Wildcat's Weekly - October 12-23, 2026

Parent/Guardian Newsletter | October 12-23, 2026

General Email: dr.g.w.williams.ss@yrdsb.ca       Attendance Email: drgwwilliamsss.attendance@yrdsb.ca

Bell Times: 8:20 AM – 3:00 PM           Office Hours: 7:45 AM – 3:45 PM

Dr. GW Williams SS Website

• Andrew Gazaneo        Principal
• Erin Gray        Vice Principal (Student Alpha : A–Le)
• Hatty Moon        Vice Principal (Student Alpha : Li-Z)

Hello Williams Families,

On October 20 and 21, the YRDSB will distribute interim report cards electronically, offering families an early look at how students are progressing. I encourage you to review the report with your child, celebrate what is going well, discuss any incomplete work, and consider what habits or supports may help as the semester continues.

This early feedback gives students time to make adjustments before midterms. Students can strengthen their routines, attend extra help, and speak with their teachers about questions or concerns. Families are also welcome to contact teachers directly. When families, students, and staff communicate openly, we can respond early and help students move forward with confidence.

Wishing a happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate and a restful long weekend to everyone.

Andrew Gazaneo

Principal

Guidance:

Guidance Counsellor ALPHA Change

Guidance has updated our alpha and your child’s counsellor may have changed. Please see below:

• Mrs. Morelli (Last Names A - G) susanna.morelli@yrdsb.ca
• Ms. Murad (Last Names H - K) zahra.murad@yrdsb.ca
• Ms. Chow (Last names L - R) simone.chow@yrdsb.ca
• Mrs. Durbacz (Last Names S - Z) sue.durbacz@yrdsb.ca        

Guidance Appointment Booking Instructions

Guidance appointments will now be available beginning September 24, 2026. Students must log into their Teach Assist account https://ta.yrdsb.ca/yrdsb

1. Under the sub-heading, select “Appointment Bookings”.
2. Choose your counsellor (based on your last name).
3. Click on the day and time you want to have your appointment.
4. If you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, click “Cancel”. If you have any trouble 
              making your appointment, please let the Guidance Department know.
5. It is the responsibility of students to remember to attend appointments.

Important Dates and Information

• MOBYSS (Mobile Youth Walk-In Clinic) - October 22, 2026, 10:00am - 2:00pm.
• Take Our Kids to Work Day (Grade 9 only) - November 4, 2026
• Semester One - Fall 2026 Remote Night School - Classes run September 22, 2026 to January 21, 2027 and is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm - 9:45pm. 

Post-Secondary Information

• Post-Secondary Fairs - Using a YRDSB GAPPS account, see this list of local post-secondary fairs.
• Accelerated OYAP and Apprenticeship Information Virtual Night - Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Register using a YRDSB GAPPS account here.
• Post-Secondary Assembly for Students - Friday, October 16, 2026 during Period 1.
• Pathways to the Skilled Trades and Technology Open House: Grades 9-11 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Richmond Green Secondary School. See flyer here.
• Financing Your Education Workshop - October 21, 2026 during Periods 2,3 & 4 in the School Library. Learn about applying for scholarships, bursaries, grants, and awards!
• OUINFO.CA - Use Ontario Universities Info to research Ontario university undergraduate programs.
• OUAC.ON.CA - Apply for Ontario universities. The equal consideration deadline is January 15, 2027. 
• OntarioColleges.ca - Research and apply for Ontario college diploma and certificate programs. The early consideration deadline is February 1, 2027.
• Please see below for OUAC and OCAS information transmission dates: 

Student Drop-Off Areas

Just a reminder to all families that the yellow zones in our parking lot are designated as No Drop-Off zones. These areas must remain clear at all times to support safe traffic flow and emergency vehicle access. Please use the designated drop-off areas when arriving at or leaving the school. Thank you for helping us keep our parking lot safe for everyone. 

Student Parking

Parking and stopping in the area surrounding the school is regulated by Town of Aurora bylaws, which are enforced during school arrival and departure times. Please refer to The School Zone Traffic Map for parking/stopping restrictions. 

Lockers

The locker request form is now closed. Students who completed the form will be provided with their locker number and combination within the next couple of weeks.

If your student missed the opportunity to request a locker, there will be another opportunity to do so once all current requests have been processed.

Please note: Returning Grade 10–12 students will continue to use the same locker and combination they had last year.

TeachAssist for Parents and Students

TeachAssist is a platform for students and parents to access the student record information. Students can see their courses and progress on TeachAssist.

Parents can access TeachAssist through the use of the parent portal. Please click this link for instructions.

Access Report Cards in the Family Dashboard

For families who do not yet have a Family Dashboard account, you can sign up for an account at any time at family.yrdsb.ca. You can find information on how to create an account on the Board website or in this instructional video. 

The Family Dashboard gives parents/guardians secure one-stop access to information and applications related to your child’s education. It is designed to make it easier for families to engage with their child’s education.  

We also want to remind families that it’s important that the school has updated contact information for students and parents/guardians, including home address, phone numbers, email address and emergency contacts. This will ensure that the school can contact families in case of emergency, and also that you continue to receive important communications and updates from the school. Please contact the school directly with any changes.  

YRDSB Calendar 2026-2027 

The YRDSB 2026-2027 school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry. These calendars may accessed on the YRDSB website at: https://www2.yrdsb.ca/school-year-calendar 

Public Health & Medical Updates: Visit York Region Public Health for resources and support. Medical management plans (Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy) must be updated with the main office. If your child has a serious or life-threatening allergy or prevalent medical condition, such as Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes or Epilepsy/Seizure plan of care please complete the appropriate health care plans, and deliver them to the main office.

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