Principal's Message

Good Morning Garth Webb:

What a fun week we had! My cup runneth over with pride! This is what the high school experience is all about.  Students have been engaged both inside and outside of the classroom. There were a variety of ways students showcased their talents all week.   

The Gr. 12 Art Show was on display in the foyer and we were all amazed at how well students can paint or draw people!! People are the hardest to do!! Some younger artists were also mixed in and on display that day. Classes perused the Co-op displays in the Library and were able to explore various student placements and ask questions. Field trips went out to the Bio Labs at McMaster and classes visited the Culinary Arts school at George Brown College.  

We are kicking some serious butt with all of our sports teams at both league play and tournament play. Hockey teams, swimming, the volleyball tournament, and basketball. I mean the scores have been so high in the jr. & sr. boys basketball games that we were just running the shot clock down by passing the ball around and not scoring anymore on the other team. We were nice and respectful Chargers!!  At one point I was running between the Mock Trials in the Library after school on Thursday and the basketball game in the gym... and then stayed for the wonderful Winter Concert that all the students and staff put on later that night. The talent was truly incredible from our rock band, choir, vocal trios, to our junior and senior ensembles. They had difficult song choices and performed them all so well!!   

Practice, in all things...does pay off!! 

The Gr. 12 Leadership class continues to plan fun things and impress us! We had a separate Rock Band concert with multiple bands performing on Wednesday after school. They combined their efforts with the Child's Chance Club Bake Sale to raise money for World Vision. Two Leadership classes are doing a Toy Drive that has families filling multiple boxes in the office to give to Oakville Firefighters for distribution and to kids in the Oakville hospital. Two other students from the class took the initiative to work with the Gr.10 Manufacturing students to make over 130 New Years Cards for our local seniors. A majority of these recipients no longer have family who come to visit them. Staff and students were personally very touched by the incredibly thoughtful gesture. Inside the card there is a personalized note from all the students of the class. It is one example of how the community can come together to support and look after one another!   

We closed the week with a Student vs Teacher Basketball Game at lunch on Friday to a packed gym. Staff led early in the game, then the students caught up and went ahead, only to be narrowly defeated by the teachers in the end 34 - 33!!! A shout out to Mr. Koo who was the MVP of the game with his impressive ball handling skills and a 3 point shot to clinch the win!!! The kids went nuts!!! Who knew he had so much game!?!

Our very own VP, Mr. Eric Keunne, was away last week in Cameroon at a conference where he was the keynote speaker and talking about the book that he wrote. He is helping the communities in that country come together to showcase their literary talents in both French and English. He will also be off until just after March Break, as he will be on a Parental Leave. We are fortunate to have Mark Zonneveld, a retired Superintendent from our board, fill in for Mr. Keunne while he is off. I think I am going to have fun telling the Superintendent what to do.  :) 

There is a lot more fun planned for this last Spirit Week before the break from the Student Activities Council, Arts Council, and the GW Athletic Council!! 

Also, this is the last Principal's Blog until January 14, 2024 due to the holidays. On behalf of all the staff at Garth Webb Secondary School, we wish you a safe and Happy Holiday and all the best for the New Year! Enjoy the time with family and friends.

Take care,

Jacquie Pece

From Your Student Services Department

2024-2025 Course Selection

(multilingual assist document)

The course selection period will open this week and will close on Thursday, Feb 8, 2024. Please use the resources below to help you with the process.  Students will be using myBlueprint in order to submit their courses (www.myblueprint.ca/halton). Detailed information will be shared through email with families later this week.

Save the Date: Parent Course Selection Informational Sessions

Student Services will be running two informational sessions geared to parents around the course selection process.  

On Tuesday, Jan 9 from 10-11 am we will host a virtual session and on Thursday, Jan 18 from 6:30-7:45 pm we will be hosting an in-person evening session.

Post Secondary Applications

Applications to Universities (through OUAC) and Colleges (through OCAS) are now open. Students can apply anytime between now and the deadline.

University Application Portal – applications are due prior to Jan 15, 2024

College Application Portal – applications are due prior to Feb 1, 2024

Important Parking Lot Reminders

Please be aware that our parking lot is very busy at school entry and dismissal times. It is preferred that students walk to school whenever possible. However, if you do end up driving your student to school (or for students who are driving themselves), we advise that people arrive early to avoid delays especially during the winter months and inclement weather. Come early to get a spot and please do not park in “no parking zones”.  Arriving early is even more important now that the Town has closed the parking lot by the park for the winter. 

Also, it has been brought to our attention that many vehicles are entering the east parking lot of our school at the end of the school day. Please note that the east entrance is ONE LANE ONLY. There are two exit lanes, but the entrance is only for one lane of cars at a time. It is preferred that you enter the school parking lot via the main driveway just to the west of the stoplight. DO NOT ENTER THE PARKING LOT THROUGH THE STOP LIGHTS—IT IS AN EXIT ONLY.

 STUDENT PARKING PASS

Students who will be driving to school must have their vehicle registered with the main office and must display a school parking pass in their vehicle 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. Students are permitted to park in the lot closest to the front entrance to the school ONLY. The office will contact you via email when passes are ready. 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.

The parking lot that is by the playground area is owned by the Town of Oakville and is closed off during the winter months. We do not know when that parking lot will reopen but in the past it is usually late April/early May.

Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe!

Exam Schedule & Absences During Performance Tasks & Examinations

The semester 1 examination period, as determined by the Halton District School Board’s 2023-2024 Ministry approved school year calendar, is from Thursday, January 25 to Wednesday, January 31, 2024. The exam schedule and the information about what happens in the event of the school’s closure are given below. In addition, we also wanted to remind everyone that examinations are to be written on the assigned examination date, except in the case of illness and/or extenuating circumstances. As soon as you become aware of a circumstance that will conflict with any aspect of the final 30% of course evaluation(s) - please have your student reach out to their alpha Vice Principal.

Semester One Final Evaluation Block

Students will be completing Final Performance Tasks between the period of Monday, January 8, 2024 and Wednesday, January 24, 2023.  Final Performance Tasks must be completed under the supervision of the classroom teacher and should require no significant new learning to be done at home. If a course has both a Final Performance Task and a Final Exam, the FPT will be completed no later than Friday, January 19 in order that there is significant class time remaining for Final Exam review (Monday, January 22—Wednesday, January 24).

 Final Exams will begin on Thursday, January 25. All exams begin at 9:00 a.m. and are scheduled to be written in the regular classroom unless a change in location is announced by the teacher. The library will be open each day from 8:30—9 am only and the cafeteria will be closed from January 25 - February 2 and will reopen on Monday, February 5. Students are to exit the building immediately after they complete their exam each day.

The exam schedule follows the format of one exam per day based on a Week A schedule:

Thursday, January 25: Period 1 Exams @ 9 am

Friday, January 26: Period 2 Exams @ 9 am

Monday, January 29: Period 4 Exams @ 9 am

Tuesday, January 30: Period 5 Exams @ 9 am

Wednesday, January 31: Extra day if needed due to school closures

Thursday, February 1: Exam Review Day - shortened day schedule (attendance is taken this day)

Inclement Weather Procedure

Cancellation of Transportation - all exams will still be written that day (G.W. has no buses).

Board Closes Schools - all exams will be cancelled and shifted to the next day in the schedule.

(i.e. If schools were closed on Thursday Jan. 25th - Period 1, Thursday's exams would be cancelled and then written the next day on Friday Jan, 26th.  All exams would shift a day in the schedule).

Co-op Student of the Week

Student:  Victoria Naemsch, Grade 11       

Placement:  Captain R. Wilson P.S. JK/SK

At my placement, I am responsible for directing the students with activities throughout the afternoon, reading with them to build up their motor skills and helping out around the classroom by adding pictures and students' work onto the walls of the classroom and making sure things stay organized. I build connections and relationships with the students and make sure that they feel safe and welcomed in the classroom when they come in every day. 

The time that I have been at Captain R. Wilson has taught me a lot and how to deal with situations as they come even if I am not 100% sure of the answer. I have learned how to improve my presentation, communication and observation skills within a classroom and outside on the playground. Not only this but I have learned to improve on my patience because sometimes the students are not as fast at something or it might take them a while to comprehend what is being asked of them and I have learned to take it slow and help them when they need it. I find my responsibility has also grown as I am in a class full of students and when things happen such as a fire drill I am responsible for making sure that all the students are out on time and doing what is asked of them. 

Co-op has given me practical classroom experiences and assisted with the issue of real-world exposure. It puts me in professional situations, for me to develop a professional attitude and a good work ethic. It also helps me better grasp what it would be like to be a teacher and confirms that this is still something I would want to pursue for postsecondary.

Student Newsletter Juno Journal

Click here to read the December 2023 issue of the student newsletter Juno Journal. Thank you to the student newsletter team and advisors for your work in putting this together. We hope you enjoy this issue.

You can view past issues on our website here.

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:

Burlington Festival of Lights Patrol

Description: Volunteers are asked to patrol the Festival of Lights on any night(s) during the event (November 24 to January 7). Volunteers choose their schedule and amount of days.

Roles: 

• Volunteers are to walk through the lighting displays and visually inspect them for any malfunctioning and/or damaged displays.  

• Proper footwear (the lights are set up on a field) and a cellphone should be brought for your trip to Spencer Smith Park. 

• For any malfunctioning displays, we ask that you take pictures to later provide to the Coordinator. 

• The night of or morning after the walk through, volunteers are expected to email the coordinator with an update on the park, inclusive of pictures if applicable.

Time Commitment: Volunteers choose their schedule/amount of days

Contact: festivaloflights@burlingtonhydro.com

Reminder for Students

Just a reminder that the office does not have disposable cutlery or cups for students. Please remember to bring the utensils you need to school as well as a refillable water bottle. There are water filling stations and water fountains throughout the building. Thank you!

Yule/Winter Solstice—December 21

Yule or Yuletide ("Yule time" or "Yule season") is a festival historically observed by the Germanic peoples. Scholars have connected the original celebrations of Yule to the Wild Hunt, the god Odin, and the pagan Anglo-Saxon Mōdraniht. Many present-day Christmas customs and traditions such as the Yule log, Yule goat, Yule boar, Yule singing, and others stem from pagan Yule traditions. The Winter Solstice, occurring on December 21, is the longest night of the year, and a time for light, feasting, and contemplation. 

Click here to read about Yule celebrations around the world.

Christmas Day—December 25

For those of you who celebrate Christmas, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas! Christmas is a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of fairly recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic jōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. 

Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role. Click here to read more.

Kwanzaa—December 26—January 1

The word “Kwanza” is a KiSwahili (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) word meaning “first.” Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January. The symbols of Kwanzaa includes crops (mzao) which represents the historical roots of African-Americans in agriculture and also the reward for collective labor. The mat (mkeka) lays the foundation for self-actualization. The candle holder (kinara) reminds believers in the ancestral origins in one of 55 African countries. Corn/maize (muhindi) signifies children and the hope associated in the younger generation. Gifts (Zawadi) represent commitments of the parents for the children. The unity cup (Kkimbe cha Umoja) is used to pour libations to the ancestors. Finally, the seven candles (mishumaa saba) remind participants of the seven principles and the colors in flags of African liberation movements -- 3 red, 1 black, and 3 green. Click here to read more.

Epiphany/Dia de los Reyes - January 6

Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on January 6 (or January 19 for some Orthodox Churches who have Christmas on January 7) and is the time when Christians remember the Wise Men (also sometimes called the Three Kings) who visited Jesus. The Bible doesn't say how many Wise Men there were or that they were kings. The number three comes from the three gifts the Wise Men / Magi brought with them. Click here to learn more.

In Mexico, the day is known as Dia de los Reyes. Día de Los Reyes also includes more gift giving in Mexico. Before Santa Claus became such a massive figure in the Westernized version of Christmas, the Three Wise Men were actually the ones who brought gifts during Christmas in Mexico. Click here to learn more.

Orthodox & Ethopian Christmas - January 7

Followers of the Eastern Rite celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus on January 7, based on the Julian calendar. Some sub-groups observe the day on January 6. Traditional celebrations include singing carols, having holy supper on Christmas Eve, and attending church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Click here and to learn more.

Ethiopia (and especially the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church) also celebrates Christmas on January 7th, not  December 25th. The Ethiopian Calendar has different months - and Christmas in on the 29th of Tahsas. The calendar the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church uses originally came from calendar used by the Coptic Orthodox Church (which is based in Egypt) but now has it's own special days. Click here to learn more.

Lohri & Maghi - January 13

Maghi – Lohri is actually a combination of the Maghi Hindu festival that’s celebrated in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, and the Lohri folk festival that’s celebrated in Northern India. Maghi begins on the first day of the month of Magh in the Hindu calendar, and it comes after Lohri.

The combination of these two events creates a festive atmosphere that’s highlighted with bonfires, eating sweet dishes such as kheer, and following these events, ritual bathing in ponds or rivers. In different cultures, this holiday festival is observed for different reasons. For some parts of Himachal Pradesh, this festival is dedicated to the worship of Agni Devta. In Sikhism, this is a time for people to commemorate the sacrifice of the forty Sikhs who fought for Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Click here to read more.

Habits for Wellness: Mental Health & Well-Being Group for Students

Dear HDSB students in Grade 9-12:

The Halton District School Board is offering the following mental health and well-being group service for students facilitated by HDSB Mental Health Psychoeducational Consultants.

Habits for Wellness

Habits for Wellness is a program that will teach students skills related to forming goals, self-reflection and habit formation for their personal wellness (e.g. screen time, sleep, nutrition, physical activity). Habits for Wellness is based on Atomic Habits by James Clear. 

The five-session program will run after school hours (4 - 5 p.m.) in a virtual format, every second Wednesday (excluding Spring Break). 

Dates: 

• Jan. 17, 2024

• Jan. 31, 2024

• Feb. 14, 2024

• Feb. 28, 2024

• March 27, 2024

Students will require a private space to participate in each session. We also ask participants to turn on their cameras during the session, as this is an interactive program. Please let us know if you require any support on this matter.

There may be a high volume of interest in the program and therefore, we will only be able to accept a limited number of students. Upon completion of the Habits for Wellness Intake Form, you will receive an email response informing you of program acceptance or deferral. 

Criteria:

• Desire to learn about habit formation in a group format

• Ability to communicate verbally (English) and manage reading content (with or without assistive technology)

• Ability to participate independently in a small group setting

• Committed to attending all five sessions 

• Exclusion: This program is not a therapeutic intervention or intended for students who self-harm or have an eating disorder

Complete the Habits for Wellness Referral Form to register by Dec. 18, 2023 at 4 p.m. 

If you require any assistance or have any questions, please contact: Lisa Sedore (sedorel@hdsb.ca) Mental Health Psychoeducational Consultant or Larissa Pipe (pipel@hdsb.ca), Mental Health Psychoeducational Consultant.

Reminder from Oakville Transit

In order for students to ride free on Oakville Transit, they must have a PRESTO card. Please visit the Oakville Transit website for further information.  Here is a link to the PRESTO site with information on how you can get a PRESTO card.

Ensure Immunization Records are Up to Date with Halton Region Health

Students in Grades 9 to 12 must have up-to-date immunization records with Halton Region Public Health.

Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires that all children and adolescents attending school be fully immunized against several designated diseases. All immunization requirements for school attendance align with Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule. Vaccines required for school attendance are free, safe and effective.

Parents/guardians of all students born in 2006 to 2009 (Grades 9 to 12) must complete the following steps:

1. Review your student's online record at halton.ca/immunize.

2. If your student has missed any vaccines, make an immunization appointment with a health care provider.

3. Report vaccines online at halton.ca/immunize. Every time a health care provider immunizes a student, parents/guardians must report the vaccines to Public Health. Healthcare providers do not report the vaccines they give to their patients.

Students born in 2006 to 2009 must have up to date immunization records (or a valid medical or non-medical exemption) against the following ISPA designated diseases:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio;

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella; and

• Meningococcal Disease.

Halton Region Public Health is reviewing the immunization records of Halton students born in 2006 to 2009. Parents/guardians will be notified by mail if their student's record is not up-to-date, starting in October 2023. This school year, students in Grades 9 to 12 may be suspended from school in early 2024 if their immunization records are not updated by the December 2023 deadline.

Please note, at this time COVID-19 vaccines are not required to attend school. You cannot report COVID-19 vaccines using the online reporting tool.

If your student is unable to be immunized for medical reasons or if you choose not to immunize your student, you must submit a vaccine exemption to Halton Region Public Health. For more details about this process, please visit halton.ca/immunize.

To learn more about immunizations, including translated resources, visit ontario.ca/vaccines, immunize.ca/resources or download A Parent's Guide to Vaccination at canada.ca/vaccines.

Upcoming Key Dates

Dec 18 - Jan 24 Protected Time

Dec 22 Early Dismissal

Dec 25 - Jan 5 Winter Break (School Closed)

Jan 25 - 31 Exam Block

Feb 1 Exam Review Day (early dismissal)

Feb 2 PA Day - no school for students

Feb 5 First Day of Semester 2

Feb 6 Tuesdays @Ten

Feb 9 Semester 1 Final Report Card Distribution

Feb 13 OUAC / OCAS Semester 1 Final Mark Upload

Feb 16 PA Day - no school for students

Feb 19 Family Day (School Closed)

Feb 20 Semester 2 Photo Day (new students)

Feb 21 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

Mar 5 Tuesdays @Ten

Mar 7 5th Week Report Distribution (grade 9 students)

Mar 11 - 15 Spring Break (School Closed)

Mar 27 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

Mar 29 Good Friday (School Closed)

Apr 1 Easter Monday (School Closed)

Apr 2 Tuesdays @Ten

Apr 17 Last Day of Term 1

Apr 18 First Day of Term 2

Apr 22 PA Day - no school for students

Apr 24 OUAC / OCAS Semester 2 Midterm Mark Upload

Apr 24 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

Apr 26 Semester 2 Midterm Report Card Distribution

May 3 Full Disclosure

May 7 Tuesdays @Ten

May 20 Victoria Day Holiday (School Closed)

May 22 CP Day - Classes start at 9:30 am

May 23 15th Week Report Distribution

May 23 Grade 12 Prom

May 27 - Jun 19 Protected Time

Jun 4 Tuesdays @Ten

Jun 10 Class of 2024 Commencement

Jun 20 - 26 Exam Block

Jun 27 Exam Review Day/Last Day of School (early dismissal)

Jun 28 PA Day - no school for students

Jul 3 OUAC / OCAS Semester 2 Final Mark Upload

Jul 8 Semester 2 Final Report Card Distribution and Diploma Pick up