Wildcat's Weekly - April 27-May 8

Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition

 Apr. 27-May 8

Upcoming Dates

Office Hours 7:45am - 3:45pm 

Principal’s Message

Dear Williams Families,

Our new Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School facility gives students outstanding spaces to learn ‘by doing’, especially in Technological Education. Students now work in purpose-built areas such as our auto shop, construction shop, design technology lab, computer labs, and communication technology lab with a green screen studio, sound booth, and editing suites. These facilities let students build practical skills and see how classroom learning connects to the world beyond school. 

This focus matters more than ever because Ontario now requires every student who begins Grade 9 to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The province introduced this requirement to broaden access to the skilled trades. 

For students who want to explore these pathways more deeply, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, also known as OYAP, offers a strong next step. OYAP allows eligible Grade 11 and 12 students to earn co-op credits through a skilled trades placement and begin apprenticeship training while they complete their secondary school diploma.  If you or your child want to learn more, please connect with their Guidance counsellor. 

Take care

Mr. Andrew Gazaneo 

Principal

Semester 2 Exam Schedule

Semester 2 final examinations are quickly approaching. Below is the exam schedule and important dates for the end of semester 2. It is important that families do not make plans during the exam period.

Examination Period: 

Please note:

All exams begin at 8:30 am.

Performance-based and oral exams are scheduled directly with the classroom teacher.

Students MUST write their exam at school on the day and at the time for which it is scheduled. If students are absent from their exam, they will receive a mark of zero (0) for the final exam. Final exams will NOT be rescheduled to accommodate alternate activities which conflict with the timing of exams (i.e. vacations, employment commitments, appointments, etc.).

Parent & Guardian Interest Survey

We want to ensure our school community provides the support your family needs. Please share the challenges you are facing with your teenager by completing this brief survey.  Your feedback will allow us to partner with York Region Family Services to host multilingual, after-school workshops in Spring and Fall 2026.

Guidance

YRDSB Summer School Information

Summer School registration is now open.  Students can register through their My Pathway Planner account under “Continuing Education”.  Please see the YRDSB Summer School information page for details around course offerings, sessions, dates, locations, delivery models and the registration process.

Course Selection

• The course selection window for the 2026-2027 school year is now closed
• Course Selection Verifications will be distributed to parents/guardians via email. This communication will include detailed instructions for submitting requests to modify course selections. Requests for changes will be accepted until Monday, April 13 at 9:00 a.m., after which the request process will reopen in late August 2026.

Community Involvement Hours

• Tuesday May 19, 2026 - Date by which all graduating students must have their 40 hours submitted.

Adult Day School

If you are interested in attending Adult Day School click here.

Easter Seals - 50th Annual National AccessAbilities Run/Walk and Roll 

For more information please click here.

York Regional Police Festival - Rise to Road Tennis

For more information & to register

Prom 

Prom tickets are sold out. Students who have purchased a ticket and have questions about forms can see Mrs. Kelly and questions around seating can see Mrs. Shillum 

Graduation June 24, 2026

Mental Health Ontario

School Mental Health Ontario has introduced a new Parent/Caregiver resource hub to support your child's mental health and well-being.  By Your Side, a suite of resources to support mental health and well-being for every family. 

We know that parents and caregivers want their children to be physically and mentally healthy, and already have many effective tools and strategies in place. 

By Your Side recognizes the expertise of parents and caregivers and offers resources to support and strengthen mental health and well-being in every family. 

The new Learning Hub is an online resource centre co-created by Ontario parents/caregivers and school mental health professionals designed to meet the needs of Ontario’s families. Resources and support are made available in multiple formats—including web content, PDFs, videos and webinars (coming soon!)—the Hub ensures families can access information and strategies that promote mental health and well-being at home. 

Key topics in the Parent/Caregiver Learning Hub include:

• understanding mental health 
• promoting mental health at home 
• supporting mental health at school 
• stress and anxiety management 
• substance use prevention 
• navigating digital technology use 
• reaching out for help 

Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to access the Hub or click on this link!

Please see the link from York Region Public Health regarding student absenteeism.

Caring. Inclusive. Respectful. The next generation of global leaders.