Wildcat's Weekly - Feb. 23 - Mar. 6, 2026

Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition

 Feb 23- Mar 6

Upcoming Dates

Principal’s Message

Dear Williams Families,

At Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School, we are committed to creating a school environment where every student feels calm, safe, and genuinely supported. As part of our school improvement work, staff continue to focus on reducing student stress and anxiety by building strong relationships, affirming student identities, and shaping classroom spaces where all learners feel welcome. When students see themselves reflected in their learning and feel connected to the adults around them, they are more willing to participate, take healthy risks, and develop a meaningful sense of belonging.

Families, you can play an important part in this work. One helpful action is to have regular conversations at home about how school is going. These check‑ins help students feel seen and understood, and they also strengthen emotional awareness and coping skills. A second important support is encouraging healthy routines. Consistent sleep, balanced meals, physical activity, and set times for homework and breaks all contribute to stability, which supports both well‑being and academic success.

A third way families can help is by reaching out to classroom teachers or guidance staff early, even with small questions or concerns. This builds a strong partnership and helps students feel surrounded by caring adults who want them to succeed. When home and school work together, students experience a stronger sense of mattering and belonging, which lies at the heart of positive well‑being.

Have a great weekend

Mr. Andrew Gazaneo 

Principal

Does your child need a computer?

Renewed Computer Technology (RCT) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that empowers learners, educators and not-for-profit organizations with increased access to information and communications technology (ICT), skill development and learning opportunities, in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Partnering with York Region District School Board, we are offering affordable, renewed computer packages. More information can be found here.

Guidance

The course selection window for the 2026/2027 school year is now over.

Community Involvement Hours

The Ministry of Education has recently announced the Minister's Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement.  All students must complete a minimum of 40 hours to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).  However, interested students may now pursue a Community Involvement Recognition Certificate for going above and beyond the 40 hours. There are now three tiers of recognition.

• Bronze (50-99 hours)
• Silver (100-199 hours)
• Gold (200+ hours).

Previously, Guidance recorded the first 40 Community Involvement Hours. However, we will now collect up to 200 hours. Please be aware of the following dates:

• Tuesday March 31, 2026 - Date by which Grade 12 students seeking a certificate must submit all of their hours to the Guidance Office using this Google Form.
• Tuesday May 19, 2026 - Date by which all graduating students must have their 40 hours submitted.

OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) 

Click here for more information. 

Student Success 

Please see the message from Student Success Corner regarding course selection.  See link. 

Graduation June 24, 2026

Grad Gowns 

Grade 12 students, graduating this year, are invited to the annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony. The Graduation package is available for purchase on School Cash Online. There are two options to choose from:

• Graduation Ceremony and Reception + Cap and Gown Fee 2025-2026 ($85)

or

• Graduation Ceremony and Reception (No Gown or Cap) - Fee 2025-2026 ($70)

This fee finances the Graduation Ceremony. The deadline to pay for the Graduation package is March 13, 2026, to ensure timely delivery of the caps & gowns. If you have any questions, please email dr.g.w.williams.ss@yrdsb.ca.

Yearbooks 

Happy 2026 GW Parents!

As we kick off the New Year, now is the perfect time to order your child’s 2025–2026 GW Yearbook — a keepsake filled with unforgettable memories from our first year at our new location, 11 Spring Farm Rd.

Our dedicated Yearbook Team has been working around the clock capturing moments, designing layouts, and telling the story of this milestone year.  It’s more than a book — it’s a lasting gift they’ll treasure for years to come.

Important: Yearbooks are available by pre-order only and will not be available for purchase when they arrive in June.  Our order deadline is fast approaching so don't miss out. Please visit School Cash Online to order your copy today: https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

If you experience any issues placing your order through SCO or do not see the yearbook listed, please contact our Budget Secretary at connie.trepanier@yrdsb.ca.

Thank you for supporting the Yearbook — a timeless high school keepsake and a student-created snapshot of GW history.

Inclement Weather 

Bus or School Cancellations

With winter weather here, we want to share some important reminders for families.

When an inclement weather or extreme cold day is declared, school transportation (including buses and taxis) is cancelled in the morning and afternoon. Schools will remain open. If you drive your child to school, or your child takes alternate transportation, you must make arrangements for your child to get home at the end of the day. Please call/email the school if your child will not be attending school on those days. If you do not call/email the school the student will be marked absent and an automated call will be sent out. 

There may be rare instances when emergency winter events occur and we need to close all schools and Board locations. Please take the time to make plans in the event of an emergency school closure.

Information about transportation cancellations and Board closures will be shared through local media, board and school websites and on X @YRDSB.

Our process for extreme cold, inclement weather and emergency weather days is outlined in the board’s Severe Weather policy.

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 supports 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!

YRT Service Update

Please see the link regarding updated information for Route 426

York Region Public Health 

** NEW ** Please see this link for information on the Flu Vaccine and where you can get it.  

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

Please see the attached flyer providing information from Public Health regarding the Measles vaccine. 

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