Important Announcements
Grad Photos
Students can visit www.bookmygrad.ca and enter your school’s 3-letter code: GEO and using the student’s HDSB student number you can access the Edge Imaging Calendar to book your photo.
Grad Photos taken at GDHS are being held in Room 122 in the Art/Math hallway.
Weekly Newsletter
GDHS Weekly Newsletter - Friday, December 1st
Multi-Faith Prayer Room
GDHS is committed to providing an inclusive learning and working environment. Any student or staff member is welcome to use the prayer space in room 126 between 11:30am and 12:15pm.
National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Wednesday December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Our school will be acknowledging this day by encouraging students and staff to wear a white shirt on that day, pausing for a moment of silence, and providing students and staff with materials and resources about domestic violence against women, including: how to identify it, how to help, how to seek help.
Out of Area Transfer process
Out of area transfer request (transferring schools) is the process where students can apply to attend a school other than the school designated for their area of residence. Applications are due on January 13th, 2024. For more information please check the HDSB website.
Inclement Weather Reminders
Now that the colder weather has arrived, we encourage all families to review the HDSB Inclement Weather Reminders
Book Fair
Looking to get some holiday shopping done? The GDHS library will be hosting a book fair December 13th-14th. Jennifer Haines from The Dragon in Guelph will be here Wednesday December 13th from 12pm-3:30pm and again from 6pm-8pm. She will be back Thursday December 14th from 10am-3:30pm. Graphic novels, comics and games are available for purchase. As well, 10% of all sales will be given back to the GDHS library. Cash and cards are accepted.
Parent Council Holiday Giving Initiative
As a school community we always come together to support all students and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in school events - and this year is no different. Your generous donation will support students both during the holiday season and throughout the year, covering costs such as field trips, athletic fees, dances, graduation and more. All donations can be made through School Cash Online (see here for how to donate).
Equity Club
The GDHS Equity Team is a group of passionate students and staff who are dedicated to celebrating and promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity within our school community. We meet twice a month to organize events and initiatives throughout the year to raise awareness and create a more inclusive and safe environment. For more details, contact Mr. O'Neil at oneilk@hdsb.ca, and follow us on Instagram @gdhsequity!
Early Dismissal December 22
On Friday, December 22, all elementary and secondary schools will dismiss 90 minutes early. At GDHS, the end of the instructional day will be 1:51pm. Afternoon school bus routes will be adjusted for early departure.
GHDS Arts Department Updates
Follow @gdhsdrama on Instagram!
This year's mainstage production is Departures and Arrivals, written by Carol Shields. Auditions will be held Monday, December 11th, after school. Plot Summary: Set in an airport, the comedic play consists of 22 small scenes that explore the notion that life is a combination of comings and goings, (both literally and figuratively). There are moments that will make you laugh, make you cry, inspire thought, and most importantly, smile with recognition at either the characters or the situations.
GDHS Drama Production
The Drama Department is proud to host the GDHS One Act Play Festival coming up fast! The annual student-run festival showcases the hard work of our incredible directors, actors, crew members, and playwrights who range from grade 9 to grade 12. This year we have two found scripts as well as three original student-written plays, of which one is a musical. The festival is one week away so get your ticket via school cashless to see five incredible productions that will grace our GDHS stage on Thursday, December. 7th! The doors open at 6 pm, and refreshments will be available for purchase during intermission. See image below.
"ARTS DAY OUT" field trip opportunity
Students taking a Drama, Art, Music, or Film course in the first or second semester are invited to GDHS' ARTS DAY OUT FIELD TRIP! We will be heading into Toronto to see the Broadway production of the musical Aladdin at the Princes of Wales Theatre on Wednesday, February 15, 2024! The second Aladdin Bus is almost full! If you want a chance to join in on the fun, get your ticket now before it's too late. There are only a few seats left, so grab your ticket on cashless and swing by the bulletin board outside the arts office to pick up your permission forms. If you've purchased a ticket but haven't brought in your form, please do so now. See image below.
Coming up at GDHS
One Act Play Festival - December 5,6,7
Winter Music Night - December 13
Book Fair - December 13,14
Senior Semi-Formal - December 14
Early dismissal @ 1:51pm - December 22
Winter Break - December 25 to January 5
Your GDHS Admin Team