Principal's Message

Hello GWSS Community:

What an energizing start to the 2025–2026 school year at Garth Webb! The energy in the building this week has been nothing short of incredible: a mix of nervous excitement, renewed focus, and a deep sense of connection as we welcomed both familiar faces and new members of our school family.

We began the week with our Professional Activity Day,  a time for staff to engage meaningfully with professional learning focused on safety, equity, well-being, and student success. Together, we explored how to continue cultivating a school culture where every student, every staff member, and every family feels seen, supported, and celebrated. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to inclusive, identity-affirming classrooms, and reflected on the kind of learning environment we want to co-create this year.

Our guiding intentions for this school year are simple but powerful:

🔹 See the whole student
🔹 Lead with compassion
🔹 Work collectively
🔹 Honour every voice in the room
🔹 Keep growing together

On Wednesday, we welcomed our students back, and our school came alive again! A very special shout-out goes to our amazing Link Crew leaders, who showed incredible heart, enthusiasm, and leadership as they welcomed our incoming Grade 9s with engaging activities and genuine mentorship. Their impact on our newest students was immediate, creating a sense of belonging from day one.

I'm filled with gratitude for the many hands and hearts that made this week a success:

✨ To our Link Crew teachers — Ian Duncan, Josh Sanderson, Amy Westenberg, Allison Hoy, and Melissa Senn — thank you for your tireless energy, summer planning, and the spirit you bring to this program. You've empowered our student leaders to make a difference.

✨ To our main office staff — thank you for managing the countless moving parts behind the scenes and ensuring everyone had what they needed to start the year strong.

✨ To our Guidance department — thank you for your steady support with timetable changes, registrations, and so much more.

✨ To all staff who helped with our Welcome BBQ — the simple act of sharing a meal together helped set a welcoming tone for the entire school.

✨ To our teaching staff — your thoughtful preparation, inclusive practices, and welcoming classrooms are helping students feel safe and ready to learn.

✨ To our caretaking staff — your hard work made it possible for us to return to a clean, safe, and ready-to-go building.

One of the joys of being part of this school is witnessing the daily acts of kindness, care, and quiet leadership that make our community so special. As we move into the year ahead, let’s keep those moments at the forefront. Like life, the school year comes with its ups and downs. Reaching out for support can make a big difference and often helps prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones. No concern is too big or too small to talk about, you don’t have to face challenges alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us whenever you need support.

I’d like to leave you with a quote from Maya Angelou that’s guiding me this year:
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Let’s keep building a school where everyone feels they matter.

Wishing you all a great start to the year,

Luisa Botelho

 Principal – Garth Webb S.S.

Resources from School Mental Health Ontario 

• 10 tips for a successful back-to-school transition

• My Circle of Support – Student Help-Seeking Resource

• How you can help create a welcoming school for newcomer students

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.

This year, we are once again sharing our Equity & Inclusive Education section on a standalone page on our site. Please click here to read about the various days of significance throughout the year.

Days of significance added this week:

• Ukrainian Heritage Day

• International Day of Literacy

• Nativity of Mary

• Coptic New Year - Feast of Nayrouz

• Ethiopian New Year

This Week is Week B

This year we are continuing our “Week A” and “Week B” schedules. This means that every other week, our afternoon classes will flip (i.e. switch places). You will find the Week A and Week B schedules a on our website here and in the school calendar for your reference.

From Monday, September 9 - Friday, September 13, students will follow this schedule:

Period 1 8:30 - 9:50 AM

Period 2 9:55 - 11:10 AM

Period 3 (Lunch) 11:10 AM - 12:10 PM

Period 5 12:10 - 1:25 PM

Period 4 1:30 - 2:45 PM

Start Up Form Update

All students were sent home with the Secondary Intramural Acknowledgement of Elements of Risk, Consent to Participate, and Medical Information Form this past week. 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. 

We are expecting to be able to send the electronic part of our start up package and the verification forms to families via email this coming week. In the meantime, please be sure that your student has returned the paper form that was sent home on the first day of school.

We need completed forms for ALL STUDENTS. Thank you.

GWSS 2025-2026 Grade Assemblies 

On Thursday, September 11, we will be holding our annual Grade Assemblies:

• Period 1 – Grades 9 & 10

• Period 2 – Grade 11

• Period 4 – Grade 12

These assemblies provide an important opportunity to welcome students into the school year and review expectations for a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment. Topics will include school culture, code of conduct, and key protocols such as the Discriminatory and Harmful Language Protocol and Bullying Response Protocol. We will also encourage students to get involved in the many activities and events at GWSS, to show kindness to themselves and to others, and to remember that gratitude is the only attitude.

We hope you will take a few minutes to talk with your student(s) about these themes and to encourage their active participation in school life. Together, we can foster a positive and supportive community for all.

If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With appreciation,

GWSS Admin Team

Locker Distribution

Starting tomorrow on Monday, September 9, Grade 9 and 10 students will have the option of selecting a locker within the school. Grade 9 students are assigned to only the second floor and Grade 10 students can choose a locker on the third floor. Students will then let their Period 1 (homeroom) teacher know their locker number and the combination (for safety reasons). 

Grade 11 students will have the option of selecting a locker on the first floor starting Wednesday, September 11, followed by Grade 12 students on Friday, September 13. 

Students should remember to bring a lock to secure the locker. There is a limited supply of lockers due to the large number of students at Garth Webb, therefore we ask that you please only select a locker if needed. We also remind students to never put items into a locker without a lock to secure those items. Students must have a working lock in order to claim a locker.

Boys Rugby International Trip

BOYS RUGBY ARE GOING TO PORTUGAL AND SPAIN

Garth Webb's Boys Rugby team have been granted an exciting opportunity to travel to Portugal and Spain for a rugby tour this March break! This trip is open to all current and new players interested in playing this school season. 

We will have an information meeting for families on Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 pm at the school. This will give parents/guardians and students more details, requirements, and a final itinerary, but the following is what is included in the tour (approximate cost of $4,000):

• Return airfare from Toronto to Lisbon

• Private luxury motorcoach and driver in Portugal and Spain as per itinerary

• 9 nights’ accommodation, including breakfast each morning

• 2 of the 9 nights at an all-inclusive sports resort, with four 90-minute training sessions

• Transportation and admission to all selected excursions as noted on the final itinerary

• 2 friendly matches versus local teams in: Seville and Lisbon

• All applicable taxes and service charges

• Daily services of a Tour Director 

We are trying to secure 32 spots for the trip, and we will start accepting deposits after the meeting takes place. The $200 deposit is required to reserve your spot as this trip will have a cap student limit. Please attend the information meeting if you are interested in this opportunity for your student. If you are unable to attend, and you would like further information, please reach out to Mr. Emmerson.

Garth Webb Music

Ready to make some music? Garth Webb is home to an amazing lineup of bands and choirs, and there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re a music student or just someone who likes to sing or play, we’ve got a group for you. Rehearsals kick off the week of September 15, so be sure to listen for details in the morning announcements. If you have any questions you can reach out to Ms. Pontefract.

DECA

What is DECA?

Garth Webb DECA is our competitive business and leadership team where students tackle real-world case studies through engaging role plays and written projects. We compete through the year and, last season, six GW students qualified for the international championship in Florida.

Why Join DECA?

Join to make friends, build your résumé, and develop public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. You’ll represent Garth Webb and challenge yourself in a supportive, high-energy community.

How to Join?

Attend an info session in the first-floor Drama Room: 

• Grade 9–10 on Tuesday, Sept 8 (3:00–4:00 p.m.) 

• Grade 11–12 on Wednesday, Sept 9 (3:00–4:00 p.m.)

Sign-up details will be shared at the sessions.

FAQ

I’m in Grade 10/11/12 and didn’t do DECA before—can I join? Yes, DECA welcomes new members in every grade.
I didn’t take a business course—can I join? Yes, no course is required; training is provided.

Contact: 

• Mr. Chau (chaui@hdsb.ca) 

• Arthur Chao (1chaoart2@hdsb.ca), Ira Parasnis (1parasnisira@hdsb.ca), Reeva Jiyani (1jiyaniree@hdsb.ca), Samantha Halim (1halimsam@hdsb.ca) 

• Instagram: @gwss.deca

Parent/Guardian Volunteers Needed

Garth Webb Values our Volunteers!

Parents/Guardians and community volunteers play a key role in enriching student experiences and building a strong school community. Whether it’s helping with events, field trips, or daily programs, your support makes a difference.  

We are seeking parent/guardian volunteers to help with lunch time supervision in the school library (1 hour each day). If you are interested in helping out with any of these daily supervisions, please follow these steps:

1. Apply for a police check with vulnerable sector screening

2. Complete the Volunteer Form

3. Bring an original copy of your police check and your volunteer form to the main office once both are complete and we will schedule a meeting with our Vice Principal.

If you have any questions about this volunteer role, please reach out to our Vice Principal Melanie Baird.

Spirit Wear & Class of 2026 Grad Gear

The online store for Grad Gear & Spirit Wear is open from now until Thursday, September 25, 2025. Orders should arrive at the school in early November 2025.

Click here to access the online store for ordering.

GWS School Council 2025-2026

We would like to thank our current School Council for their support over the past year. For the families who are new to Garth Webb, our school council meets 4-5 times per year and any parent/guardian can attend school council at any time - you do not have to be a voting member on school council to attend and share ideas.

Every year, we do reach out to the community to see if others would like roles on the council. To be on council as a voting member, it is required for you to attend all meetings and if you are the PIC representative you are required to organize parent involvement events for our school.

If you are interested in being a voting member of council, please complete this google form no later than Thursday, September 11 @3 pm. If more than the maximum number of parents/guardians self nominate, a school wide election will occur. If an election is needed, all parents/guardians will be informed of the election on September 12 and will have the opportunity to vote in person at the school between September 12-18.

Student Senate Opportunity

Are you ready to lead?
Want to make a real impact in your school and beyond?
Do you have bold ideas for creating positive social change?

If so, consider applying for the role of Student Senator at Garth Webb Secondary School!

The role of a Student Senator calls for strong leadership, a genuine commitment to representing the voices of fellow students, and the dedication to attend monthly meetings. Throughout the school year, Student Senators are expected to actively gather diverse perspectives from their peers and thoughtfully share them with the Senate.  

Interested?
➡️ Complete the application form here
➡️ Follow us on social media for updates @garthwebbsecondaryofficial
➡️ Or even better—talk to your teacher to learn more!

🗓 Application deadline: Monday, September 22, 2025

For more information, visit the HDSB Student Senate Website:
🌐 https://studentsenate.hdsb.ca/home

Tuesday’s @ 10

Guidance Counsellors hosted our first Tuesdays @Ten session of the year on Wednesday, September 3. This session was geared specifically towards parents/guardians who are new to the Garth Webb community. 

If you weren’t able to attend, you can access the slidedeck here.

Click here to visit the Tuesdays @Ten webpage for more information and to view previous sessions.

Google Classroom

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

Grade 9 Code: d2jitb6l

Grade 10 Code: oerdcjf

Grade 11 Code: euk4ho6

Grade 12 Code: bix3yen 

Course Changes

The last day to make a change to a semester one course will be Friday, Sept 12.  Appointments can be made directly through the online calendar of your guidance counselor. Calendars can be found on our website here.

Night School

International Languages Registration is Now Open

Our International Language School offers high school credit courses as part of our Night School program.

Classes run in-person in Oakville and are open to high school students (up to 21 years of age). Classes are free to Ontario residents.

Classes are held either weekly over the school year on Wednesdays, September – May, or twice weekly over a semester, Mondays and Wednesdays.

Our classes are high school credit courses, funded by the Ministry of Education, not general interest courses. Students are required to complete all assignments, tests, and exams and to maintain regular attendance (students may miss a total of 3 classes). Student IEPs should be provided to the teacher on the first day of class.

Information on course offerings and registration is available here.

Co-op

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

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:

Community Heritage Day

Volunteers will gain hands-on event experience, work with a friendly team, and contribute to a meaningful community celebration.

About the Crossing : Community Heritage Day

The Crossing is a free, land-based public event that celebrates the layered history, diverse cultures, and shared future of our community. Held each September in Lion’s Valley Park, it brings together stories of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, early settlers, and newcomers, inviting all who attend to reflect on heritage, reconciliation, and belonging. To learn more about the event visit the Ontario Culture Days website. 

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Lion’s Valley Park. Volunteer opportunities include:

Information Booth: Be the friendly first face people see! Greet guests as they arrive, answer questions, and point them in the right direction so they can enjoy the event.

Activity Assistant: Support the people running activities by volunteering at activity stations when things get busy, helping participants have a fun and smooth experience.

Hospitality: Help prepare and deliver boxed lunches for the activity leaders, making sure everyone stays fueled and ready for the day.

Site Set-Up and Tear-Down: Help get the event ready by carrying tents and chairs to their assigned spots in Lion’s Valley Park and assisting with setting them up. At the end of the day, help take down tents and carry chairs and equipment back to the pick-up location.

Students interested in volunteering should sign up by Wednesday, September 10, 2025, by emailing: samira.seradj3@gmail.com.

Library News

New this year! GW’s Library Learning Commons has new hours. The Library Learning Commons will be open everyday from 8:15 am until 2:45 pm. Our Library Technician will be available to students in the Library from 8:15 -11:15 am. Our Teacher Librarians are available Periods 1, 4, and 5 and can help students with research and citations, e-learning courses, finding books, and other resources, as well as run class lessons. GW’s Library is a hub of collaborative and individual learning. 

We look forward to supporting students this year!

GWSS & Washroom Safety

Last year, Have Your Say survey, along with ongoing daily conversations with students, has highlighted that students in our school do not feel safe in our school washrooms due to gatherings and inappropriate use of these spaces.

Please remind your student that students are not permitted to gather, socialize, or vape in the washrooms. These spaces are intended for individual use only.

To support a safe and respectful environment for all students, we will be regularly monitoring and clearing the washrooms throughout the day. As part of this process, staff will provide a countdown before entering to ensure student privacy is respected. If students are found consistently gathering in washrooms, school-based consequences will be applied, and parents/guardians will be notified.

We encourage students to socialize and connect with peers in designated common areas around the school. Our goal is to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and comfortable throughout the school day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support both you and your student.

Volunteer Annual Offence Declaration Reminder

For any parents/guardians who have a volunteer package on file at GW, please remember to complete and submit to the main office the annual offence declaration to keep your paperwork current.

If you have not completed a volunteer package and would like to volunteer in some capacity, please visit this page on our website for information.

Student Parking Passes

Students who will be driving to school on a regular basis must register their vehicle with the main office and must have a school parking pass displayed in their vehicle at all times while it is parked on school property. 

Please use this form to request a parking pass. You will need to have your vehicle make/license plate information to register for a parking pass. The office will contact you via email when your pass is ready.

Students are permitted to park in the lot closest to the front entrance to the school ONLY. Please note that having a parking pass does not guarantee you a parking spot. You must arrive early (before 8:15 am is recommended) to be sure to get a spot as it’s first come, first served.

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 16th), 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.

SAVIS’s 36th Annual Take Back the Night

Each year our Take Back the Night is a promise kept to survivors, and a reminder to everyone that when we work together – sexual violence has no place in Halton.  This year we are planning a special celebration of community, support, and a declaration of safety for all.

Event Details:

Date: September 18, 2025 (5 - 8pm)
Location: 171 Speers Road, Oakville, L6K 38W (Film.ca Cinemas)

Take Back the Night is a great opportunity to connect with community partners and local changemakers within the Halton Region! This year’s theme is “Shatter the Silence, Stop the Violence”, so we are planning for a MASSIVE turnout – our march through downtown Oakville will be loud and proud! Friends & families are welcome!

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

HLF 2025 Back to School Campaign

 The Halton Learning Foundation invites you to support their 2025 Back-to-School campaign.

 As you know, this is a CRITICAL time for HLF to raise enough funds so we can continue to say “yes” to HDSB students in need.

 We would invite you to make a personal donation. Our friends at belairdirect are matching all Monthly Donations up to $15,000 – a great way to double your impact.

 Carrie the Backpack, a new cheerful helper at HLF, wants to make sure every student goes back to school with a backpack full of everything they need. Right now, Carrie sees too many kids in our community walking into class without the basics — no backpack, no supplies, sometimes even no lunch. She wants to help them all, just like you do...and I know they need help TODAY before classes begin!

 Thanks to our donors, HLF helped over 3600 HDSB students last school year with emergency help and school supplies.

 Carrie would be super excited if you could support her with the 2025 Back-to-School campaign. She wants to raise $75,000 to help 300 HDSB students go back to school ready to learn.

Upcoming Key Dates

Sep 11 Grade Assemblies

Sep 24 CP Day (late start @9:30 am)

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)