Grey Highlands Secondary School

GHSS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS VIDEO

5:15pm bussing is available for
GHSS students!!

Tuesday and Thursday evenings, late bussing is provided to Highpoint (Dundalk), Beavercrest (Markdale), Osprey Community School (Osprey) and
Spruce Ridge (Durham).
Service is for those students who need to stay after school for sports, clubs or school related activities.  Please use the link below to sign up no later than 12:15 on the days you are needing the service.

 After School Bussing Sign-Up Link

ATTENTION GRADUATES OF 2020

Attention Graduates! Your graduation class composite has been delivered to the office at Grey Highlands.

You may pick this up at any time between the hours of 9am and 3pm. However, you MUST call the office at (519) 924-2721 ext 521 upon your arrival as you cannot enter the school due to Covid protocols.

COVID PROTOCOL LINKS

COVIC-19 Screening tool for students in school and child care - January Ontario Online COVID-19 Screening Tool for Students

You have symptoms and are concerned you may have COVID l9 Now what (REVISED - JAN 13).pdf

PARENT COUNCIL MEETING

Our next SCAC meeting will take place virtually at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, October 20. Please email Kathy Archer at kathy_archer@bwdsb.on.ca to sign up.  All are welcome!

TREE OF RECONCILIATION

It was a great day for our Boys Golf Team!!!
They competed at the BAA's at the Ainsdale Club and placed third overall.
Congratulations!!!

We know that some of our students will be struggling with their mental health. Please be assured that our mental health team continues to work virtually to support students in grades 7 through 12. If you would like to access one of our team members, please click the link below and a member from the mental health team will get in touch.  If you have a younger student who is struggling, please contact your school team and we will ensure you are supported to navigate community mental health options.

Request for School-Based Mental Health Support

Hello!
Quad 4 is just beginning but we are looking to next year.  The Agricultural SHSM program is operated out of Chesley and is a four credit hands on package in semester 2.  If you or your child are interested in this, please attend the information session described below!

Dennis Watson will be offering a question and answer session for students across Bluewater would be interested in the Agricultural SHSM program, starting in February (2^nd semester) of 2021/2022.  If you have students who might be interested, would you kindly share this link and information below with them?    

When:  Thursday, April 29

Time:    2:00 pm

Presenter:  Dennis Watson, Farmer, Teacher, and Coordinator of the Agricultural SHSM at OSDSS

Link (Ctrl/Click):  Agricultural SHSM Sector

“If your child in grades 7-12 is currently impacted by an order to self- isolate and would benefit from one of our mental health workers reaching out for a check-in, please contact your school principal or classroom teacher. With your permission, we will share student name and contact information with our mental health staff so that they can reach out directly. We know that self-isolation, particularly in the context of the recent community surge in cases can be particularly challenging for young people. Don’t hesitate to reach out”.

If you are interested, Keystone is offering a Parenting through Change workshop at the end of May.  There has certainly been an abundance of change!  Click here for more information.

Hello Parents and Guardians!

If you have a student in Grade 10, 11 or 12 who is not graduating this year and has not yet passed the Literacy Test (OSSLT), they will be writing the test in the next few weeks.

As the test is all online this year, we strongly encourage students to access the EQAO Practice Test ahead of time in order to be familiar with the layout and the types of questions. The link for the Practice test is here.

We are offering the opportunity for you to sign up your child to do the Practice Test if they haven’t done so already.  This will be from 2PM to 3PM on Monday March 29^th and 2PM to 3PM Tuesday March 30^th. 

Please click this link to register them for the session. We need to know who is attending as laptops need to be sanitized before and after the sessions.

The dates for the OSSLT are as follows:

Grade 11’s in regular school – Monday April 19^th at 9AM and 12:30PM

Grade 10’s in regular school – Wednesday April 21^st at 9AM and 12:30PM

Coop students will write on Monday April 26^th at 9AM and should contact their teacher if they have any questions.

GHSS Grads of 2021!!

Edge Imaging will be here April 22 to April 28 to take graduation photos.  Sign up for your photo session online as soon as possible using this link:  https://booking.edgeimaging.ca/portal/book/GHSor visit www.bookmygrad.ca

Use school code GHS and your student number (found on your report card), to get started.  Even if you are not purchasing photos, you still need to make an appointment to be represented on the grad composite and the yearbook! There is no charge for this!  If you need assistance, please call the office.

Please see the attached information sheet and sign up as soon as soon as possible. 

Thank you.

March 15, 2021

Update from the Lions’ Den!

It is feeling like spring is upon us and we are all hoping that, with the sun and the birds and the trees, we are getting closer to a relaxation of the Covid restrictions.  Fingers crossed!

As always, please use the GHSS website for the latest news as there are so many revisions that it is hard to keep them straight!

Commencement!

Because of the Covid 19 restrictions, an traditional ceremony is not possible and we do not foresee a gathering of 400+ people being allowed in October either.  So we are going ahead with our plan to move Commencement to June!  This is done in a few schools around Bluewater and the students and parents seem to like it because it is right after exams.

This year, the ‘ceremony’ will be in the form of a drive-through where staff will greet students in their vehicles and present them with their diplomas.  More details to follow!

Date: Monday June 28^th

Time: from 4PM to 6PM

Location: Grey Highlands front parking lot

Grad photos!

We have been given permission to have Edge Imaging in the building to take grad photos!! Your student will be given information in the next few days (and it will be on the school website) on how to book a timeslot for getting their photos done and what they should wear/bring, costs and information on packages etc.  Gowns are available and sanitized between uses.

Date: April 22^nd to 28^th

Grade 9 EQAO for math

This assessment is going ahead.  Students who are taking Grade 9 math in Quads 3 or 4 will take the test.  The test is 100% online and is being run as a field test (or pilot program) this year.  The dates of this assessment will be determined as we get closer to the end of the quadmester.

OSSLT – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

The Ontario Literacy Test is also going forward!  Like the Grade 9 math, this is also 100% online and in a totally different format to previous years.

If you are in Grade 12 and graduating this June, you do not need to write the test.  The requirement for your graduation has been waived for this year only.

If you have not written the test or have written it and not been successful and are not graduating this June, you need to write it.

Please see the attached letter for more information. You are encouraged to do the Practice Test as described in the letter as it will reduce stress on the test day.

Dates:  Grade 11’s - Monday April 19^th , Grade 10’s – Wednesday April 21^st

Grade 12 students who need to write and coop students will be scheduled in the week following.

Secondary Remote School (SRS)

Deadline for moving to the SRS or for moving back to GHSS is March 29^th by 4PM.  This is a firm deadline so make sure you don’t miss it!  Call the school (5199242721 x522) or email Mrs. Price (Linda_Price@bwdsb.on.ca) to make the change.

Report cards

Last but not least, midterm report cards for Quadmester 3 went home today.  If you have concerns about your student’s mark, please contact the teacher directly.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Happy New Year!

We recognize that the features of synchronous (live face-to-face) online learning can make it difficult for some students to be present at all times during the school day. Attendance is taken throughout the day, and many students are being marked absent at certain times because they share a device at home, or do not have consistent internet access throughout the day due to heavy usage.

We understand these unique circumstances, and have therefore opted to turn off absence notifications for secondary students for the rest of the current shutdown period. While absences will continue to be recorded, you will not receive calls if a student in your house has been absent for one or more classes during the day. On January 25, 2021, absence notifications will be turned back on.

Also, I have included a letter to parents from Minister Lecce and one from Director Wilder regarding remote learning for your information.

Please reach out to me directly if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you again for your patience, support, and understanding as we continue to work together throughout the shutdown period.

Sincerely,

Hey everyone!

We are excited to announce that the new GHSS clothing line is here!!  Local business, Dunwood Apparel in Dundalk, has a number of items ranging from ball caps to jackets and sweatpants – everything a teenager needs!

Go to https://dunwood.ca/ . At the bottom of the page, click GHSS ONLINE.  Enter the password GHSSORDERS (uppercase, no spaces).

There is a shipping charge to have it delivered to your home BUT you can pick up your items from the store in Dundalk for free!

This would make a great gift for those who are hard to buy for. If you get your order in by December 8th, Dunwood will have your order ready by December 18th for pickup at the school!

SAC is excited announce that this year, they will be hosting a "Crazy Christmas Cash Drive" from Monday, December 7th until Friday, December 11th. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, SAC's annual "12 Days of Giving” will not be able to take place. However, SAC is determined to find a way to continue to support local families during the holiday season!

This year, SAC will be collecting financial donations for the food banks in Flesherton, Dundalk, and Markdale. Starting on December 7th, students and families can contribute by filling a class jar with cash donations or you can also follow the instructions to donate through School Cash Online by clicking here. If you donate on behalf of a GHSS student, the funds will be added to their corresponding class. Students on spare are part of the "Office" team. The class that raises the most money will win a pizza party! Best of luck to all classes!

SAC has also been sending out letters and posters to local businesses and community members to encourage them to donate as well. You can donate on their behalf or as a community member by following the directions by clicking here. We will be sure to acknowledge and thank each business that donates!

Any amount is greatly appreciated and each donation will make the holiday season a little brighter for our local families in need. Thank you in advance for your contribution. Happy Holidays from your GHSS Student Council!

Hello!                                                                              November 23, 2020

We are nearing the end of fall weather and into the time of wintery conditions!  Quadmester 2 is in full swing and headed towards the midterm (December 14th)!!

We have a few things to update you on. 

1. We have our second Parent Council (SCC) Tuesday night at 6PM.  Please take this as your invitation to attend this virtual meeting and find out what we are up to at The Highlands! Click here to join in!

2. Masks - as we head into our fourth month, we have noticed that 'Covid fatigue' (or fatigue of Covid restrictions) is setting in and masks are being removed or worn such that they are not effective.  It is a requirement that masks be worn at all times on school property. This includes the bus to and from home. Non-compliance could result in losing bus privileges.

3. VPNs - A VPN is a Virtual Private Network and is an app that allows students to get around the security measures that Bluewater has in place.  They also slow our network down so that it is almost non-functional. The main reason for students to do this is to access social media or streaming sites.  Using a VPN is a violation of the User Agreement that all students and parents are asked to sign. We have the ability to track the use of VPNs and there will be school based consequences if a student is caught using one on school grounds. Please tell your child to remove the VPN from their phones and laptops.

4. Behaviour in Flesherton during lunch and the Independent Study Time.  We have been getting an increasing number of complaints about student behaviour during these times.  These range from loud music and inappropriate language to ripping branches off trees, leaving garbage and blocking entrances to the library and arena.  We need to work with the village of Flesherton and its residents so please ask your child to wear their mask, socially distance themselves and act responsibly. 

5. Report cards went home for Quadmester 1 on Friday.

6. Please go to http://ow.ly/DLZR50Cs9Gn  for the fall newsletter from trustee Jim Dawson.

Hey Grey Highlands Grads!!

It’s time to pick up your diplomas!  We will be waiting out front of the school, ready to hand you your envelope on Thursday November 19^th from 3:15PM to 6PM. 

We will have the GHSS 2020 Grad banner up if you would like to take a photo or if you want to stay in your car, you can do that too.  If you do want a photo, please wear a mask.

This is Very Important! If you are sending someone else to pick up your envelope, you need to let us know BY EMAIL (GHS_mail@bwdsb.on.ca) before Thursday.

For those of you who can’t make it at that time, just give us a call or send us an email (GHS_mail@bwdsb.on.ca) to arrange a time and we will bring your envelope out to the front parking lot.

We apologize for the delay and look forward to seeing you!

IF you have a textbook from last year that belongs to GHSS, PLEASE use this opportunity to bring it back. 

October 16th - Parent Teacher Night and Remote Learning Deadlines

GHSS is happy to offer a modified Parent Teacher Interview opportunity due to the Covid 19 restrictions.  On Tuesday, October 20^th, teachers will be available by phone from 6:30 to 8PM.  If you have already been in contact with your child's teachers, you do not need to sign up for an interview.

Also, secondary students wishing to transfer to the Remote School at the start of quadmester 2 must send their intention to the principal of their physical school prior to October 19th, 2020 by emailing GHS_mail@bwdsb.on.ca. Indicate in your email your child’s name and grade. Please note that this is a firm deadline!

Hello, 

We are nearing the end of our first week and, while some have not started attending, the Grade 9's and 10's have had a good start despite all of the new rules.  We appreciate their cooperation and are all looking forward to a time when things are more 'normal'.

1. Students who are off school grounds during the Independent Study Time:

The form that you have signed to allow your child to leave the school grounds between 2PM and 3PM has meant that large numbers of students are out and about in Flesherton.  We have had multiple complaints of students not wearing masks and not social distancing.  In doing this, they are putting members of the community, themselves and their families at potential risk.  Please remind your child to, at the very least, wear a mask or social distance when they are on and off school grounds.  If there is inappropriate behaviour during this time, the privilege of leaving will be taken away.

2. Covid 19 symptom procedure:

This is to let you know what will happen when a student tells us that they have one symptom of Covid 19. 

1. The student is moved to the isolation room and kept under supervision. 
2. Parents are called to arrange a pickup from school. Students will not be sent home on the bus. 
3. Any siblings of the student who attend the same school will be sent home at the same time.  Siblings of the student at another school are allowed to finish the day. 
4. For the student or siblings to return to school, they must wait for 24 hours after a negative Covid 19 test or self isolate for 14 days.  Evidence of a negative test is reported to the school by the parent. 

These are the symptoms for which we screen for Covid 19 illness. The sudden onset of one of these symptoms can start the above process. 

• · Fever 
• · New onset cough 
• · Chills 
• · Unexplained fatigue 
• · Headache 
• · Sore throat 
• · Runny nose 
• · Stuffy or congested nose (new onset and not allergy related) 
• · Lost sense of taste or smell 
• · Difficulty breathing 
• · Difficulty swallowing 
• · Pink eye 
• · Digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) 

BREAKING NEWS

How to book a Guidance appointment:

All Guidance appointments must now be booked online.  You will have a choice of a face to face appointment if you are already in the building, by phone or by TEAMS video conference.  When it is time for your appointment, please go to the Guidance office.  You may not enter the office without an appointment.

You may access the online booking tool through this link 

It will go live at 8 AM on Tuesday September 8, 2020.

We will be focusing on time table changes ONLY until September 15th.  If you need assistance with other topics, please wait until after the 15th of September.