Dear Garth Webb Families,
At GWSS, we are committed to fostering a learning environment where every student, staff member, and community member feels safe, respected, and included.
Last week, we were reminded of the importance of standing together as a school community to uphold the values of dignity, kindness, and equity. While we cannot share details of specific situations due to privacy considerations, we want to acknowledge that incidents can occur that challenge our shared commitment to safety and inclusion. When they do, we respond with care, intention, and accountability.
We want to emphasize that everyone has the right to feel safe and accepted at Garth Webb Secondary School. Hate-based actions or symbols have no place in our community and go against everything we stand for as a public school committed to equity and human rights.
As a staff, we have been engaging in intentional conversations with students to reinforce the importance of understanding the impact of our actions, the power of words and symbols, and the responsibility we each have in creating a positive school culture at GWSS. We continue to educate students about the expectations outlined in the HDSB Code of Conduct, which emphasizes respect, responsible citizenship, and safety for all.
We also know that our families are key members of this shared responsibility and that we need to continually work together! When students, staff, and parents/guardians work together, we create a powerful foundation so that our students can feel they belong and can accomplish their academic and personal goals. We also know that students and staff are affected in different ways, and that if your child ever needs support or would like to speak with someone, please encourage them to reach out to a caring adult at school whether it be a teacher, guidance counsellor, SERT, social worker, or administrator.
We are grateful for the ongoing support and care of our school community, and we will continue working together to ensure that Garth Webb Secondary School is a place where every individual feels seen, valued, and safe.
With appreciation,
Luisa Botelho
Principal
