Principal's Message

Topic: Culture, Food, Nutrition, and GWSS Courses

Hello Everyone:

"Cooking is, without a doubt, one of the most important skills a person can ever learn. Once someone has that knowledge, that's it – they're set for life"  -Jamie Oliver

I believe culture and food are essential because they influence many aspects of our lives, particularly our identity and daily values. Cultural and culinary traditions are key to fostering positive attitudes toward eating. It's important that we work together to help our students explore diverse cultures and food practices through school activities and, most importantly, family time. We firmly believe that by embracing food, we can promote acceptance of new cuisines and cultures—and, ultimately, of one another.

We recognize that the enjoyment of eating stems from our preferences and identities. Incorporating diverse cultures and food traditions into our experiences is not only fun but also enriches our skills and knowledge. This practice helps us learn about different cultures, build a sense of community, and strengthen connections, all while keeping our own cultural roots and traditions alive by sharing them with family and others. In many cultures, food and traditions are central to celebrations and milestones, playing a significant role in connecting us with one another.

“There is more to eating than survival. Eating and drinking are a medium through which we gather, socialize, and create bonds. We celebrate, commemorate, tend to one another, and enact our rituals through food.” Dr. Ara Norenzayan - Department of Psychology - UBC

Food is one of the most universal aspects of our lives—we all need it to survive and thrive. Each of us has unique experiences with food, often tied to memories that shape our lives.  According to Canada’s Food Guide, it’s essential to incorporate cultural and food traditions into our healthy eating habits. Here are some ideas on how to do that:

🍎 Attend a community event that celebrates with cultural food.

🍎 Grow, harvest, fish, hunt and prepare food in traditional ways.

🍎 Choose recipes that explore different ways to prepare and cook foods.

🍎 Shop in places that sell the ingredients you need to make traditional foods.

🍎 Talk with others about where the foods you eat come from and where you get them.

🍎 Preserve and share family recipes. Recipes and food traditions are a part of family history.

🍎 Host a potluck where everyone brings a traditional dish and recipe from their family background. Spend time sharing the meaning of these foods.

🍅 Celebrate occasions and special holidays with cultural food traditions. These are a chance to:

🍏 learn about different foods around the world

🍏 promote a wider variety of healthy food choices

🍏 pass along food traditions and cultural awareness

Healthy eating is something that we consider everyday and it is also emphasized in our courses, especially the Food and Nutrition courses during the school year. In our classes we work on ensuring that the healthy eating messages delivered in class are being reinforced within the classroom and through school-wide activities and events. 

Some of the main big ideas of our Food and Nutrition courses are:

• Students will express a positive view of themselves, including an awareness of and comfort with their membership in multiple groups in society. 

• Students will consider that all their group identities and the intersection of those identities create unique aspects of who they are and that this is true for other people too 

• Students will build connections with other people by showing them empathy, respect and understanding, regardless of their similarities or differences. 

Highlight from our classes:

Ms. Cardona

Ms. Cardona’s grade 11, Food and Culture class have taken off “traveling” to different countries and while abroad, they have learned some important information about culture and cuisine.  The first stop was China, where students got to stir up some Vegetable Chow Mein. The next destination on their food adventure was, the UK where students baked up some delectable, White Chocolate and Raspberry Scones. While in Europe, students had a quick layover in Germany and got to enjoy some Oktoberfest staples, including Pretzels.  Last week, the 11s arrived safely back in Canada and they experimented with some Canadian flavours by creating Cheddar and Thyme Biscuits with a Maple Syrup Apple Compote served with a side of Canadian Bacon. Delicious, Eh?!  The grade 11s have only just begun their food and culture journey. We can’t wait for our next food adventure!

Ms. Galbraith

This week the Grade 10 Foods classes made pizzas from scratch. They made their own dough and selected their toppings, as well as seasoned the sauce to taste. Some even had a little fun tossing the dough like a pro! This lab was definitely a hit and they were very happy with their creations in the kitchen. 

Resources:

Health Canada, Food and Nutrition, Canada’s Food Guide, 2013 

Health Canada, Food and Nutrition, Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide, 2013 

Sincerely,

Luisa Botelho

Halloween Fun!

Halloween was another success at Garth Webb this past week. We had so many staff members participate in the annual Halloween costume contest at lunch. This year was a little different as we all decided to go with a Mr. Jay Anderson theme and departments dressed in different versions of him. There were Bird Watching Jays, Rock n' Roll Jays, Hockey Jays, Angus Young Jays, Hot Wheels Jays, Sporty Jays, Coach Jays, and of course Jay Anderson himself. No surprise that the Real Jay Anderson won for the best Jay Anderson costume! 😂

Great job to all the departments on their amazing group costumes. Thank you to the Student Activies and Arts Councils for all their work to organize the costume contest and thanks to Ms. Jeffries, Ms. Tolton & Ms. Scruton for all their work behind the scenes.

Remembrance Week

As November is here, we are beginning our time of remembrance. As a school named after a veteran, Garth Webb, it is a special time of year for us. We take time to reflect on what we are grateful for and remember all of those who fought for our freedoms. Monday, November 11 is Remembrance Day and over the course of this coming week we will be doing activities and learning in our classes as it is such an integral part of our school. Take some time at home to talk about Remembrance Day, what it means to you, and the importance of being grateful for all we have.

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 from November 11 - December 13.

Click here to book your appointment today!

Please Don't Litter

We are asking our families to share with your students our concerns listed below. We have also made school announcements on the subject . We have reminded our students about the importance of keeping our school clean and tidy. Littering not only affects our environment but also reflects on our school community.

Please make an effort to:

• Dispose of trash properly: Use the bins provided around the school.

• Clean up after yourself: Whether in the cafeteria, classrooms, or common areas, take a moment to tidy up your space.

• Be a role model: Encourage your friends to do the same!

Let’s work together to maintain a welcoming and clean environment for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!

2SLGBTQIA+ Parent/Guardian Advocacy and Support Group

Our next meeting for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Parent/Guardian Advocacy and Support Group will be THIS Thursday, November 7 at 7 pm (online). New members are always welcome to join. Our group is for parents and guardians of children who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or parents/guardians who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ themselves. The group meets most months online on the first Thursday of the month.

The goal of the group is to provide a safe space to share resources, expand our education, learn how to better advocate for and support our children, and to share our challenges and victories. We will work together to advocate for all students who experience social and systemic discrimination based on their 2SLGBTQIA+ identity. We have a zero tolerance policy for any kind of discrimination within our group.

If you are not already a member of our group and you would like to attend our meeting on Thursday, November 7 or would like more information about the group, please email Kerri Lee at leeke@hdsb.ca. A link for the meeting will be sent to the group members prior to Thursday.

GWS School Council Meeting

Our next School Council meeting is this Monday, November 4 at 6 pm in the Garth Webb library.  All parents/guardians are welcome to attend school council meetings anytime. We hope to see you there.

Visit the Garth Webb School Council page here.

School Council Fundraiser

The Annual Garth Webb School Council Fundraising Campaign is here!

GWS School Council Fundraiser Week 2 - Spotlight on Clubs, Councils, and Teams

Support Your Garth Webb Secondary School Council Annual Fundraising Campaign

We are off to a good start, but we still have a long way to go to reach our goal of $15,000. A sincere thanks to all who have already contributed so far. 

This is Week 2 of our Annual Fundraising Campaign aimed at supporting a series of projects enhancing academics, athletics, the arts, and student engagement and achievement at GWSS. 

Did you know that Garth Webb has more than 70 Clubs, Councils and Teams? With your generous donations, School Council has been able to purchase tents/shelters for our teams to use at outdoor and away events. We also helped fund Juno, our school mascot, who attends many of Garth Webb’s team and club events. 

School Council has been able to support funding requests from student-led programs, including those from the Muslim Students' Association (MSA) and the Black and Biracial Student Alliance.

Our aim is to continue to support Garth Webb’s clubs, councils, and teams. Every donation helps! And every dollar raised directly helps students at Garth Webb! 

Please consider making a donation today! 

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

From your Student Senators

Have ideas for change or issues you’re passionate about? As your student senators, we’re here to listen! Share your feedback, suggestions, and ideas with us by filling out our feedback forms. Plus, join us for virtual meetings on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday November 6 at 6 pm to share your thoughts in real-time. Email one of us if you are interested. Let’s work together to make a difference!

If you would like to provide feedback to us and the board about the Code of Conduct, the Dress Code, or consent education, fill out this form. 

If you would like to give general and generic feedback about our school, fill out this form. 

Suggestions + Feedback for the Student Senators

Looking forward to hearing your voice,

Student Senators 

Aaisha Hassan

Arthur Chao

Reeva Jiyani

Visit our page here.

Women's Empowerment Club

Empowering women of tomorrow to lead, inspire and make a difference at Garth Webb Secondary School. The new Women's Empowerment Club is here to build a safe community for every young woman in our school. The club's mission is to create a safe space where female students can explore topics like women's health, careers, and a chance to learn about women across the world. We plan to have community outreach projects, powerful female guest speakers and a chance to learn and connect with other young womens' experiences in Garth Webb. The club will first host its introduction meeting at lunch on November 15. We're deeply grateful to Principal Botelho and Vice principal Monzavi-Bacon who have helped make this club possible. With their support we look forward to creating a positive change and building a legacy of empowerment for young women of the future.

Please send an email to 1ozokden@hdsb.ca or 1linyij@hdsb.ca for any further questions. And if you would like to be part of our club please complete the form.

Tuesdays @Ten

Please join us virtually this Tuesday, November 5 for our next parent engagement session. This month’s session is geared towards families of students in Grade 9 and 10. We will be reviewing the various graduation requirements, programs available within the HDSB as well as student support services available at Garth Webb and within the board.

The meeting will be virtual and a link to the meeting will be shared tomorrow.

Take Our Kids to Work Day - Nov 6

We are pleased to share that our Grade 9s will once again be participating in Take Our Kids to Work Day on Wednesday, November 6. Please read this family message for more information on the event.

If you have not already done so, please submit the permission form to Student Services as soon as possible.

Students attending school that day will participate in a series of online activities.  We will be sending out information on classroom location next week.

If your student needs help with finding a placement, please contact Mrs. Andrea Brock (brocka@hdsb.ca). 

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: Aaisha Hassan, Grade 12

Placement: Mayor Rob Burton’s office (Mayor of Oakville)

In my role at the Mayor’s office, I engage in a variety of tasks that develop both my communication and analytical skills. A significant part of my responsibilities involves writing and contributing to newsletters, ensuring key updates are presented clearly and effectively. I also review official city reports, providing feedback from the "average person’s" perspective to make the content more accessible to the public.

I participate in discussions with the Mayor about issues impacting today’s youth, offering insights to ensure that youth voices are represented. Additionally, I assist with speech writing for key events, contributing to the structure and tone of the Mayor’s addresses. A critical part of my role is reviewing and critiquing city officials' documents to enhance their clarity and effectiveness. This hands-on experience allows me to better understand the complexities of public service and municipal governance.

Through my co-op, I’ve developed key skills in professional writing and communication by crafting newsletters and speeches, as well as critical analysis by reviewing city documents from both technical and public perspectives. Collaborating with the Mayor on youth-related issues has enhanced my leadership and teamwork abilities, while providing constructive feedback on official reports has improved my ability to offer thoughtful critiques. Additionally, balancing multiple tasks has strengthened my problem-solving and adaptability, equipping me with valuable skills for future academic and leadership roles.

My co-op experience has reinforced my passion for law, politics, and public service by giving me firsthand insight into government operations and policy-making. Working closely with the Mayor and reviewing official documents has deepened my interest in advocacy and critical analysis, confirming my desire to pursue studies in law and political science. This role has also shown me the value of strong communication skills, which I plan to further develop in post-secondary education, helping me prepare for a career where I can make a meaningful impact on my community.

This was the ‘Council Safety Meeting’ Where all the MPP’s and MP’s of Oakville were present. I got to meet Anita Anand which was so cool! I sat in during the whole meeting and got to hear about really important stuff that the government is doing to keep us safe.

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

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.

Upcoming Key Dates

Nov 11 - Dec 13 Grad Photos

Nov 5 Tuesdays @Ten

Nov 6 Grade 9 Take Our Kids to Work Day

Nov 7 First Day of Semester 1, Term 2

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