Wildcat's Weekly - March 30-April 10

Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition

 Mar. 30-Apr. 10

Upcoming Dates

Office Hours 7:45am - 3:45pm 

Principal’s Message

Dear Williams Families,

As we enter the midterm period at Williams in a few weeks, students will be demonstrating their learning through assignments, tests, performances, and presentations. This part of the semester helps teachers understand each student’s progress and gives students a chance to show what they have learned so far. Midterm marks are often determined based on students’ work over this time. An organized approach in the coming weeks can help our Williams students feel more confident as they complete these important evaluations.

Our students benefit from breaking study material into smaller topics rather than attempting to review entire chapters or units at once; this reduces overwhelm and helps students focus more clearly on key ideas. Active recall strategies, such as quizzing themselves or peers, using flashcards or practicing explanations aloud, strengthen memory and improve understanding before assessments. Starting review early and spacing study sessions over several days also helps students retain information more effectively and lowers stress levels during busy periods.

I’ve written about this before but it bears repeating: healthy routines also play an essential role in student success. Adequate sleep supports students’ focus, memory and overall well‑being. Students perform better when they avoid late‑night cramming and instead maintain regular rest. Families, you can assist by helping your children plan ahead, encouraging balanced routines, and checking in with them about upcoming deadlines or questions. 

Have a great weekend!

Mr. Andrew Gazaneo 

Principal

York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families

For more information on the Triple P Teen Seminar please see this link 

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

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.

Parent & Guardian Interest Survey

Please click link for the survey.

Girls Inc - Prom Prep 

If you are interested in the upcoming Prom Prep event hosted by Girls Inc of York Region please see this link.  

Graduation June 24, 2026

Prom is approaching quickly, and the staff of Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School is pleased to celebrate this occasion with grade 12 students on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Bellagio Event Venue, located at 8540 Jane Street, Vaughan.  The evening will begin at 6:00 PM and end promptly at 10:00 PM.  Doors close at 6:30 PM.  The evening’s events will include dinner at 7:00 PM followed by dancing.  Prom will be supervised by school board staff and the York Regional Police.

In order to attend, students must have all necessary permissions in place through School Cash Online and attend the grade 12 assembly.  Proof of ticket purchase is required.

Tickets will be available for purchase through School Cash Online, from Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 9, 2026.

 Please Note:

• A limited number of tickets will be sold to this event.
• Upon initial release, only one ticket per student may be purchased.
• Priority is offered to students currently attending Dr. G.W. Williams.
• Individual ticket price is dependent on whether or not the student activity fee has previously been paid.  All ticket sales will be reviewed to ensure the correct payment amount has been demonstrated.
• If unable to attend prom, no refunds will be issued.
• If space remains at the end of the initial selling period, the opportunity to purchase guest tickets will be offered on a first come first served basis. Further information around guest ticket sales will be available after April 10th.

Any questions should be directed to Lisa.shillum@yrdsb.ca

Yearbooks 

Have you ordered the 2025-2026 G.W. Yearbook? The deadline to order is quickly approaching to order the first ever yearbook from our new location of 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 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!

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.