October 17, 2025
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety at GDHS
This message is for all parents and students who drive to GDHS during the school day, including those who pick up or drop off students. We are increasingly concerned about pedestrian safety and traffic congestion on school property between 8:30–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–3:30 p.m.
To help improve safety and traffic flow, please note the following:
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Do not enter or exit the property from the Guelph Street (front entrance) traffic lights during these times. This includes dropping off or picking up students at the front doors. The majority of pedestrian and vehicle safety issues are occurring in this area.
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The yellow bus laneways (from the front of the school to the library and cafeteria) are for school buses and Special Education vehicles only. Please do not drive, park, or stop in these areas during the restricted times. These narrow roadways quickly become congested and unsafe with two-way traffic.
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For pick-up and drop-off, please use one of the following alternatives:
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Enter from the Pool Entrance off Guelph Street and drop off or pick up at the rear of the school or beside the field, or
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Enter from Maple Avenue, drive up the laneway, turn right, and then right again past the Gary Allan site to exit onto Guelph Street.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping to maintain a safe environment for all students and staff.
Grade 10 Literacy Test
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Again this year, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is employing a computer-based online OSSLT to eligible students across the province. Successful completion of the literacy test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
At GDHS, all Grade 10s will write the OSSLT in their English classes. Students who have a Grade 10 English course this semester will participate in the test in mid-November. Details will be sent directly to those students and families. Students who have a Grade 10 English course in the second semester will write in the OSSLT in the spring. Grade 10s who completed Grade 10 English in summer school should contact Ms. Russell to make arrangements to participate. Grade 11 and 12 students for whom this requirement is outstanding will have the opportunity to write the OSSLT on Wednesday, November 5th.
Literacy Test Information Sessions
Parents and guardians of grade 9 and 10 students are invited to join a virtual information session on Thursday, November 6th at 6:00 pm. GDHS Staff will provide an overview of the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test), followed by a Question & Answer period.
Click here to register!
Multi-faith Prayer Space
Room 242 is open during periods 3 and 4 daily for any student or staff member wishing to have a quiet space for prayer or quiet reflection.The room has a sink, soap and paper towels at the back. Students who wish to leave class to pray should communicate with their teacher to make arrangements.
Take Our Kids to Work Day
Take Our Kids to Work Day will proceed this year on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025. All grade 9 students across the HDSB are encouraged to participate in an observational one-day job shadowing experience at the workplace of a family member, friend, or other trusted adult. Information and permission forms have been handed out in period 2 classes. Signed permission forms should be returned to their child’s period 2 teacher by Monday November 3rd. If students have misplaced their copy, it can be found HERE. For students who are unable or unwilling to attend TOKTWD, they have two options.
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Attend regularly scheduled classes (teachers will be taking attendance) and participate in the Virtual Career Exploration Activities OR:
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Participate in the Virtual Activities at home (to be shared at the end of October) (parents will need to call their child in for attendance or it will be an unexcused absence).
Halloween Candy-Grams
Pumpkin Candy-Grams are on sale now for $2 on School Cashless Online until October 24th. From October 17th to 24th students can come to the cafeteria to customize their pumpkin and write a note to their friend. The Halloween Candy-Grams will be delivered to each recipient's homeroom classroom on October 31st.
Student Costume Contest
The GDHS Student Council will be running their annual Halloween Costume Contest on October 31st during periods 3 & 4. The winner of each period will get a free semi-formal dance ticket. Let’s see your creativity and Halloween Spirit 87s! Please avoid face masks and toy weapons to maintain safety in the building. For more details check out our instagram @gdhs.studentcouncil.
Save the Date: Senior Semi-Formal Dance
On Thursday November 13th from 7-10PM the GDHS Student Council will be hosting the Senior Semi-Formal Dance for Grades 11 and 12. Tickets cost $25, and are available to purchase on School Cashless Online from Wed. October 22nd to Fri. November 7th. Students must bring their cashless invoice number to the Main Office to pick up their ticket. All students attending must also complete and turn in a Behaviour Contract by Friday November 7th to the Main Office. Behaviour contracts can be located on the Student Council Board in the cafeteria, at the Library circulation desk, the Main Office and on the English Department's bulletin board. The Dance Ticket and photo ID must be presented upon entry to the event.
Eco Club - Walktober
October is Active Transportation Month and this week the Eco Club is promoting Walktober, an initiative to encourage students to find healthy, safe and active ways to get to school.
Using active transportation is beneficial for adolscents. It increases cardiorespiratory fitness,helps maintain a healthy weight, encourages a sense of autonomy and independence, improves mental health, builds social skills, and enhances school performance. Using active transportation is also beneficial for the environment in that it decreases greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and congestion, and builds a sense of community. Source
A great resource you can use is the Interactive Walk & Roll Travel Time map for any school in Halton. This map helps families estimate how long it would take them to bike/walk to school.
On Friday October 24th, we will be surveying students on how they arrived at school for the day to gain an understanding of active transportation use in our community.
For any students interested in joining Eco Club, we meet Thursdays after school in Room 206.
Director’s Panel: Celebrating Excellence in Learning, Engagement and Achievement, October 27
HDSB families, students, staff and community members are invited to the first session of the
Director’s Panel Series for the 2025-2026 school year: Celebrating Excellence in Learning, Engagement and Achievement. This virtual session will take place on Monday, Oct. 27 from 6 - 7p.m.
Celebrating Excellence in Learning, Engagement and Achievement showcases how the HDSB delivers a fulsome education experience by creating vibrant learning environments where students are inspired and supported to thrive in their pursuit of academic excellence. This session will explore how the HDSB prioritizes strong foundational and core learning that equips students for success both in the classroom and beyond, while developing transferable skills and providing opportunities for students to pursue individual interests and pathways.
Registration is not required. Those interested in attending the event can submit a question to the panel before the session. Learn more and submit your questions: https://tinyurl.com/y8mp78s6
Athletes of the Week
This week’s Athletes of the Week are Aylah Knoepfli from the Girls Golf Team and Carter Joustra from the Boys Golf Team.
Aylah impressed at the Halton Championship, chipping in for birdie on the 18th hole to finish 5th overall. Carter earned top honours with the lowest overall score among all male golfers at the school and performing well at all the tournaments.
Congratulations to both Aylah and Carter for their outstanding performances and dedication.
-Your GDHS Admin Team