Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition
Jan. 12 - 23
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday Jan. 13
- EQAO Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics
- Jr. Boys Basketball against Sacred Heart @ Sacred Heart (leave GWW @ 2:40pm)
- Sr. Boys Basketball @ Sacred Heart CHS (leave GWW @ 3;10pm)
Wednesday Jan. 14
- EQAO Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics
Thursday Jan. 15
- IB Grade 10 Parent Course Selection Presentation
- Jr. Boys Basketball against Aurora HS @ Aurora
- Day Online Learning Exams 12-2pm
Friday, Jan. 16
- Last day for tests, quizzes, and non-summative assignments
Wednesday Jan. 21
- Graduation Coach for Black Students: School Visits
Thursday Jan. 22
- Period 5 Exams
Friday Jan. 23
- Period 1 Exams
Principal’s Message
Dear Williams Families,
As we enter the final days of the semester and the exam period begins, this is an important time for students to consolidate their learning, complete final assessments, and demonstrate their understanding of course expectations.
Families, you can support your child by helping maintain consistent routines at home, including regular sleep, healthy meals, and uninterrupted time for studying and review. Checking in with your child about upcoming exams, major assignments, and deadlines (while focusing on effort and progress rather than just marks) can help reduce their stress.
For our Grade 9 students and families, this may be their first experience with secondary school exams, which can feel new and overwhelming. Extra encouragement, reassurance, and help with planning a simple study schedule can go a long way in building positive habits and confidence. Reminding students to take breaks, ask questions, and reach out for support reinforces that they are not navigating this busy time alone.
Our excellent faculty continue to support students throughout the exam period, and we encourage families to contact their teacher directly if questions or concerns arise. Working together, we can help all students feel prepared, supported, and ready to finish the semester strong.
Warm regards,
Mr. Andrew Gazaneo
Principal
School Events
Semester 1 Final Exams
Semester 1 Final Exams happen from Thursday, January 22nd through to Wednesday, January 28th. The exam schedule is linked here.
All exams begin at 8:30 am.
Students with performance-based and oral exams are to confirm their exam time with their 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.).
Please note:
- Thursday, January 29th is Exam Review Day (classes in the morning only)
- Friday, January 30th is a PA Day (no classes)
- Monday, February 2nd is the first day of Semester 2
Guidance
The time for students to select courses for the 2026/2027 school year is quickly approaching. Students recently attended an assembly where the Guidance Department shared important information on how to select courses. Students have access to these presentations via the Guidance Google Classroom and they can use this Course Selection Guide to access important information. In addition, students and parents/guardians are welcome to make an appointment with their Guidance Counsellor to review any questions they may have.
Course Selection Window Opens: Thursday February 12 @9:00 AM
Course Selection Due: Friday February 20 @4:00 PM
Staff Member | Alpha | Extension |
Mrs. Morelli, Guidance Counsellor | Last Names A - GL | Ext. 171 |
Ms. Murad, Guidance Counsellor | Last Names GO - LE | Ext. 170 |
Ms. Chow, Guidance Counsellor | Last Names LI - SC | Ext. 172 |
Mrs. Durbacz, Guidance Counsellor | Last Names SE - Z | Ext. 173 |
Aquatics Leadership Program
Registration is Now Open
Click on the flyer for more information!
Graduation June 24, 2026
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
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.
Lost and Found
We have displayed the items in our lost and found in front of the Guidance office. If your child has lost anything please have them take a look on or before January 29 as all unclaimed items will be donated after January 29, 2026.
YRT Service Update
Please see the link regarding updated information for Route 426
York Region Public Health
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.
Update your Contact Information
If your email or phone number has changed, please contact the main office to update your record. Students who are 18 years or older are also asked to provide their own phone number and email address. This ensures you receive all important messages.
Medical Information
If your child has asthma, seizures, anaphylaxis, or diabetes, please complete the appropriate Health Care Plan form as soon as possible. If your child requires an EpiPen, inhaler, or any other medication related to their condition, please ensure it is provided to the Main Office ASAP. The school board requires updated medical information for these conditions each year.
Fillable Health Care forms are available for families who have children with asthma, seizure disorders, anaphylaxis, and diabetes. These forms can be accessed through the link provided or a paper copy can also be requested from the main office. Please choose the one that applies to your child, click download and fill out. Please email lisa.degeer@yrdsb.ca the completed form or return to Mrs. DeGeer in the Main Office.
Important:If your child no longer requires a Health Care Plan, please email us to let us know so we can update our records.
Caring. Inclusive. Respectful. The next generation of global leaders.