Principal's Message
Wâciyê/Hello/مرحبًا,
Joe Ross nitišinihkâson (My name is Joe Ross). I am proudly nehiyaw (Cree) /European with my nehiyaw roots through my father in Pimicikamak Cree Nation situated in Northern Manitoba. I am deeply grateful and proud to be the Principal at Gloucester High School. GHS holds a special place in my heart as my children attended here and I taught science here between 2014 and 2020. Since joining the OCDSB in 1998, I have held diverse roles, including intermediate teacher, secondary science teacher, science instructional coach, and vice principal across five schools and the board office. While at the board office, I also served as a consulting member of the culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy team, equity team and Indigenous education teams. Guiding principles throughout my educational career have been fostering student agency, promoting anti-oppression, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. These principles have driven my efforts to identify and dismantle systemic barriers that hinder student success and well-being. I am committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their circumstances, can reach their full potential and access their desired path beyond high school.
The educators at Gloucester High School are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all members of our community – students, parents/guardians, and community members – feel respected, valued, and appreciated. We celebrate the diversity within our school, recognizing that it enriches the learning experience for all students and contributes to a thriving school community. GHS is a vibrant and diverse community that serves students through various programs, including the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Program, Developmental Disabilities Program, Learning Disabilities Program, English Literacy Development Program, English as a Second Language classes, Specialist High Skills Major Program, and the Credit Program leading to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. As a school community, GHS educators are committed to supporting the well-being and academic success of every student. We strive to ensure that all students have access to the resources, learning opportunities, and guidance they need to successfully pursue their chosen career paths and life goals.
The administrator team at GHS is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. We actively strive to identify and remove any barriers that may hinder a student's academic, social, or emotional growth. This includes proactively addressing systemic inequities and individual challenges that may prevent students from reaching their full potential. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to maximize their well-being and successfully pursue their desired life path, and we are dedicated to working collaboratively with students, staff, parents/guardians, and the community to ensure this happens.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at joe.ross@ocdsb.ca
Yours with gratitude,
Joe Ross