Westside Secondary School

Cyber Safety and Human Trafficking Information Sessions June 10 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Free | Shelburne Public Library - 201 Owen Sound Street, Shelburne June 24 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Free | CMHA Waterloo Wellington, 737 Woolwich Street, Guelph For more information and to register, please see attached flyer.

Service de Transport de Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation Services STWDSTS Spring Newsletters Please see the spring newsletters from STWDSTS. STWDSTS Spring Newsletter - English - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17F24lGlax0y08o0f3ZQkW7hyHuMX7npR/view STWDSTS Spring Newsletter - French - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AnDs3tOvhQOLoFZ7vNYD1I84EHij4XRn/view If there are questions, contact: STWDSTS at 519-824-4119

The June Communications Newsletter is out! In this month's issue we have information about: Celebrating Pride Month Human Rights Review STWDSTS’s First Rider Program (school transportation) And more! You can view the newsletter here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter

We are excited to announce an upcoming in-person Learning Series – Cyber Safety and Human Trafficking Awareness, hosted by Crime Stoppers. Please see attached flyer for more information and to register!

Dangerous TikTok Trend Involving Technology: We are reaching out to share a serious safety concern involving a recent trend circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok. This trend encourages students to insert metal objects into the charging ports of Chromebooks, causing sparks, short circuits, and in some cases, permanent damage or even fire. Unfortunately, we have already had incidents of this dangerous behavior attempted at some UGDSB schools. These actions pose a significant safety risk to students and staff and can result in severe damage to school property. Please be advised that any participation in these acts will lead to serious consequences in line with the school’s code of conduct. We ask for your support in discussing this issue with your child to help them understand the real dangers and impact of engaging in such behavior. Together, we can ensure the safety of our school community and prevent further incidents. Thank you for your attention and partnership.

The May Communications Newsletter is out! In this month's issue we have information about: • Mental Health and Education Week • Upholding Human Rights • Empowerment Day • And more! You can view the newsletter here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter

We invite all parents and guardians to attend our upcoming School Council meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the Library Learning Commons. This meeting will feature a special presentation by our school Social Worker, Alicia, and Child and Youth Counsellor, Shannon. They’ll share insights into their roles in supporting student wellness, offer tips for helping your child thrive, and provide information about additional community supports available to families. Whether you're a returning member or joining us for the first time, we hope you’ll come out for an evening of casual conversation and meaningful connection. All are welcome!

Dear Westside Families. Early this morning a small, contained smolder was discovered in one of our shop classrooms. There was no significant damage, and cleanup and ventilation are already underway. The school is safe and remains open for all students today. Thank you for your trust and support. Please feel free to contact the school if you have any questions. Sincerely, Kevin Taylor - Principal, Westside S.S.

The International Day of Pink. Today we honour the brave actions of 2SLGBTQIA+ activists who have fought, and continue to fight, for safer, more inclusive communities. Join us as we reflect on the past and build a brighter future together. On April 9th, 2025, let's honour Re-Emergence

The April Communications Newsletter is out! In this month's issue we have information about: • Practicing gratitude • Free dental health services • And more! You can view the newsletter here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter

April 3rd - All School taxis and buses are cancelled in Zone 3 (North Wellington), and Zone 4 (Dufferin - Including RF Hall) today. Schools remain open.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: Community Use of Schools is cancelled at all UGDSB schools on Wednesday April 2, 2025.

All UGDSB schools are OPEN today (April 2), however due to forecasted inclement weather, transportation is cancelled in all areas of the board.

The UGDSB will be sending out a test message to all families and staff this week. The test message will be sent on Wednesday March 19 at approximately 4pm. It will be sent to staff and families via text, email and phone. The message will clearly indicate that it is a test and no action is required. Thank you for your understanding.

No Bus Day - March 7, 2025. Buses are cancelled in Zones 3 and 4 today (North Wellington and Dufferin) - schools remain open.

Due to inclement weather, UGDSB schools and offices in Zones 2, 3, and 4 (Centre Wellington, North Wellington and Dufferin) are closed today to staff and students. Students are to shift to remote learning, where possible. Staff should not report to work in person, and should shift to remote working where possible. All buses and taxis are cancelled to those affected schools. Schools and offices in Zone 1 (Guelph) remain open today.

The March Communications Newsletter is out! In this month's issue we have information about: • Co-regulation and Declarative Language • The 2025-26 Student Trustees • Self-Advocacy • And more! You can view the newsletter here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter

No Bus Day - March 4, 2025. Buses are cancelled in Zones 3 and 4 today (North Wellington and Dufferin) - schools remain open.

Students from several UGDSB high schools competed in Special Olympics Bocce on Friday - check it out! https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8214

NOTICE: The UGDSB will be sending out a test message to all families and staff this week. The test message will be sent on Thursday February 27 at approximately 4:30pm. It will be sent to staff and families via text, email and phone. The message will clearly indicate that it is a test and no action is required. Recipients of the messages shouldn’t notice much difference from board-wide messages sent in the past, with the exception that recipients will now receive a text message, in addition to phone call and email. Recipients will have the option to opt out of receiving text messages. A reminder that the text message will come from the following shortcode: 277849. Thank you for your understanding.