Principal's Message

Hello Everyone:

I hope you’ve had a fantastic week and enjoyed the beautiful weather!

This week, I’d like to share some highlights from our Terry Fox event. Our two Grade 12 PLF4M1 (Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership) classes have been busy planning a variety of activities with their teacher Mr. Emmerson. They visited the Grade 9 and 10 classes to promote these events and encourage donations for this important cause. The winning classes will be treated to a special lunch as a reward for their efforts. Our community goal was to raise $10,000 and we are very close to $5000, we are still accepting donations (see link below)!

The students passionately shared their reasons for participating: “It is vital to teach about social justice through fundraising campaigns that support both global and local initiatives. These experiences foster values such as accountability, relationships, and engagement, which align with the Board’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan (HDSB, 2024).”

The Terry Fox Foundation was established in May 1988 to oversee the run and evaluate grant applications for cancer research. Funds raised through Terry Fox runs have supported over 1,100 research projects across Canada, resulting in significant advancements, including:

• Breakthroughs in imaging technology used worldwide.

• Increased life expectancy for men with advanced-stage prostate cancer.

• The discovery of a new mutation that could lead to new lymphoma treatments.

• Improved early screening techniques that may enhance survival rates for lung cancer.

As educators, our goal is to inspire a generation of heroes—individuals who, despite challenges, choose to persevere. We hope to cultivate resilience, humility, and bravery in all they do. Each year, more than 3 million students and 9,000 schools participate in the Terry Fox run, and since 1980, they have raised over $850 million for cancer research.

I want to conclude by acknowledging the vital support from parents and guardians who believe in our students. Thank you to all community members for your contributions to this amazing cause. Our students play a significant role in continuing Terry’s dream that the future of cancer research is bright.

Check out Terry Fox’s video - Terry Fox, Anything's Possible

“Terry Fox, Anything’s Possible” (11 minutes)

A refreshing documentary that updates Terry Fox’s gripping story for today’s youth by featuring modern accounts of young cancer survivors, interviews with Fox family members and one of Canada’s leading Oncology specialists. Inspired by the animation stylings of the 1980’s, when Terry began his Run, the documentary intercuts never before seen archival footage with animation outlines, giving a unique, fresh look and style that are relatable to today’s youth.

Luisa Botelho

Feedback Request: 

Technology Guidelines Draft

We are sharing the draft for the Use of Technology at Garth Webb, specifically the mobile device guidelines. We are at the feedback phase, where we can refine the draft before posting it on our website and implement appropriate school processes. 

We are asking our families to review the Google Form and share your thoughts and suggestions. We have shared this document and google form with our teachers and students as well. 

The time frame: I will be closing the form next week on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Once I gather all the feedback, I’ll make the necessary revisions for our final document.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Luisa Botelho, Principal

Student Engagement Fees

Each year in September, we ask families to purchase the Student Engagement Fee option through their School Cash Online account. Garth Webb is an active and inclusive place to learn. The Student Engagement Fees generate start up and operating funds for student run clubs including but not limited to environment issues, global issues, student newspaper, philanthropy, wellness council, etc. The fees also supplement the cost of school wide spirit events, LINK Crew transition, leadership training, motivational speakers, and student recognition awards and events. In addition, student engagement fees fund Student Council events such as assemblies and anti-bullying initiatives. 

In September alone, the fees will go towards supporting our Grade 9 Welcome BBQ, our Link Crew activities, our Terry Fox Colour Run, and our whole school assemblies. We will have many more activities and events throughout the year that the money collected through these fees will support. 

Our school fee is $30 per student and although it is optional to purchase, we greatly appreciate and depend on the support from our families. We remain aware of the social economic constraints in our present day lives and are working hard to keep these fees low. Please visit School Cash Online today to pay the Student Engagement Fees. Thank you so much for your support in advance!

NDTR & Orange Shirt Day - Sep 30

Monday, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day. Please click here to read more about this important day on our Equity & Inclusive Education page and don't forget to wear orange on Monday!

Please view a video message from the HDSB Chair Amy Collard and Director of Education Curtis Ennis emphasizing the importance of this day here.

1st Meeting this Week

2SLGBTQIA+ Parent/Guardian Advocacy and Support Group

Our 2SLGBTQIA+ Parent/Guardian Advocacy and Support Group is for parents and guardians of children who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or parents/guardians who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ themselves. Our group meets most months on the first Thursday of the month. Our first meeting will be on Thursday, October 3 and will be in person at Garth Webb in the Library from 7 - 8:30 pm. Following monthly meetings will be online. Kerri Lee is the GW staff member who will be hosting this group. Ian Duncan is our staff advisor and our admin supporter is Luisa Botelho.

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 invite friends and allies who want to learn more about supporting and affirming the identities of 2SLGBTQIA+ members of our community. 

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 harmful language and discrimination within our group. All members of the group are expected to follow and uphold the HDSB Code of Conduct at all times.

If you would like to join our group or would like more information about the group, please email Kerri Lee at leeke@hdsb.ca. 

If you are planning to attend our first meeting on Thursday, October 3, please RSVP.

Math & Science Peer Tutoring

Attention all GWSS Math and Science students!

Do you need some extra help in math or science this semester?  Come drop into the Math/Science lunchtime help clinic. This year, we have our amazing senior peer tutors in the help room offering help to other students on a variety of math and science courses.  See course list below!

When:  Every day at lunch

Where: Room 3021 (corner room on 3rd floor)

What:  Come in and receive small group tutoring and extra help for your math or science classes.  See list below of what courses senior peer tutors can help you with.

Some frequently asked questions:

Who will help me?  Every day, we have over 10 senior peer tutors and a teacher in the room at lunch to help you!  We can help with any course in math or science. See courses below.

When should I come into the clinic?  As soon as a concept get confusing, or you have a question from homework that you want to ask, or you missed a day of class and need a quick overview of the concept, or you need help with review before an evaluation… come into the help clinic and work with a peer tutor!

Where can I find out what peer tutors help each day?  Come to the clinic and check the tutor schedule on the door.  If you find a tutor you like, keep coming in on that day!

What if I want a 1-to-1 tutor instead of the drop in small group experience?  Ask your math or science teacher, and they will contact Ms. Carmichael and/or Ms. Kaushal.  Then, they will arrange for you to have a private peer tutor - for free!  You will have to make a weekly commitment to attend.

Peer Tutors can offer extra help on the following courses EVERY DAY at lunch:

• Grade 9 Math (MTH1W)

• Grade 10 Math (MPM2D and MFM2P)

• Grade 11 Math (MCR3U, MCF3M, MBF3C)

• Grade 12 Math (MHF4U, MCV4U (Tuesdays only), MDM4U (Tuesdays and Wednesdays only)

• Grade 9 Science (SNC1W)

• Grade 10 Science (SNC2D and SNC2P)

• Grade 11 Physics (SPH3U)

• Grade 11 Chemistry (SCH3U)

• Grade 11 Biology (SBI3U)

If you have any questions please contact Ms. Carmichael (carmichaeld@hdsb.ca) or Ms. Kaushal (kaushalr@hdsb.ca). 

Order Your Yearbook Today

The 2024-2025 yearbooks are now available to order on School Cash Online only. We do not order extra copies so you must order online before the deadline to be able to get a copy of the yearbook. Order early to avoid disappointment!

Don't miss out on ordering this fantastic keepsake!

Indigenous Self-Identification

The Indigenous Rights and Education Team of the Halton District School Board is focused on supporting Indigenous students and families toward student achievement. The Team can be easily accessed by connecting with the school. Please note, the process of self-identification with the school board is completely voluntary and those who choose not to self-identify are still able to access the support of the Indigenous Rights and Education Team. If you choose to self-identify for a family/kin member please do so by contacting your school or a member of the HDSB Indigenous Rights and Education Team:

System Principal - Gabriela Echeverria (echeverriag@hdsb.ca)

Program Lead - Tammy Hardwick (hardwickt@hdsb.ca

Instructional Program Lead - Karie Hanson (hansonk@hdsb.ca) 

Instructional Program Lead - Rob Rooksby (rooksbyr@hdsb.ca) 

Instructional Program Lead - Tracy O’Connell (oconnellt@hdsb.ca)

Student Support Coordinator - Tanya Vardy (vardyt@hdsb.ca)

Support Co-op Opportunities at Garth Webb!

Looking to Make a Difference for Students?

We need YOUR help to provide valuable Co-op experiences for our students!

Do you or someone you know:

• Own a business or work in a trade? 

• Have an opportunity to host a motivated high school student?

• Want to contribute to the development of future professionals?

• Work at a company that invests in experiential learning?

Why Host a Co-op Student?

• Mentorship: Guide and inspire the next generation.

• Skill Development: Help students gain real-world experience.

• Community Impact: Strengthen our local workforce and community ties.

What We’re Looking For:

• Businesses & Trade Professionals: Share your expertise and inspire high school students.

• Opportunities to Host: Provide hands-on  work experience and mentorship.

• Commitment to Growth: Help shape the future by contributing to students’ professional development.

We Especially Need Trade Opportunities!

However, all industries and professions are needed.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Contact us:

• anjosc@hdsb.ca – Christina Anjos

• everettk@hdsb.ca – Kerri Everett

From Your Student Services Department

Tuesdays @Ten

Our next session will be on Tuesday, Oct 1 @ 10 am.  Our October presentation will be geared to the Grade 12 community as we will be reviewing the post secondary application process.  It will be a repeat of the presentation that the Grade 12s will be hearing the following week.  This session will be virtual (and recorded for those that are unable to join us). A link to attend the meeting will be sent to families the day prior.

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' Fair (OUF)

• October 5-6, 2024, from 9:30 am to 5 pm, daily

• Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building

• Gathers Ontario's universities in 1 place

• Once-a-year, free event where attendees can talk directly with university representatives

• Learn more about the event here

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 15th, 2024 

Queen's - Deadline typically early December

Lester B. Pearson (International Student Scholarshio) - School Nomination Oct.11 

Schulich - School Nomination Jan. 30

Western National - TBD but usually mid-February

HDSB Scholarship Page

Google Classroom

Please join the appropriate classroom for your Grade to stay up to date with information from Student Services:

Grade 9 Code: oerdcjf

Grade 10 Code: euk4ho6

Grade 11 Code: bix3yen

Grade 12 Code: krgiixa

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.

Opportunities for This Week:

Volunteer with the Shriners

The Shriners from Shriners Hospitals for Children are going to have a Christmas Vendor Sale on December 7th 2024. They are looking for student volunteers to help. See attached poster for more info (haltoneos@gmail.com).

MPP Youth Council

Are you a high school student who studies or lives in Oakville North - Burlington? Become an advisor to the MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos. Join the MPP’s Youth Council and share your voice on behalf of youth in Oakville North - Burlington. 

We're looking for young people who want to shape the future, identify the challenges facing youth, and work with the MPP to overcome them.

Applications are open until September 30, 2024. Please use this google form to sign up.

Student Passwords are Changing

The HDSB is enhancing security and protection for student HDSB accounts. This process will require all high school students to change their current 4 digit password to a 16 digit passphrase. The purpose of this change is to increase security and protection for students and their personal information. GWSS students will be prompted to change their password on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 when they log into their HDSB account.

We would ask that all families refer to the following resources to assist their student in creating a 16 digit passphrase. 

Please note that students at GWSS will not be able to change their password before the October 8 date.

OSSLT Information

The OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) is one of three compulsory components that students must meet in order to receive their high school diploma (completion of 30 credits including 18 compulsory credits, 12 elective credits, and 40 hours of community service are the other graduation requirements).

To sign your student up for the after school literacy support sessions, please complete the online form linked HERE by Thursday, October 3, 2024. 

The program will run for 8, one-hour sessions from 3:00 - 4:00 pm on the dates stated below.

• Tuesday October 8, 2024

• Thursday October 10, 2024

• Tuesday October 15, 2024

• Thursday October 17, 2024

• Tuesday October 22, 2024

• Thursday October 24, 2024

• Tuesday October 29, 2024

• Thursday October 31, 2024

Information about class location will be emailed to students closer to the start date.

Space is limited in the program so please ensure you complete the online form as soon as possible - students MUST be registered in advance to attend the after school literacy sessions.

All students in semester 1 Grade 10 English classes will write the OSSLT in their English class between November 5, 2024 to Tuesday, December 3, 2024 over a span of two days. Dates will be decided by the classroom teacher and dates will be communicated home. Students with Grade 10 English in semester 2 will write the OSSLT in their class in semester 2. Any students in Grades 11 and 12 who still need to fulfill this graduation requirement and students who earned their Grade 10 English credit in summer school will have the opportunity to write the OSSLT on Wednesday, November 20 and Thursday, November 21, 2024 during period 1. Location will be communicated at a later date. 

If you have any questions please reach out to Sahar Monzavi-Bacon (monzavibacos@hdsb.ca).

5th Week Reports

On October 10, 5th Week Progress Reports for each course will be emailed to the parent or guardian of students at Garth Webb Secondary School. Every Grade 9 student will receive an email for each of their semestered courses. For students in Grades 10-12, 5th Week Progress Reports will be issued for any course in which, in the teacher’s professional judgment, the student’s performance and achievement requires careful attention at this early point in the semester. The 5th week report will be in the form of emails to the parents/guardians and will not have a mark assigned.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your student’s teacher to ensure steps are in place to support your student’s success at school.

Free Math Tutoring

Attention all semester 1 math students! TVO Mathify offers FREE 1:1 online Grade 4-12 math tutoring to students enrolled in Ontario’s public schools. The math tutors are Ontario-certified teachers who use interactive whiteboards, voice, and text chat to help with your specific math questions. You can even take a picture of your math question and upload it to the whiteboard to work on with your tutor. For more information and to register please read below:

Website: https://www.tvomathify.com/students

Grades: 4 to 12

Subject: Mathematics

Courses:   All secondary math courses are supported

Tutors Available: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm; Saturday & Sunday from 3 pm to 9 pm

How do you register? To register use the link above. You will need your OEN number (found on any report card)

Questions?   Please email Ms. Carmichael (carmichaeld@hdsb.ca)

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.

Social Work Support at GW

HDSB Social Workers work with students, families, and school communities to promote student well-being, mental health, and academic success. 

Garth Webb S.S. has two social workers who support our students: Nidhi Bedi and Nicole Dass. Students can self refer by emailing our Social Workers anytime. Please see the flyer for more information on services provided or visit the Social Work webpage.

Youth Mental Health Canada

Youth Mental Health Canada, a registered charitable nonprofit organization in Canada, has resources, workshops, and training courses to assist students, school staff, and families to support student mental well-being. Youth-driven and educator-led, YMHC draws on a wide evidence base to develop educational resources and provide learning opportunities focused on mental health and wellness issues.

We invite you to explore our resources, including special back-to-school discounts, 2024-2025 school year specials, and customized workshops, to help support the mental health and wellbeing of your students as they return to the classroom.

One Stop Talk 

Consider sharing in home connections. OneStopTalk One Stop Talk offers children and youth (aged 0-17) anywhere in Ontario immediate access to free mental health support. The program provides single session counseling support and ensures direct referral to additional local services when needed. Services are provided through an integrated network of infant, child and youth mental health agencies across Ontario. 

OneStopTalk has videos that can be viewed for your awareness which are available in English and French. 

Cybertip.ca has received over 800 reports of severe harm involving 13-17-year-olds on Discord in the past year. Reports of violence on Discord have increased by 284% over the past two years compared to the previous period. The severity of the online violence reported is particularly alarming.  Please click here for the Cybertip Alert issued last June.

For more information and resources you can share with students and families, visit:

• Canadian Centre for Child Protection

• HDSB AST Website 

• HDSB Technology and You Website

• HDSB Cyber Security Website

• OPC Cyber Safety Parent Tip Sheet

HDSB Mental Health Resources

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

Bullying, Cyberbullying:

• Strategies for Parents when your child is being bullied (Prevnet)

• Parenting in a Digital Age: Understanding Kids and Technology (Prevnet)

• What parents can do about Cyberbullying (Prevnet)

• Bullying – We can all help stop it

• Canadian Centre for Child Protection - Parenting Tweens and Teens in the Digital World

• Halton Regional Police Services: Cyber Safety

• Cyber Safety Parent Tip Sheet (Ontario Principals Council) available in 20 languages.

• Family Online Safety Agreement

• Healthy Relationships: Navigating Cyber Violence and Cyber Bullying

 These resources on Learning and Thinking Differences; Neurodivergence

• Understood.org resources for people with learning and thinking differences (ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Language Disorders, Writing Expressing Disorders)

•  Enhancing and Practicing Executive Functioning Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence (Harvard University) 

And these resources on Technology, Social Media 

• Unplug-from-Technology-and-Connect-Keeping-Families-Strong-in-a-Wired-World

• Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology (School Mental Health Ontario) 

• Screen time and digital media: Advice for parents of school-aged children and teens

• Social media: What parents should know

• The Parent Network: Social Media and Your Kids Workshop

• A digital well-being resources from Teens to Parents 

• How to help your child set healthy screen time limits

• Tips for Healthy Screen Use

• Social Media and Mental Health

• Addictions and Problematic Internet Use 

• Social Media and Mental Health

• Social Media Use and Mental Health Among Students in Ontario

• Youth, family and interactive technology

• Social Media Impact On Teens: Substance Abuse & Mental Health

Upcoming Key Dates

Oct 1 Tuesdays@Ten

Oct 10 5th Week Progress Reports Emailed

Oct 11 Professional Activity Day – No Classes

Oct 14 Thanksgiving Day – School Closed

Oct 15 Photo Retake Day

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