Wildcat's Weekly - January 26 - Feb. 6, 2026

Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition

 Jan. 26 - Feb. 6

Upcoming Dates

Principal’s Message

Dear Williams Families,

As we wrap up the first semester and get ready for a fresh start in February with new courses, I would like to remind our students and families about the Bring Your Own Device Program at Williams. We are experiencing a number of students coming to the Library to borrow a device over the course of the school day. There is a limited supply for short term access, but we want to remind students to bring their device from home as often as possible. 

If your child needs to borrow a device that they can use over the school year, please contact their Vice-Principal and we can arrange a long term loan. This will help to minimize students needing to leave class to borrow a device.

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 29^th is Exam Review Day (classes in the morning only)
• Friday, January 30^th is a PA Day (no classes)
• Monday, February 2^nd is the first day of Semester 2

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 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 

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 

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.

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 

** 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.