Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition
Nov 17 - 28, 2025
Upcoming Dates
Monday Nov 17
- Girls Varsity Hockey game against Huron Heights (leave GWW @ 1:40pm)
- IB Grade 11 Parent Orientation 6-7 - Cafeteria
- School Council 7-8:30pm - Library
Tuesday Nov 18
- OSSLT - Grade 10s only
Wednesday Nov 19
- OSSLT - Grade 10s only
- Dave & Buster’s (SHSM)
- On-Line to Success-Ontario (OLTS) Transitions Program (6-7pm) - Please see the attached poster for more information.
Thursday Nov 20
- Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) marks transmission.
- Youth S.P.A.C.E Symposium (Aurora Town Square)
- IB Intake Assessment - 5:30-7PM
- Semi Formal @ The Royal Venetian Mansion, Aurora 6-10pm
Friday Nov 21
Tuesday Nov 25
- OSSLT - Grade 11 & 12 (Library)
- Designathon - Technovation Girls (Aurora Public Library)
Wednesday Nov 26
- OSSLT - Grade 11 & 12 (Library)
Thursday Nov 27
- MSA Regional Meeting 4:30-7:00pm
- Coffee House (Winter) 6:30-8:00pm
Friday, Nov 28
- Full Disclosure Date - Courses dropped by this date will not show on a student’s transcript.
- Career Fair (Per 2 in the Library)
Principal’s Message
Hello Families,
At Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, we believe learning extends beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities (sports, arts, clubs, or leadership opportunities) help our students develop essential skills like teamwork, time management, and resilience. Research and YRDSB’s own commitment to student engagement show that involvement in school life fosters a sense of belonging and confidence, which are key to academic success and overall well-being. From athletics and music to student council and equity initiatives, there is something for every interest and passion.
I encourage families to talk with their child about what sparks their curiosity and help them explore opportunities to get involved. A conversation with a guidance counsellor can also be a method to connect interests to existing opportunities here. Extracurricular participation not only builds leadership and social skills but also strengthens connections to school, making students feel valued and included. For more information about programs and activities, visit our website. Together, we can help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Have a restful weekend.
Mr. Gazaneo
Principal
School Events
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) measures whether students are meeting the provincial standard for literacy skills expected by the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the OSSLT is a requirement for earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Grade 10 students will complete the test in their homeroom class over two days: Session A on Tuesday, November 17 and Session B on Wednesday, November 18.
Grade 11 and 12 previously eligible students will write the test in the Library. Session A will be written on Tuesday, November 25 and Session B on Wednesday, November 26.
Each session will begin promptly at 8:20 a.m. and is designed to take approximately 65–75 minutes to complete. Extra time will be provided to all students who require it.
Semester 1 Final Exams
Semester 1 final exams will take place from Thursday, January 22 to Wednesday, January 28. We kindly remind families not to schedule appointments, trips, interviews, work, or other commitments during the exam period.
Thursday, January 22 - Period 5 Exams
Friday, January 23 - Period 1 Exams
Monday, January 26 - Period 2 Exams
Tuesday, January 27 - Period 3 Exams
Wednesday, January 28 - Period 4 Exams
Please note: If an exam day is declared an inclement weather day by the Board (e.g., bus cancellations), the exams scheduled for that day will be moved to Thursday, January 29.
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.
York Region Public Health
Please see the attached flyer providing information from Public Health regarding the Measles vaccine.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Poverty Reduction Strategy Survey
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is assessing Ontario’s current 2020–2025 poverty reduction strategy and developing the next poverty reduction strategy. Willing families are asked to fill in this survey to provide feedback to the Ministry. The deadline to submit a response is November 30, 2025. The survey should take around 20 minutes to complete. Please email prs@ontario.ca if you have questions about the poverty reduction strategy consultation or how we collect and use your personal information.
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.