Principal's Message

Topic:  Carrying the Legacy: GWSS Terry Fox Week Recap & Fundraising Success

Hello everyone,

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

We’re thrilled to share some highlights from an incredible week of fundraising and community spirit here at Garth Webb! Our Grade 12 PLF4M1 (Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership) class, led by Ms. Kinsella, did an outstanding job planning and promoting a variety of events in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. As part of their leadership initiative, they visited Grade 9 and 10 classrooms to raise awareness, encourage donations, and get students excited about participating.  On Tuesday, September 22 our bake sale was a sweet success! Thank you to everyone who baked, donated, and bought treats. The funds raised brought us even closer to our overall goal. On Friday, September 26, during Period 1 the Grade 9 classes kicked off the morning with enthusiasm; during Period 2 the Grade 10 students continued the energy; and then Period 4 the entire school came together for a powerful and inspiring walk/run.

🎯 Fundraising Goal Update
Our school community set a goal of raising $7,000, and thanks to your generosity and spirit, we are approaching the $5,000. We’re incredibly proud of this progress and donations are still being accepted if you'd like to help us reach the finish line!

You can continue to support the cause by donating here:
🔗 Donate to the GWSS Terry Fox Campaign

A huge thank you to Ms. Kinsella, our student leaders, and everyone who contributed time, energy, and resources. This event continues to inspire our school each year, and we’re so proud to carry on Terry’s legacy together.

The Board’s 2024–2028 Multi-Year Plan emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of kindness rooted in empathy, respect, and trust in our relationships with students. It highlights the need to support grassroots initiatives that actively shape and sustain compassionate and inclusive learning environments. Events like the Terry Fox Run promote key values such as accountability, relationship-building, and student engagement — all of which align closely with the priorities outlined in the Board’s Multi-Year Plan (HDSB, 2024).

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.

Warmly,

Luisa Botelho

Principal

Student Fees Explained

Student Engagement Fee

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 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!

Athletic Fee

All students who participate on a team sport at Garth Webb will be required to pay the Athletic Fee on School Cash Online. The fee this year is $100 and it only needs to be paid once per year even if your student participates on more than one team. This fee contributes toward the costs associated with transportation, facility rentals, referees, the annual athletic banquet, OFSAA entry fees, and the wear and tear over and above the normal phys ed classes on shared equipment. This fee will be available on School Cash Online for your student once they have joined a team.

Upcoming Days of Significance:

International Week of the Deaf - Sep 22-28

Navratri - Sep 22-Oct 1

Durga Puja - Sep 28-Oct 2

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day - Sep 30

2SLGBTQ+ History Month - October

Islamic Heritage Month - October

German Heritage Month - October

Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month - October

Hungarian Heritage Month - October

Korean Heritage Month - October

Women's History Month - October

International Walk to School Day - Oct 1

Yom Kippur - Oct 1-2

Custodial Workers' Recognition Day - Oct 2

Dussehra/Vijayadashami - Oct 2

Mehgregan - Oct 2

National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & Gender Diverse People - Oct 4

GWS School Council

Last Monday, September 22, we held the final meeting of our 2024–2025 School Council and are pleased to share that our new 2025–2026 School Council has now been formed. To learn more about the dedicated parents and guardians who will be serving on our new School Council this year, please click here to see the full list of members.

We want to sincerely thank all parents and guardians who contributed their time, energy, and ideas over the last school year (2024–2025)—your efforts helped strengthen our school community in many meaningful ways.

We’re excited to begin working with our new council and look forward to another year of collaboration. Please remember that all parents and guardians are always welcome to attend our School Council meetings. For meeting dates and updates, please visit the School Council section on our school website. 

NDTR & Orange Shirt Day - Sep 30

Tuesday, 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!

Start Up Forms

There are three parts to the start up packages for all students and the HDSB requires a completed package for all students for all three parts.

1. All students were sent home with the Secondary Intramural Acknowledgement of Elements of Risk, Consent to Participate, and Medical Information Form during the first week of school. Those forms need to be returned to homeroom teachers ASAP. ALL students must have a completed form (whether or not they will be participating in intramurals). For students who have a spare or online class in period 1, they will need to collect a blank form from the main office and hand in their completed forms to the main office ASAP. 

2. The second part is the electronic forms that were sent out on September 8. Please complete this online form ASAP. We must have the form completed for every student

3. The final piece of our start up package, the verification forms, were sent out to families this past week. Please review the information on the verification form and inform us of any changes that are required.

Please be sure that you have completed all three parts of the start up packages ASAP. We need completed forms for ALL STUDENTS. Thank you.

5th Week Reports

On Thursday, October 9, 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.

Fitness Centre Membership

The fitness centre will be open at lunch starting Monday, September 26. The cost of a yearlong membership is $20 and can be purchased on School Cash Online.

Important: students must have submitted their signed start up forms to the office before they will be allowed to use the fitness centre. Stickers for the back of the student card can be picked up in the Phys-Ed office as of Monday. 

GWSS Math Peer Tutoring Program

Free 1-1 Tutoring

Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday

Room 3021 @Lunch

Tutoring for:

Grade 9 Math - Grade 10 Math - Grade 11 Math

Grade 12 Math (depenging on availbility)

Interested? 

Email your Math teacher to enroll

Questions? 

Please email Ms. Carmichael

Order Your Yearbook Today

The 2025-2026 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!

HDSB Post Secondary Exploration Central Event

Grades 9-12+ | Tuesday, October 21 | 6-9 pm

Global Admissions Fair @ Iroquois Ridge High School (Canada, US, and Beyond)

Garth Webb Post Secondary Event: 

Wednesday, October 29 - 9:00-12:15

We will be hosting a postsecondary fair for grades 11 and 12 students in Gym A with representatives from universities, colleges, trades, and community organizations. It will run period 1, 2, and at lunch.

OUAC/OCAS Upload/Opt Out Notification for Fall 2025

Please click here to read some important messaging that was sent out regarding the OUAC/OCAS Upload and Opt out.

Ontario Universities

Please see the following ways you can connect with Ontario Universities

Registration is now available for Ontario Universities' Events!

Ontario Universities' Fair (OUF)

• September 27-28, 2025, 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 at their booths and attend presentations

• Quiet spaces, a multi-faith space and a daily smudging ceremony will be available

Ontario Universities' Regional Fairs

• Fair-style events hosted across Ontario

• Students can speak directly with Ontario university representatives and research their options

• Events run from September 15 to October 17. A full schedule is available on the OUEvents website

Ontario Universities' Information Sessions

• Virtual events on September 16, 6-8 pm (ET), and November 10, 5-7 pm (ET)

• Great opportunity to get answers about programs, admission requirements, student life and much more

College Information Program 

(note: recruitment events may be impacted by the labour action at the Colleges, please double check events prior to attending)

Starting on September 22, representatives from Ontario’s colleges will be kicking off the College Information Program (CIP) tour – a six-week tour with 39 stops across the province. Including one near you.

Don’t miss out on an awesome opportunity to meet with college reps and get the information you need to make your decision about postsecondary education.

Learn about all kinds of careers and the programs that will lead you into them

• Discover unique programs that are only offered at Ontario’s colleges

• Learn about pathways between college and university

• Get all the information on how and when to apply

• Ask questions about campus life, housing and student services

• Get great advice on how to pay for your college education

Community Hours

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 as 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 16, 2025 

Queen's - Deadline Dec 8, 2025

Lester B. Pearson (International Student Scholarship) - Nov 7, 2025

Schulich - School Nomination Jan. 29

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.

This Week's Opportunity:

Join Oakvillegreen on Sat Oct 4th from 12:00pm - 2:00pm to help them plant native trees and shrubs at Preserve Woods, Oakville, ON L6M 0X2 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fMfHBvVvo7zpMpW38)

The event will take place rain or shine and high school students can get volunteer hours. To participate, sign up using the form below. Please note that youth under 18 must have the form signed by a parent or guardian.

More information here.

Sign-up and Waiver

Co-op

Explore a Future with the Royal Canadian Navy 

On Tuesday, September 30, during lunch, we are excited to welcome representatives from the HMCS STAR ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY to our school. 

Students will have the chance to learn about:

• Career opportunities in the Canadian Armed Forces

• The upcoming Royal Canadian Navy Co-op Program (semester 2) and how to earn two additional credits towards your high school diploma

• Options for part-time employment following the completion of their co-op program

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore new career pathways and discover how co-op learning can extend beyond the classroom.

We encourage all interested students to join us at lunch on September 30 to find out more!  Listen to announcements for location details.

Please email Christine Anjos (anjosc@hdsb.ca) if you have any questions.

Check out our website! Follow us on Instagram! @GWSSCoop

GWSS is Scent Free

Our school is a Scent Free Environment. Please help us to accommodate the members of our school community who are sensitive and/or allergic to fragrances and other scented products by keeping the air fragrance free. Please do not wear fragrances or scented products. Thank you.

Be Wise YMCA Workshops

Be Wise is a free support service for Youth aged 12-18 in the Halton region, through workshops and one-on-ones. 

We’re hosting a few series and workshops throughout the Fall for Youth ages 12-18:

• Youth Engagement Series (YES) (in-person starting October 22nd): 6-week series, for youth (ages 15-18), Youth will have the opportunity to hear from the Halton Regional Police Services, while engaging in recreational activities. The programs aim is to develop positive interactions between youth and police services.

• Employment Workshop (online September 17th and 24th): In this two-day session Youth learn how to write a resume, job search and interview techniques. As well as tips and tricks that employers look for when hiring and conducting interviews.

• Youth Wellness Program: 7-week series, for youth (ages 15-18 starting October 16), that aims to provide support in developing coping strategies for mild to moderate anxiety. The curriculum is based on Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and includes education about mindfulness, mindfulness techniques and self-compassion.

Cybertip

Cybertip.ca is run by The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, a national charity dedicated to the personal safety of all children. Their goal is to reduce the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, assist in the location of missing children, and prevent child victimization through a number of programs, services, and resources for Canadian families, educators, child-serving organizations, law enforcement, and other parties.  In reviewing their resources and “tip/alert” pages, there are a number of great resources you can use to help students check out their page on “Sextortion” which is a growing trend online targeting young people, or their free online safety resources. .

For more information and resources, visit:

• Canadian Centre for Child Protection

• HDSB AST Website 

• HDSB Technology and You Website

• OPC Cyber Safety Parent Tip Sheet

Upcoming Key Dates

Oct 1 OUAC / OCAS Demographics Upload @8 am

Oct 7 Tuesdays@ Ten

Oct 9 5th Week Progress Reports Emailed

Oct 10 Professional Activity Day – No Classes

Oct 13 Thanksgiving Day – No Classes

Oct 14 Photo Retake Day

Oct 14 Excellence - Honour Roll 2024/2025 Certificates Emailed

Oct 16 Parent/Teacher Interview & Grade 9 Program Night 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Oct 29 CP Day (late start @9:30 am)