Septe​mber 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Whether you are a new or a returning member of the school community, it is my pleasure to welcome you to The Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, the home of the Wildcats!  We are pleased to have you as part of our dynamic school community.  The school has a dedicated staff with a strong commitment to student achievement and well-being and to promoting positive, inclusive and supportive relationships with students, families, and community members.  We are committed to providing a learning environment where everyone feels safe, welcome and respected. 

The Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the IB Diploma Programme.  This year, we welcome our first cohort of Grade 11 students in the IB Diploma Programme. 

On Tuesday, August 28, students can finalize their registration at the school.  On this day, students pick up their timetable and pay their fees.  Grade 9 students can finalize their registration from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Students in Grades 10 to 12 can do the same from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.  If you pay your Student Activity Fee on School Cash Online, your timetable will be e-mailed to you and there will be no need to come into the school to register.  New international visa students will register on Thursday, August 30. 

Tuesday, September 4 is the first day of classes for all Grade 9 students and community class students.  The day is designed with Grade 9 students in mind – to provide a smooth start to your high school career.  On this day, Grade 9 students and their parents/guardians have an opportunity to meet teachers, get acquainted with the school, and participate in activities planned by the Peer Mentors.  Parents/guardians are invited to join students and staff in the opening activities from 8:20 to 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, September 5 is the first day of classes for students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  All students attend classes this day.

Student ID and yearbook photos will be taken on Friday, September 7.  Students will be called to the cafeteria alphabetically by last name throughout the day.  Photo Retake Day will be on Monday, October 1.  Students who did not have their photo taken on September 7 will be called down to the cafeteria alphabetically. 

Parents/guardians are welcome to join the School Council.  The first meeting and election of members will take place on Monday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the school library.  All parents/guardians are welcome to attend.  Our School Council meets six times each year, usually on the third Monday of the month.

Here are some important upcoming dates:

·        Monday, September 17 – School Council Meeting

·        Monday, September 24 – PA Day

·        Thursday, September 27 – Terry Fox Run during Period 2

·        Tuesday, October 2 – Camp Robin Hood (for Grade 9s)

·        Thursday, October 4 – Awards Evening

·        Monday, October 8 – Thanksgiving Holiday

·        Monday, October 15 – School Council Meeting

·        Wednesday, October 17 – IB Information Evening (for families of Grade 8 students)

·        Monday, October 22 – PA Day

·        Wednesday, October 24 – Parent-Teacher Interviews

·        Thursday, October 25 – University/College Fair (at St. Max for all high schools in Aurora)

·        Thursday, November 8 – Grade 8 Information Night

·        Wednesday, November 14 – Take Our Kids to High School/Work Day

·        Thursday, November 15 – Semi-Formal

·        Friday, November 16 – Mid-Semester Report Cards

·        Monday, November 19 – School Council Meeting

·        Friday, November 23 – PA Day

·        Monday, December 24, 2018 to Friday, January 4, 2019 – Winter Break

I would like to welcome/welcome back some new or returning members of our school community. 

·        Dr. Hyoun Park, Head of Science;

·        Ms. Lori Richards, Head of Library;

·        Mr. Scott Harrison, Head of Music;

·        Mr. Kevin Julyan, Head of Physical Education;

·        Ms. Whitney Pichora, French Teacher;

·        Ms. Katheryne Hoffschmidt, French and ESL Teacher;

·        Ms. Marlene Charney, Drama and ESL Teacher;

·        Ms. Amanda Kelly, English Teacher;

·        Ms. Stephanie Cannata, English and Geography Teacher;

·        Ms. Ruth Bennett, Math Teacher;

·        Ms. Shima Bi-Majal, Math Teacher;

·        Ms. Karen Yong, Math Teacher;

·        Ms. Malorie Del Vecchio, English Teacher;

·        Ms. Wendy Zhang, Electronic Records Secretary/Assistant Office Supervisor;

·        Ms. Roya Houshmand, Receptionist;

·        Ms. Diane Conlon, Vice-Principal.

Please be sure to subscribe to receive e-mails of a commercial nature.  Doing so gives you the latest information on field trips, special events, and school items.  To subscribe to this, please go to the home page of our school website and enter your e-mail address in the box.

We look forward to working with you in the months ahead.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions.  We welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

On behalf of everyone at Williams, I wish you a happy and successful school year.

Christopher Hilmer

Principal