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2025-2026 School Year
Parent Council Krispy Kreme Fundraiser - Oct 20
October 20, 2025:
Krispy Kreme Fundraiser
ONE DOZEN ORIGINAL GLAZED DONUTS for $15
Our Parent Council is fundraising in support of our school Angel Fund.
Presale from October 20th - 30th.
Watch for the School Cash Online item payment reminder in your email.
DISTRIBUTION AT THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA ON NOV. 4TH FROM 2:00 - 5:00
Take Our Kids to Work Day (Nov 5) - Oct 17
October 17, 2025
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.
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:
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.
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.
For pick-up and drop-off, please use one of the following alternatives:
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
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.
Attend regularly scheduled classes (teachers will be taking attendance) and participate in the Virtual Career Exploration Activities OR:
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
Upcoming OSSLT Literacy Assessment - Oct 16
Upcoming OSSLT Literacy Assessment Fall 2025
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects. 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 this literacy test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Additional information about the OSSLT is available on the EQAO website.
How will the test be administered at GDHS?
Grade 10 students will be taking part in the OSSLT during their English class. Students will complete the assessment in two parts:
-Session A (reading and writing) on Wednesday, November 19
-Session B (reading and writing) on Thursday, November 20
Each section is designed to be completed in approximately 75 minutes, but additional time will be provided for any students who require it.
My student has an IEP. What accommodations will be provided?
Students with IEPs will discuss the upcoming OSSLT and available accommodations with their SERT. Please contact your child’s SERT if you have any questions.
How can my child prepare for the OSSLT?
Grade 10 English teachers will support students to prepare for this literacy assessment. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to access the practice test on the EQAO website to familiarize themselves with the tools available in the online test application and the structure of the test.
When will I know if my student is successful?
Individual student results will be distributed by the end of January 2026.
How can I learn more?
The EQAO will host a webinar for parents and guardians: What to Expect on the OSSLT, which will be offered on October 28th at 12 pm. Register here.
GDHS will host 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!
Sincerely,
-Your GDHS Admin Team
Pink Day October 17th (Early Dismissal) - Oct 16
Hello GDHS families!
Tomorrow, Friday, October 17th, is our annual GDHS Pink Day. This event is a fun spirit day for the students, which also raises money for breast cancer awareness. The schedule is as follows:
Period 1 - all students will attend an assembly for half of the period
Period 2- runs as normal
Period 3 - all students are excused at 11:50am to participate in the pink day festivities
Periods 4 and 5 - students are excused from these classes
The pink day festivities include football games on the field and karaoke, face painting, and a photo booth in the cafeteria. Our dance team and members of our senior music class will also be performing during the football game. We will have two food trucks on site.
If you would like to support our fundraising efforts you can:
- donate on school cash online
- purchase pizza or cupcakes before noon today
- purchase sunglasses for $2
- purchase Crush Cancer sweatshirts
Parent/Teacher Interviews - Thursday, October 16, 6-8pm
Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday, October 16. From 6-6:50pm there will be an informal Meet ‘n’ Greet in the cafeteria. From 7-8pm parents are able to book a formal interview. Instructions for booking a formal interview can be found HERE.
Gr. 12 Post-Secondary Pathways Presentation
On Thursday, October 16th at 5:00pm, prior to Parent Teacher Interview evening, Guidance Counsellors will host a Post-Secondary Pathways Presentation for parents and families. Guidance counsellors will be discussing how students can apply to Apprenticeships, Colleges, Universities and the Workplace. Information about Ontario application timelines will also be provided.
Fundraiser During Parent/Teacher Interviews
The students attending this year's Ontario Student Leadership Conference will be selling slices of pizza and cookies to raise money for Second Harvest at parent-teacher interview night. We know what a tight schedule it can be that evening for families and want to offer food to people attending. Please purchase your items ahead of time in School Cashless Online and pick up your food in the Library Foyer between 6:00PM - 7:30PM on Thursday October 16th. Thank you for supporting Canada's largest food bank and our student leaders.
Student Sign Out
We understand that students may occasionally need to leave school early due to appointments or other commitments. To help ensure a smooth and safe process, we ask that parents or guardians contact the school to sign their child out.
Once signed out, students are expected to either leave school property or wait in the main office to be picked up. Please note that students may not be signed out simply to miss a class in order to study elsewhere, such as in the library, or to attend athletic events hosted here at GDHS.
If you have any questions or require clarification, please contact your child’s administrator.
Parent Involvement Committee
The HDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) invites parents/guardians and community members to attend the upcoming Parent Involvement Committee Conference on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton.
The theme for this year’s event is Embrace. Engage. Celebrate: Building Welcoming Communities Together. This free event will feature informative workshops, community partners and displays and a keynote address by Pardeep Nagra, Human Rights & Equity Advisor at the HDSB.
Lunch will be provided and child minding is available at no cost for Kindergarten-age children
up to 12 years of age. Morning refreshments and a light lunch are also provided. Transportation may be available for attendees who require it to travel from various areas within Halton to the conference.
Learn more and register by Friday, Oct. 31: https://tinyurl.com/az3tmdx6
Athletes of the Week
This week for our Cross Country Team we are featuring Grade 9 Novice Girl, Bonnie Patridge, who was dedicated to the team and showed great perseverance. Our Junior Boys cross country team won their event at the Schurricane classic, and each member played a significant role, which means they’re all athletes of this week! Congratulations to Charlies Grewal, Connor Ferguson, Ethan Provost, Max Taylor, Steven Kiss, Tristen Konieczny, and Michael Byrne.
-Your GDHS Admin Team
Parent-Teacher Interview Information - Oct 10
Dear Parents and Guardians of Georgetown District High School,
We will be holding Parent-Teacher Interviews at the school on Thursday, October 16th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. From 6:00pm to 6:50pm, all teachers will be in the cafeteria and available for informal meetings. From 7-8pm, you can book formal interviews with your child’s teachers.
You can schedule your Parent-Teacher Interviews online. If you wish to schedule a meeting with any of your child's teachers, please follow the instructions printed below.
You will be able to schedule appointments from October 10th at 8:00 am until October 14th at 3:00 pm.
Instructions
Please contact the Main Office for the Parent Code for this term or check the email you received re: Parent Interview Evening.
Do not share this code with anyone outside your school community
Should you wish to cancel an appointment you have made, click on "Cancel" beside the meeting you wish to have removed from your schedule.
If you misplace your schedule, you may use your Confirmation # to retrieve your schedule from the website at any time. If you need help using the service, please email support@parentinterview.com
We look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
The Teachers and Administration of Georgetown District High School
5th Week Reports
Updates on the progress of all Grade 9 students will be sent home to parents via email by 3:30 on Thursday, October 9. Parents of students in Grades 10-12 will receive a report from any course where the student’s current mark is below 60%.
PD Day Friday, October 10
Friday, October 10 is a PD Day and there will be no classes. Monday, October 13 is the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Parent/Teacher interviews will take place on Thursday, October 16, from 6-8pm. There will be an informal opportunity to meet our staff in the cafeteria from 6-6:50, and then formal interviews can be booked between 7 and 8pm. Details will be sent to parents in the coming days.
Fundraiser During Parent/Teacher Interviews
The students attending this year's Ontario Student Leadership Conference will be selling slices of pizza and cookies to raise money for Second Harvest at parent-teacher interview night. We know what a tight schedule it can be that evening for families and want to offer food to people attending. Please purchase your items ahead of time in School Cashless Online and pick up your food in the Library Foyer between 6:00PM - 7:30PM on Thursday October 16th. Thank you for supporting Canada's largest food bank and our student leaders.
The Entrepreneur Within Conference
Back by popular demand, the 2nd Annual HDSB The Entrepreneur Within Conference is here! On Wednesday, Oct. 22, HDSB secondary students have the chance to learn directly from real-world entrepreneurs about what it takes to succeed in 2025 and beyond. The conference features a lineup of interactive, inspiring and action-focused workshops led by entrepreneurs who are shaping industries, building communities and breaking barriers.
Students will create products, master networking skills, explore social impact businesses, test out their boldest ideas, and learn how to turn passion into purpose. Along the way, they’ll connect with peers who are already running their own ventures and collaborate with entrepreneurs to tackle real world challenges.
Topics covered will include
Product Creation & Development
Networking 101
Finding Gaps in the Market
Social Impact Businesses
Growing your business through Social Media
Turning Passion into Purpose
Who is eligible to attend?
Students with student success plans
Students with a passion for entrepreneurship
Students who would benefit from this opportunity
Students who have already started a business
The conference will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community Centre (2302 Bridge Road, Oakville) from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Students who are interested in attending can contact their school principal. Please note that attendees from each school are limited.
Take Our Kids to Work Day
Wednesday, November 5, is Take Our Kids to Work Day. Grade 9 students are encouraged to shadow a family member or responsible adult at their job for the day. More details to follow.
Athletes of the Week
This is the Student Athletic Council’s first Athletes of the Week announcement. Senior football’s Athletes of the Week are Jonas Kalverda with 59 yards and a touchdown with one tackle as well as Aidan Green with 5 tackles! Though the official fall season didn’t start until September 22nd, these boys have been practicing hard since August. Congratulations Jonas and Aidan!
-Your GDHS Admin Team
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Tuesday, September 30. All HDSB schools and Board offices will lower their flags to half mast on Tuesday, Sept. 30 in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. At the Board office, the Survivors' Flag will also be raised on the second flag pole.
There will be related learning embedded in classroom activities throughout the day. We encourage and welcome all students to wear orange in support of the event. Please take a moment to review The Significance of Orange Shirt Day.
Terry Fox Day
On Thursday, October 2, the two Grade 12 Fitness & Recreation Leadership classes are excited to be organizing Terry Fox Day at GDHS.
The day will begin with the entire school walking through downtown Georgetown, representing a small piece of what Terry Fox accomplished during his run across Canada.
There will be a variety of activities and learning opportunities to honour the legacy of Terry Fox and to raise funds for cancer research throughout the day.
Our online donation page can be found here: GDHS Terry Fox
October 2 Open House for Grade 9 Families and those new to GDHS
We would like to invite our Grade 9 Students and their families as well as students and families of those who are New to Georgetown District High School to an Open House on Thursday, October 2nd from 5pm to 7pm. This will be a chance to come into the building for the first time, and meet some of the Grade 9 teachers. This is not a parent-teacher interview night but rather an informal evening where your student(s) will be able to show you around the building, and where they attend class. It will also be an opportunity to learn about some of our programs and gather information about some community resources.
There will be representatives from several community organizations and Halton District School Board departments who will be able to share information about their programs and services. We are looking forward to seeing you.
If you require translation services to access school information, please contact the main office for assistance.
5th Week Reports
All Grade 9 students will receive a progress report from their teachers on Thursday, October 9, via parent email. Students in Grades 10-12 who are currently achieving a mark below 60% will also receive a progress report via parent email.
Pink Day
Pink Day is Friday, October 17th. We have a store for Pink Day Swag. The deadline to order your swag is this Monday, September 29th at midnight. See the attachment for the options and click on the link below to order your swag!
Fitness Centre Membership
Students that would like to use the fitness centre before school, during their lunch, or after school, should pay the $30 fitness centre fee online and come get a permission form from the phys.ed. office in the big gym. The schedule of when the fitness centre is open is posted outside the fitness centre and is on the middle table in the phys.ed. office
Halton Learning Foundation: Last Chance to Help HDSB Students
Some students in our community started this school year without essential supplies. Thanks to the Halton Learning Foundation (HLF), many have already received urgent support—but the need is still high.
The Back-to-School Campaign is in its final days, and HLF is making a last push to help 300 students by September 30. They are asking for the community’s help to continue saying “YES” to every student who needs support.
Here's what one parent shared about the impact of this support:
“The support from HLF was crucial. It came at the right time, just when back-to-school shopping was necessary. It made my children extremely happy, and I’m so thankful for your support.”
To help the HLF meet their goal, please consider making a gift for a student in need today and Donate Now
Together, we can give students not just supplies, but confidence, dignity, and hope.
Student Verification Forms
Thank you to all families who have submitted the annual Student Verification Forms. These were sent via email on September 17th. If you have not yet done this, please access the secure link using your child’s OEN number (found on the top of report cards) to review and update information connected to your student's record. This link is only available for 30 days. It is important to have up to date and accurate information.
-Your GDHS Admin Team
Hi All,
We have a store for Pink Day Swag. Pink Day is Friday, October 17th. The deadline to order your swag is this Monday, September 29th at midnight. See the attachment for the options and click on the link below to order your swag!
Dear GDHS Families,
On Thursday, Oct 2, the two Grade 12 Fitness & Recreation Leadership classes are excited to be organizing Terry Fox Day at GDHS.
The day will begin with the entire school walking through downtown Georgetown, representing a small piece of what Terry Fox accomplished during his run across Canada.
Our online donation page can be found here: GDHS Terry Fox
Throughout the day, students will be able to participate in several fun activities to raise money and awareness for the Terry Fox Foundation:
$1 Parking Pass – All school parking will be $1 per spot. Leadership students will be stationed at the parking lot entrances collecting payments and handing out passes. Tickets can also be pre-purchased in the café on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during periods 2, 3, or 4.
Teacher Nightmare – Students can donate for the chance to “torture” their favorite teachers with fun challenges, such as whipped cream pies to the face or duct-taping teachers to the café wall. Donations will be collected on the day of the event.
Intramurals - Students may select one period during the day to participate in intramurals. The cost is $5.25, with all proceeds donated to the Terry Fox Foundation. Payment must be made on CASHLESS, and forms should be picked up and returned to the PE office. Spaces are limited.
Period 2: Spikeball
Period 3: Dodgeball
Period 4: Basketball
Period 5: Volleyball
Pizza & Ice Cream Sandwich Sales - Hungry? Grab a large pizza for $20 or treat yourself to an ice cream sandwich for $3.25 — all available on CASHLESS! Deadline: Wed, Oct. 1st @ noon.
We thank you in advance for your support. This event is a student-led initiative and a wonderful opportunity to continue Terry Fox’s legacy while raising awareness for cancer research.
Sincerely,
GDHS Student Senator Nominations - Sept 23
Are you interested in having a voice in student leadership across the HDSB? Student Senate brings together representatives from every school to collaborate on initiatives, share ideas, and fuel change in their respective school communities. Meetings take place monthly on Wednesday evenings, and rotate between locations in Milton, Burlington and virtual.
For more information on what Senate is, how it works, and what a Senator’s role entails, visit HDSB’s Student Senate website or Instagram, or view the video linked below.
Students who wish to represent GDHS on Student Senate should email principal Steve Oliver (olivers@hdsb.ca) with a paragraph outlining why they believe that they are an excellent candidate for the role.
Deadline to express your interest: Tuesday, September 30th
Reach out with questions: Mr. Oliver or Ms. Russell
Student Senate Website: https://studentsenate.hdsb.ca/home
Student Senate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hdsbstudentsenate/?hl=en
Student Senate Informative Video: https://youtu.be/2e_ITHIyBsU?si=1ERwK1O_daPDMSdz
Questions to consider:
Why do you want to join the HDSB Student Senate, and what qualities or experiences make you a strong candidate for this role?
Describe any initiatives, projects, or activities you have implemented or led in your school or community. How would you bring this experience to positively impact the Student Senate and your fellow students at the Board level?
The Student Senate meets monthly and serves as a liaison between your school and the Board. How would you manage your time and responsibilities to fulfill this role effectively?
Open House - Thursday, October 2
We would like to welcome all of our Grade 9 students and families, as well as any families new to GDHS to our Open House on Thursday, October 2. Save the date and stay tuned for more details.
Student Sign Out
We understand that students may occasionally need to leave school early due to appointments or other commitments. To help ensure a smooth and safe process, we ask that parents or guardians contact the school to sign their child out.
Once signed out, students are expected to either leave school property or wait in the main office to be picked up. Please note that students may not be signed out simply to miss a class in order to study elsewhere, such as in the library.
If you have any questions or require clarification, please contact your child’s administrator.
-Your GDHS Admin Team
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