Wildcat's Weekly - Parent Edition - Feb 9-20

Wildcat’s Weekly – Parent Edition

 Feb 9-Feb 20

Upcoming Dates

Principal’s Message

Dear Williams Families,

As we begin a new semester, the first few weeks play an important role in setting students up for success. Families, you can support your children by encouraging them to get organized early. Reviewing the course outlines together, noting important dates, and helping students establish a system for tracking assignments can reduce stress and help them manage their workload more confidently as the term progresses.

Strong routines established early often lead to stronger outcomes. Regular attendance, consistent study time, and completing work on time all help students stay engaged and build understanding. 

This is especially important for Grade 9 students, who may be adjusting to new expectations in secondary school. Families, we encourage you to remind students that support is always available. Reaching out to classroom teachers, guidance counsellors, Special Education or Student Success teachers, or other trusted adults early can make a meaningful difference. Working together, we can help students feel supported, focused, and ready for a successful semester ahead.

Mr. Andrew Gazaneo 

Principal

Safe and Caring Schools Presentations

Today during Period 1, all students participated in our Semester 2 Caring and Safe Schools presentation.

The session reinforced our shared commitment to ensuring that every student has the right to learn in a safe, caring, and supportive environment. Students reviewed our school’s behavioural expectations, what it means to be respectful and inclusive, and how we use a progressive approach to discipline that focuses on teaching, supporting, and reinforcing positive choices.

We also emphasized the importance of healthy relationships, good character, and cultural understanding, and how students, families, and the school all play a role in creating a community where everyone feels safe and valued.

If your child was absent today or has a Period 1 spare, please have them come to the main office so we can arrange a time for them to view the presentation.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting a positive school climate.

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 

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.

Aquatics Leadership Program

Click here for more information!

Student Success 

Please see the message from Student Success Corner regarding attendance. See this link. 

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.

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 supports 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.