Welcome to Grade 9 at Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School, home of the Wildcats.
We know students and families often have lots of questions about starting high school and we are here to help.
Open House
Check the dates of our open house in the fall.
Missed the open house? Explore our website to learn more about the school and visit Preparing for the Transition to High School on the Board website to learn more about what to expect in Grade 8 and how you can start preparing now.
What can you expect at Dr. G. W. Williams?
An atmosphere of innovation and excellence
Dr. G.W. Williams S.S. is a long-standing part of the Aurora community, with generations of families connected to the school. Today, in a modern, well-equipped facility, students build on that strong foundation through a wide range of learning opportunities.
- Population: 1550
- Five period day
- Semester program for all grades
- Exam/Culminating weeks January and June
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
A teaching and learning environment in which each participating student and teacher has access to a primary device on a direct and continuous basis for educational purposes. Students do not share their technology with other students but take ownership over their own device.
- Laptop - This does not have to be a fancy or powerful laptop
- Chromebook - Access to google apps only which is all they need
- Tablet - A keyboard attachment is required
Cellphones are not a primary device.
Programs For All Pathways
We offer a range of programs that let students gain practical experience and skills while working towards their secondary school diplomas
Visit the Guidance Department
A Supportive Environment - Williams Cares
Student Services
We support:
- Students already identified through formal IPRC i.e. students with existing IEPs (all students identified through the IPRC process are automatically assigned a SERT)
- Students in the process of being formally identified (e.g., through psychoeducational assessment/testing)
- Students placed in one of our 4 Partially Integrated Community Classes
Learn more about Student Services supports.
Next steps:
- Incoming Students from YRDSB schools: Grade 8 SERTs/Gifted/Community Class teachers will coordinate an IPRC in February
- Incoming Students from non-YRDSB schools: Bring a copy of your IEP and any psychoeducational assessments/medical diagnoses that were used to develop your IEP to your registration appointment
Student Success
- 1-on-1 academic support for in risk students before school, at lunch and after school
- Weekly after-school study hall for students who have overdue assignments
- Small group support
- In class support
- Social-emotional and mental health support through our Child and Youth Workers (CYWs)
- Peer tutoring (language specific if possible)
Get involved!
Transitioning to Secondary School
We are here to support students in their transition to Grade 9 and throughout their high school years. We take extra care to ensure Grade 9 students feel welcomed, prepared and supported. This includes:
- first day of school activities for Grade 9 students
- peer assisted leadership students (PALS)
- transitions activities
- school tours
Planning for Secondary School
Access resources and checklists to help you start planning for secondary school, and information about opportunities and what to expect.
