Topic: Remembrance Week 2025 – “Sincere Regards”

Each November, Garth Webb Secondary School takes time to pause, reflect, and remember the sacrifices of all of those who served Canada in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.

At GWSS, Remembrance is more than a single day; it's embedded in our school culture and curriculum throughout the year. It’s part of who we are as a school named after Garth Webb, a Canadian soldier who landed on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944, during the D-Day invasions. His courage and commitment to remembrance inspired the creation of the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, a lasting tribute to those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

This year’s Remembrance Week memorial, “Sincere Regards,” invites our community to stop, reflect, and remember.

During the Second World War, the Canadian Postal Corps handled an enormous volume of mail: 190 million letters, 18 million parcels, and eight million pounds of newspapers -  connecting over a million Canadian and Newfoundland service members with their loved ones. These letters carried courage, hope, and the human connection that sustained morale through years of uncertainty and hardship.

Drawing inspiration from that legacy, Sincere Regards asks our students and staff to consider the question:

“Why do we remember?”

Each student will engage with a biography created by our Grade 10 History students through the Lest We Forget Project, learning the personal story of a Canadian soldier or servicewoman from World War II. Students will then reflect on their learning by writing a message on a shipping tag: a symbol of connection, communication, and remembrance.

Individually, each tag may seem small, but together they form a powerful collective memorial, a living tribute to those who served. As these tags are added to panels displayed in our front foyer throughout Remembrance Week, we are literally constructing our memorial as we learn, reflect, and remember together. 

Through Sincere Regards, our students are invited to see remembrance not just as a historical event, but as a continuing act of gratitude and understanding. By sharing their thoughts, reflections, and commitments, we stand united as a community honoring the past while shaping a future rooted in peace, empathy, and respect.

Lest We Forget.

Ian Duncan and Luisa Botelho

Topic:  The importance of the Arts in high school 

At Garth Webb High School, we believe that education should nurture the whole student  mind, body, and spirit. Last week, I spoke about being physically active and getting involved and this week I would like to spend some time with the Arts. I believe that the Arts play a very important role in providing students with opportunities for enrichment, creativity, and self-expression beyond the core academic subjects.

The Arts offer students a chance to explore and develop their talents whether they’re musicians, passionate dancers, visual artists, or young actors discovering their interests and voice. Some students pursue the Arts for pure enjoyment, while others are deeply driven by their artistic passions. In both cases, being involved in the Arts in high school allows students to thrive. From the musician refining their craft to the dancer who finds motivation in their art to persevere through challenging subjects, the Arts can inspire growth, resilience, and self-confidence.

Research consistently shows that arts education contributes to a more well-rounded education. Students who participate in music, drama, visual arts, or photography often demonstrate improved academic performance, stronger problem-solving skills, and enhanced creativity. In fact, some reports have shown that students who continue to participate in arts see gains in math, literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Sometimes, the Arts can be overlooked in education, despite being a safe space where many students with diverse learning strengths and needs find their place and build their confidence with what they can achieve in this world. For many teens, the Arts are a powerful outlet, a space to express emotion, build community, and discover joy. I have also witnessed in my years as an educator that students being part of a creative outlet with others can also support mental health and overall well-being.

Art is an essential part of the human experience. It allows us to communicate, express ourselves, and see the world from new and different perspectives. Through arts education, students develop key life skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, all of which are part of success in the world of today. 

As we look toward the future, one thing remains clear: while we can’t predict the exact titles of the jobs of tomorrow, we can prepare students with the skills that will always be in demand. I think that the most future-proof careers will rely on a blend of technical expertise and distinctly human abilities that is of adaptability, emotional intelligence, creative thinking, and communication. The Arts is certainly a very strong venue that strengthens all of these skills, making them a powerful complement to any academic or career path.

I would also like to share what some folks around the world are saying, for example, Anne-Marie Imafidon, CEO of Stemettes, reminds us, “You don’t have innovation if you don’t have arts. It’s as simple as that.” The artist Yinka Shonibare adds, “Art is connected to life — it helps us understand history, philosophy, and politics.” And as photographer Wolfgang Tillmans notes, “Art and cultural production is at the centre of what makes a society what it is.” This of course is only a very small sample of what others think about the Arts. I do realize that the view I am sharing here is not shared by everyone, and I would like to make sure that our Garth Webb community knows that we value all perspectives on education. Still, I encourage us to keep an open mind about how the Arts can enrich our students’ learning, strengthen their confidence, and prepare them for a future that values creativity as much as knowledge.

The Arts are not just an “extra” they can be an essential part to who we are and who we hope our students can be each day as they develop and grow into kind, creative and innovative human beings. At Garth Webb we are proud to continue supporting the Arts as a cornerstone of a well-rounded, future-ready education.

 All things ARTS & GWSS.

Luisa Botelho

Principal

Dear Garth Webb Families,

I hope you’ve had a fantastic week!

Each day, our students come to school hoping to have a positive and meaningful experience. They seek to learn, grow, feel a sense of accomplishment, and belong to a caring community. As educators, we work hard to create opportunities that nurture not only academic success but also the holistic development of our students supporting their minds, bodies, and spirits.

This week, I want to highlight the importance of being physically active and participating in extracurricular activities at Garth Webb SS. When students engage in these opportunities  whether through athletics, clubs, or recreation they strengthen their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. These activities build teamwork, confidence, and resilience, all of which support academic success and personal growth.

Physical activity isn’t just about competition; it’s about energy, focus, stress management, and overall wellness. Prioritizing movement helps students (and adults!) maintain balance, improve concentration, and foster a positive outlook on life.

The Ontario Ministry of Education continues to emphasize that increased physical activity is linked to stronger academic achievement, better concentration, improved classroom behaviour, and enhanced mental health. This reinforces what we see every day: when students are active and engaged, they thrive in school and beyond.

We encourage all students to explore the many ways to get involved this year from enrolling in Health and Physical Education courses to joining our wide range of extracurricular teams, intramurals and clubs.  On the left side is a list of our Fall/Winter Sports lineup, with Winter and Spring opportunities to come. We’re excited to see students try something new, build connections, and stay active throughout the year.

Stay well and stay active!
Luisa

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

Topic:   World Mental Health Awareness Day & Upcoming Long Weekend 

Hello everyone,

This Friday, October 10th is World Mental Health Awareness Day. HDSB Mental Health & Well-being Department has shared that this is “a day focused on raising awareness about mental health". Just like physical health, learning about mental health, understanding it, and taking care of it, is important. When we understand how to recognize mental health concerns and the impact stigma can have on our ability to ask for help, we are in a better position to support our children. Learn more about mental health and stigma in these short videos:  What is Mental Health?  and Understanding. 

As we head into the long weekend, it's a valuable time to slow down, reconnect, and check in with ourselves and with others. Long weekends can offer a natural pause to talk about things that matter, including mental health, and to strengthen the relationships that support our well-being.

Whether it's catching up with extended family, reaching out to a friend you haven’t heard from in a while, or simply having meaningful conversations at home, these moments can make a real difference. They remind us that we're not alone in navigating life’s highs and lows. In addition to connection, play is a powerful tool for well-being. Research continues to show that playful activities, regardless of age, can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve our ability to manage everyday challenges. So this weekend, consider setting aside time for a bit of fun. Here are a few simple, low-tech ways to unwind and enjoy:

• Tag – An old-school classic that never gets old.

• Hide and Seek – A great way to bring out the inner child in everyone.

• Ultimate Frisbee – A fun, fast-paced team game that gets everyone moving.

No matter what you choose to do, we hope you find space this weekend to relax, recharge, and reconnect—with others and with yourself.

Wishing you a restful and joyful long weekend.

Luisa Botelho

Principal

Hello everyone,

I hope you’ve had a fantastic week and enjoyed the warm weather!

At Garth Webb Secondary School, we’re proud to be a vibrant and dynamic learning community, full of enriching opportunities for our students. One of the ways our dedicated teachers enhance student learning is by providing experiential learning opportunities: meaningful, hands-on experiences that often extend beyond the classroom.

As part of Halton District School Board’s long-term focus on Creating Pathways to Success, experiential learning plays a vital role in engaging students and deepening their learning. It helps bridge classroom knowledge with real-world experiences and encourages students to better understand both themselves and their future possibilities.

Experiential learning is more than just learning by doing. It gives students the chance to:

• Participate in authentic, hands-on experiences that connect to a broader community—locally, nationally, or globally;

• Reflect on those experiences to derive meaning and insight;

• Apply what they’ve learned to future decisions, actions, and goals in their academic, personal, or career pathways.

Whether it’s through trips like the recent visit to Crawford Lake and the Outdoor Ed Grand River Rafting Trip, involvement in community programs, or school-based initiatives, experiential learning supports deeper engagement and prepares students for the world beyond high school.

• Participate – The What: Students actively engage in meaningful experiences that support their learning.
  
  

• Reflect – The So What: Students think critically about the experience to draw out key insights and personal meaning.
  
  

• Apply – The Now What: Students use their learning to inform future choices, set goals, and take action.

Warmly,

Luisa Botelho

Principal

Hello everyone,

I hope you’ve had a fantastic week and enjoyed the warm weather!

We’re thrilled to share some highlights from an incredible week of fundraising and community spirit here at Garth Webb! Our Grade 12 PLF4M1 (Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership) class, led by Ms. Kinsella, did an outstanding job planning and promoting a variety of events in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. As part of their leadership initiative, they visited Grade 9 and 10 classrooms to raise awareness, encourage donations, and get students excited about participating.  On Tuesday, September 22 our bake sale was a sweet success! Thank you to everyone who baked, donated, and bought treats. The funds raised brought us even closer to our overall goal. On Friday, September 26, during Period 1 the Grade 9 classes kicked off the morning with enthusiasm; during Period 2 the Grade 10 students continued the energy; and then Period 4 the entire school came together for a powerful and inspiring walk/run.

🎯 Fundraising Goal Update
Our school community set a goal of raising $7,000, and thanks to your generosity and spirit, we are approaching the $5,000. We’re incredibly proud of this progress and donations are still being accepted if you'd like to help us reach the finish line!

You can continue to support the cause by donating here:
🔗 Donate to the GWSS Terry Fox Campaign

A huge thank you to Ms. Kinsella, our student leaders, and everyone who contributed time, energy, and resources. This event continues to inspire our school each year, and we’re so proud to carry on Terry’s legacy together.

The Board’s 2024–2028 Multi-Year Plan emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of kindness rooted in empathy, respect, and trust in our relationships with students. It highlights the need to support grassroots initiatives that actively shape and sustain compassionate and inclusive learning environments. Events like the Terry Fox Run promote key values such as accountability, relationship-building, and student engagement — all of which align closely with the priorities outlined in the Board’s Multi-Year Plan (HDSB, 2024).

I want to conclude by acknowledging the vital support from parents and guardians who believe in our students. Thank you to all community members for your contributions to this amazing cause. Our students play a significant role in continuing Terry’s dream that the future of cancer research is bright.

Check out Terry Fox’s video - Terry Fox, Anything's Possible

“Terry Fox, Anything’s Possible” (11 minutes)

A refreshing documentary that updates Terry Fox’s gripping story for today’s youth by featuring modern accounts of young cancer survivors, interviews with Fox family members and one of Canada’s leading Oncology specialists. Inspired by the animation stylings of the 1980’s, when Terry began his Run, the documentary intercuts never before seen archival footage with animation outlines, giving a unique, fresh look and style that are relatable to today’s youth.

Warmly,

Luisa Botelho

Principal