October 13, 2024

WEEK A

Principal's Message

Topic: World Mental Health Awareness Day & Long Weekend

Hello Everyone:

This past Thursday, October 10 was World Mental Health Awareness Day. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Mental Health is so important to all we do at school, for our health and our wellbeing. 

During this long weekend, our families have the opportunity to discuss various topics and come together to talk about mental health. Engaging in these conversations can help us cope better with both the good times and the challenges we face. It's a wonderful chance to check in with distant family members, friends, peers, and colleagues to see how they are doing. 

Additionally, research shows that playtime can greatly reduce stress and enhance mood, leading to better stress management. With the upcoming long weekend, I encourage all of us to carve out some time for the ultimate play date! Here are a few ideas:

According to School Mental Health Ontario they provide “Ontario-made, accessible, evidence and experience-informed resources to support student mental health.” Today I am providing some resources for parents and caregivers that are designed to complement what you already are doing at home. 

Mental Health Literacy and Anxiety Management Social Media Bundles

Grounding Techniques Social Media Bundles

Vaping: What you and your friends need to know 

Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology 

By Your Side - Video Series

Just like our physical health, our mental health can fluctuate. We all experience times when we don't feel mentally well, and while these feelings are normal, they can affect our ability to be our best selves. Recognizing concerns early and offering support makes a significant difference. We are always here to support your student!

Sincerely,

Luisa Botelho

CP Day This Wednesday

This Wednesday, October 16  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.

Walk to School Day - Oct 16

Garth Webb Eco Club students are organizing a Walk-to-School day this Wednesday, October 16 for those who are able to participate. Walking to school is beneficial for the environment as well as for students’ mental health. 

On Wednesday, why not walk, bike, or skateboard to school and help the environment while getting some exercise! Wear your earthy tones and unite with the school community as we show our love for our planet and our commitment to protecting our ecosystems.

March Break 2025 International Trip

Attention Garth Webb!  We have a special and unique opportunity to visit the European battlefields of WWI and WWII, where brave Canadians helped shape our nation. During March Break 2025, we will be traveling to France with 40 students, to visit the Juno Beach Center, various battlefields, cemeteries, and Paris. 

We held an information session this past Thursday at the school and there seems to be quite a lot of interest in the trip. We expect it to fill up fast and we have a short timeline and limited spots available. 

If you would like to take advantage of this great opportunity Chargers, please email Mr. Anderson for more information and to get a registration form link.

Parent/Teacher Interviews Thursday

This Thursday, October 17 you are invited to attend our Semester 1 Parent/Guardian Teacher Interview Night (Open House Format). This is in follow up to our 5th Week Report timeline. Parents/guardians will have an opportunity to connect informally with teachers and to discuss your student’s overall learning skills and coursework to date.

Meet and Greet:  5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Staff members will be available to meet parents/guardians around the school with location details to follow closer to the date. Details will also be provided in the main foyer just inside the main doors. Due to the tremendous turnout of GWSS parents, we have asked staff to keep discussions to a maximum of  5 minutes  in order to meet as many parents as possible. If you require a more detailed interview with a staff member, please contact the teacher directly through email to set a mutually convenient date and time.

Parents/guardians who are unable to attend this evening are encouraged to make personal contact with specific staff members to arrange a mutually convenient time to connect (in person or via email) in order to review your student’s performance over the first 5 weeks of school. By the same token, as the evening will conclude promptly at 7:30 p.m., if you encounter a problem connecting with a specific teacher at the open house, please do not hesitate to contact the teacher by email to set up a mutually convenient date and time to discuss your student's progress.

PLEASE NOTE: Guidance Counsellors, Special Education Teachers, our Youth Settlement Worker, and our Student Success Teacher will be available in the Student Services area adjacent to the Main Office. Remember to get the names of your student's teachers from them ahead of time. 

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, October 17!

MP Anita Anand Youth Council Opportunity

Are you between 14 and 21 and passionate about politics and our Oakville community? This is your chance to share your ideas, collaborate with like-minded peers, and discuss your thoughts directly with MP Anand.

We will be hosting monthly meetings where you will have an opportunity to engage in community activities and discussions. We will also be using WhatsApp for quick, convenient communication, so be sure to download the app in advance.

Don’t miss out—apply by Saturday, October 19 using the following link!

Take Our Kids to Work Day - Nov 6

Take Our Kids to Work Day will proceed this year on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.  Grade 9 students will be invited to participate in an observational one-day job shadowing experience at the workplace of a family member, friend, or other trusted adult.  Please read this family message for more information on the event.

We are asking that all permission forms be returned to their homeroom teacher (Period 1 Week A) prior to Thursday, October 31.

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 week, 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.

Ontario College Fair

The Ontario College Fair (OCF) is the largest college information event in Ontario.  Attending OCF provides a unique opportunity to explore various post-secondary institutions and their programs all in one place. It's a chance to meet representatives, ask questions, and gather information that can help make informed decisions about your education and future career.

OCF will be held at the Enercare Centre on Wednesday, October 16 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For more information please visit ontariocollegefair.ca.

HDSB Post Secondary Exploration Central Events Ontario - Save the Dates

Grades 9-12+:    Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | 6-9 pm

US Schools and Admissions Fair @ Iroquois Ridge High School

*please note that caregivers should register using the link provided, not students

Grades 11-12+:  Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24 | 5:00 - 8:30 pm

HDSB Post-Secondary Pathways Event @ Sheridan College (Trafalgar Campus)

*families will register to attend one 90 minute block on one of the two nights; capacity will be limited.

Ontario Universities’ Regional Fairs

We are excited to share the schedule for the fall 2024 Ontario Universities' Regional Fairs.

Events will run from September 16 to October 18. The full schedule is available on the Ontario Universities' Events website. Information for individual events will be updated as it becomes available.

What are the Regional Fairs?

Regional Fairs travel across Ontario in the fall. During these events, university representatives connect directly with hundreds of students and their supporters. Events are held at local high schools, universities and community venues. Each event is typically 1-3 hours long, and each university has an exhibit table staffed by 1-2 university representatives.

Sign Up

Students can register for the event by signing up for an OUEvents Pass. Students will be able to sign up for events later this summer.

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like more information about this year's Regional Fairs, please email: ouevents@ouac.on.ca.

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.  More information will be shared with the Graduating Class of 2025 during the post secondary application presentation (will take place early Oct)

Deadlines:

Loran Scholarship - Oct 15, 2024 

Queen's - Deadline typically early December

Schulich - School Nomination Jan. 30

Western National - TBD but usually mid-February

HDSB Scholarship Page

Tuesdays @Ten

On Tuesday, October 1 Student Services hosted our monthly virtual community engagement session. Our October presentation was geared to the Grade 12 community as we reviewed the post secondary application process.  

If you weren’t able to attend, please access the recording and slide deck.

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:

Volunteers needed to help at E-Waste Drop-Off on Saturday, October 19, 2024 - hosted by Burlington Green.

Click here for more information & sign up form.

Important Information

Important Information from Halton Public Health

As we head into the Fall and Winter, and temperatures cool, people tend to spend more time gathered indoors. This makes it easier for infectious diseases like viral gastroenteritis to spread quickly in the community and at school. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses (e.g. norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, etc.) that results in vomiting and diarrhea.

Halton Region Public Health has provided guidance on enhanced cleaning procedures and other measures we can implement to significantly reduce the risk of spread at school. We ask that families review the resources provided by Public Health and reinforce these measures at home so that we can all help keep our community healthy. Students, families and staff can also contact Halton Region Public Health directly by phoning 311 or visiting halton.ca. 

A Future that Fits 

Grade 10 Presentation

A Future That Fits is a mandatory period 1 grade 10 virtual event and will take place at GWSS on Tuesday, October 29. The purpose of this event is for grade 10s to explore SHSM, OYAP, and dual credit programs in their region. It will be hosted through afuturethatfits.ca and program leads will be virtually presenting about their focussed programs. Grade 10s will be able to choose 3 presentations they want to attend virtually.

All classes will remain in their period 1 classrooms and will be supervised by their period 1 teachers. Students will need technology and headphones to participate in virtual sessions using a device. Students should plan to bring these items to school that day as we will have a limited number of devices available for students to use.

HDSB Concussion Protocol

Concussions and Returning to Learning 

When a student is diagnosed with a concussion, whether it happened during school or outside of school, the HDSB has a process to follow to ensure that the student returns to learning safely. There are two documents that must be completed by the parent/guardian (if the student is under 18 years of age) and by a medical practitioner. The two documents are as follows: 

Appendix B - Home and School Concussion Management Plan - Part B

Appendix C - Concussion Medical Clearance

Please note that Appendix B is an ongoing process, therefore you should only fill out what you can at each stage of the process. It outlines steps to follow during recovery, ensuring that students can manage their symptoms while gradually getting back to their studies. This is important because it helps prevent further injury and allows students to adjust their schoolwork based on how they feel. By following this guide, school staff, parents/guardians, and healthcare professionals can work together to support the student, making sure they have the right accommodations as they recover. 

As you complete this paperwork, please sign it and return it to the school (either by email or in-person in the main office). For more information about concussion prevention, identification, and management, please review this page on the HDSB’s website.

Coyote Safety

The Town of Oakville is sharing information about coyotes as the winter mating season nears and has provided a Fact Sheet for awareness. Oakville is experiencing an increase in the number of sightings and encounters with coyotes. Coyotes are common in wooded areas and in ravines in urban areas. They are typically shy animals who are looking for food or garbage. Coyotes intentionally fed by people will lose their fear of humans and may develop aggressive behaviour.To learn more, visit the Town’s Coyotes page. 

Tips include:

This year, we will be sharing our Equity & Inclusive Education section on a standalone webpage on our site. 

We will have this link in the weekly blog to direct you so that you can read about the various days of significance throughout the school year.

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:

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.

Links to Community Resources

HDSB Mental Health Resources

On the HDSB Parent/Guardian Support for Mental Health we have added these resources on:

Bullying, Cyberbullying:

 These resources on Learning and Thinking Differences; Neurodivergence

And these resources on Technology, Social Media 

Mental Health Resources

School Calendar & Sports Schedule

Families can use the link below to find details on game days/times for our various athletic teams throughout the year.

Important Dates for Your Calendar

Upcoming Key Dates

Oct 14 Thanksgiving Day – School Closed

Oct 15 Photo Retake Day - P. 1 & P. 2 Only

Oct 16 CP Day (late start @9:30 am)

Oct 17 Parent/Guardian/Teacher Interview Open House - 5:30 pm

Oct 29 A Future that fits (grade 10 period 1 - Virtual)

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

If you have any questions or suggestions for improving the school, our door is always open. Please feel free to contact our admin team by email.

Please remember that our work hours may not be your work hours. As a result, responses to emails sent outside our standard hours may not be immediate. We appreciate your understanding. Thank you.

Luisa Botelho, Robin Toffolo, Nancy Annibale, Sahar Monzavi-Bacon

Garth Webb S.S. Admin Team