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
February - Principal's Updates
Wâciyê/Hello,
February was a busy and exciting month at Gloucester!
Throughout February, GHS celebrated Black History Month with a cultural cook-off, a remarkable cultural dance that provided a wonderful platform for students to share their cultural regalia, music, and dance and was capped off with a fabulous assembly that showcased the beauty, brilliance and strength of Black, Caribbean and African cultures. The leadership demonstrated by the students involved in these events is inspirational and an indication of their strength!
In the world of sport, the GHS senior girls' volleyball team advanced to the semi-finals, and the senior boys' basketball team made a strong quarter-final run. I was especially impressed by the senior boys' basketball team's grit and determination in their game against Colonel By SS. They played hard until the final buzzer, showing that true victory lies in the valuable lesson of perseverance.
Students also benefited from several field trips and workshops. Indigenous students engaged in a Hoop Dancing Session and a University of Ottawa robotics workshop. There was a health science trip featuring a visit to the Ottawa Anatomy Lab, presentations by cancer experts and student researchers, and hands-on activities. The GHS accounting students also explored pathways to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant and learned about the value of the CPA designation.
My first month here has been filled with admiration for the sheer number of student-led activities and events. It is also highlighted by the high degree of student leadership. It's difficult to adequately express my gratitude for such an inclusive and enriching celebration of diverse cultures.
Upcoming Events - March
March 3 - 5: OFSAA Wrestling & Swimming
March 4 - Iftar Meal
March 5: Elementary School Volleyball Tournament @ Gloucester High School
March 7: Photo Retakes and Photos for New Students
March 10 - 14: March Break
March 17 - Initial Learning Update shared with Parents/Guardians
March 19: Algonquin College - Grade 11 Students
March 28 - PD Day
Mîkwêc,
Joe Ross
Principal - Gloucester High School