a copy on your computer now as the link is only valid for 30 days.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week 

Next week is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. The Wellness Team has been working with ambassadors from a variety of clubs and councils to run some events. We hope to see many of our students involved in the lunchtime activities! Listen to the morning announcements next week for all the details.

The “Bullying: We Can All Help Stop It” guide provides essential information on bullying and offers guidance to support children who may be affected.  Also, you can click here to read more about Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week on our Equity & Inclusive Education page.

Fall Show

The Hallway Diaries - A Coming of Age Musical explores the ups and downs of growing up through a series of songs.  Fitting in, school, relationships, crushes, and stress, this show provides a glimpse into how students are navigating this time in their lives.  Featuring songs from 18 different musicals there is sure to be something for everyone in the audience. 

Come out and support our theatre program and see this awesome show on November 21, 22, 23, 29 or 30 at 7 pm. Tickets are available on School Cash Online or at the door and they are only $10. See you when the curtain goes up!

Winter Concert

Don't miss the upcoming Winter Concert on Thursday, December 5 at 7 pm. Join us for some free music. The show will feature our Rock Band, Jazz Band, Friday Choir, Junior Band, Senior Band, and various student features. You don't want to miss this wonderful evening of entertainment with our talented Garth Webb musicians and teachers.

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 and will run through December 13.

Click here to book your appointment today!

GW School Council Presents: 

Future of Work Ideathon

Get ready to brainstorm and innovate at our Future of Work Ideathon, where we'll tackle the challenges of tomorrow's workplace together!

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

@ Garth Webb S.S.

Join us for the Future of Work Ideathon, an enlightening journey into the evolving landscape of employment and skills organized by the GW School Council.

Following the great success of last year’s event, which brought together over 120 parents for insightful discussions and meaningful engagement, this year’s workshop has been expanded to include both parents and high school students. This unique format will bridge the gap between today’s education and tomorrow’s career opportunities by fostering a collaborative environment where parents and students can explore and discuss the trends shaping the future of work.

Experience a hands-on workshop guided by mentors and an inspiring keynote speech that will delve into the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the future job market. Engage in group activities tailored to spark conversation, share ideas, and create actionable insights.

Prepare to leave with valuable knowledge, innovatiave strategies, and a shared enthusiasm for guiding the next generation toward a successful and adaptable future.

Spaces are limited, reserve your spot today and be part of shaping the future together!

Eventbrite Registration

Promotional Video

School Council Fundraiser

The Annual Garth Webb School Council Fundraising Campaign is here!

Our Goal: $15,000         

Raised to date: $4,050

We are in the 4th week of our annual fundraising campaign designed to help supplement a series of projects enhancing academics, athletics, the arts, and student engagement and achievement at the school.

Fundraising Spotlight - 5409 Chargers Robotics 

In previous years, GWS School Council has been able to financially support our award-winning Chargers Robotics program. Team 5409 is part of the FIRST Robotics Canada program. 

Here is a message for our families from the Team:

We are beyond grateful for the incredible support and generosity from the Garth Webb Community which has made the 2024 season achievements possible. Thanks to your contributions, the 5409 Chargers Robotics Team reached new heights during the 2024 season, and we couldn't have done it without you!

This past season, our team had the honour of competing at the 2024 World Championship for the 2nd year in Houston, Texas, where we achieved a 2nd place finish in the world for our trap system — a truly remarkable accomplishment! We also made significant strides in our robot’s design by transitioning to an advanced swerve drive, which provided us with enhanced mobility and precision on the field. 

The experience at Worlds was unforgettable, but our journey didn’t end there. We had the incredible opportunity to expand our knowledge and network by visiting leading companies in the industry. During our season, we toured ABC Technologies, IMAX, BMP Metals, and Mustang C.A.T. These visits not only gave our students valuable insights into real-world applications of technology and engineering but also allowed us to connect with industry professionals who share our passion for innovation.

The season was one of growth, achievement, and valuable experiences, and it wouldn't have been possible without the ongoing support from our dedicated families and community. Your generosity fuels our students’ ambition and helps make these incredible opportunities a reality.

On behalf of the entire 5409 Chargers Robotics Team, thank you for being part of our success. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together!

To follow our progress throughout the 2025 year, please stay connected with us on LinkedIn – @GarthWebbRobotics.

We appreciate all donations to this annual fundraiser and we look forward to continuing to support GWSS teams, clubs, and events.

The recommended donation is $30 per student. A tax receipt will be issued automatically for any donation over $20.

Donations can be made online through this link.

Thank you for your contribution!

 Sincerely,

GWS School Council

Virtual Session on Post-Secondary Accessibility – Open to HDSB Families

Please see this flyer with regards to an upcoming virtual session hosted by  the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) at Queen's University. The session, titled Demystifying Accessibility at Post-Secondary, is designed to help students and families navigate accessibility at the post-secondary level.  This session is open to any interested families, which could be a great opportunity for HDSB families to gain insight into the accessibility process.

Tuesdays @Ten

November's Tuesdays @Ten parent engagement session 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 this 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 Open House occurred on the evening of Thursday Nov 14 .  It was an energy filled night and our first chance to welcome our future Chargers into the building.

If you know of anyone who missed the evening and is interested in attending Garth Webb, they can access our presentation here.

Grade 12 - Post Secondary Applications and Graduation Requirements

Recently, 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 post secondary 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 whereas 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

Co-op Information Night

📢 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: Monday, November 25
⏰Time: 7 pm
📍Location: virtual - get access to the Google Meet link by registering here.

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!

Follow us on Instagram @GWSSCoop

Register for an Upcoming Consent Education Workshop

Dear HDSB Grade 9-12 students and families of Grade 7-12 students:

The Halton District School Board is developing new resources to help students and staff better understand consent education with the goal of creating safer classrooms, schools and communities. We’re calling this HDSB ConsentEd and we want YOU to be a part of it! 

If you’re a student in Grade 7-12, you are invited to take part in a workshop on the upcoming PA Day on Friday, Nov. 29. This is your chance to dive into important conversations about consent, learn new skills, and help shape a positive school culture. Whether you want to take on a leadership role or simply expand your knowledge, this workshop is a great opportunity to get involved.

Building on the success of the recent Anti-Sex Trafficking Awareness event for students held in August, this workshop will provide students with an opportunity to contribute their voices and ideas to the development of these new HDSB ConsentEd resources and roll-out. The workshop will be facilitated by HDSB staff on the ConsentEd team (administrators and teachers), the HDSB Communications team and in partnership with SAVIS of Halton, EFRY Hope and Help for Women and GEquity. 

Register now

The workshop is open to HDSB students in Grade 7 - 12 and will take place at Rattlesnake Point Public School (1385 Kovachik Blvd, Milton). Students can register online by Monday, Nov. 18 for one of two available sessions: 

• Friday, Nov. 29 from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

• Friday, Nov. 29  from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided. 

Students will learn about the latest consent curriculum resources and contribute to their development and rollout at HDSB schools. We’ll showcase materials we’ve created, empowering students to bring these insights back to their schools. Students passionate about this work can join our ConsentEd team as representatives, supporting the resource launch to all HDSB schools in Spring 2025.

Given the sensitive nature of the topic, EFRY and SAVIS will provide on-site counselling services during the session to support participants.

We look forward to connecting with you at this session. If you have any questions, please email contact@hdsb.ca. 

Sincerely, 

Jennifer Fowler

Superintendent of Education

Safe Schools Department

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 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