Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition - April 13-24

Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition

 Apr. 13-24

Upcoming Dates

Office Hours 7:45am - 3:45pm 

Principal’s Message

Dear Williams Families,

At Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School, supporting student health and well-being is an ongoing focus for our staff. We recognize that high school can be demanding, and that students carry a range of pressures related to learning and their life outside of school. As a staff, we are committed to growing our practice in thoughtful ways that help reduce stress and anxiety for students. This includes building strong, trusting relationships, being mindful of how classroom expectations and routines affect students, and creating spaces where students feel respected and accepted for who they are.

We also know that when students feel safe and supported, they are more confident, more engaged, and more willing to take healthy risks in their learning. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels connected to Dr. G.W. Williams school community and knows that they matter. 

We value the partnership of you, our families, as we continue to strengthen a school culture that supports both academic growth and overall well-being. Please continue to reach out to your child’s teachers if you have concerns or if your child needs support. We remain committed to learning and improving together for the benefit of all students.

Mr. Andrew Gazaneo 

Principal

Semester 2 Exam Schedule

Semester 2 final examinations are quickly approaching. Below is the exam schedule and important dates for the end of semester 2. It is important that families do not make plans during the exam period until the schedule has been published.

Examination Period: 

Please note:

All exams begin at 8:30 am.

Performance-based and oral exams are scheduled directly with the 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.).

Parent & Guardian Interest Survey

We want to ensure our school community provides the support your family needs. Please share the challenges you are facing with your teenager by completing this brief survey.  Your feedback will allow us to partner with York Region Family Services to host multilingual, after-school workshops in Spring and Fall 2026.

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

• Tuesday May 19, 2026 - Date by which all graduating students must have their 40 hours submitted.

Adult Day School

If you are interested in attending Adult Day School click here.

Easter Seals - 50th Annual National AccessAbilities Run/Walk and Roll 

For more information please click here.

York Regional Police Festival - Rise to Road Tennis

For more information & to register

Prom 

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 with doors closing at 6:30 PM. The evening ends promptly at 10:00 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.

 A limited number of guest/personal Prom tickets will be available for purchase beginning April 13th.  Only 57 tickets will be available Monday, April 13, 20026.  FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis. 

 In order to attend, students must have all necessary permission forms completed - students, please see Mrs. Kelly in room 222 for this information.  Proof of ticket purchase is required. All grade 12 students are expected to attend the grade 12 assembly.  

 Please Note:

• There are only 57 tickets available, once sold, they will no longer be open for purchase on SCOL.
• Only one ticket per student can be purchased at the price of $115.00
• Tickets may be for personal purchase/use or for one guest but may not be transferred or resold.
• If unable to attend prom, no refunds will be issued.
• Tickets are first come first served; once the sales reach the limit, there are no more tickets available to Prom.
• Any questions should be directed to amanda.kelly@ yrdsb.ca 

Graduation June 24, 2026

Yearbooks 

Have you ordered the 2025-2026 G.W. Yearbook? The deadline to order is APRIL 15th to secure your copy of 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 before APRIL 15th. 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.

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

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