Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community,

As we come to the end of a busy academic year, I am pleased to share some of the incredible activities, achievements, and events that have taken place throughout June. Our students and staff have truly embodied the spirit of learning, collaboration, and community engagement.

This month has been rich with opportunities for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Kicking off the month on June 3rd, GHS NBE students engaged in an enriching Indigenous Plant Science Field Trip at Fletcher Wildlife Garden. Early in the month, June 6th was particularly active, with ELD Science students enjoying an exciting trip to the Museum of Nature, a Sheltered Civics Field Trip exploring Parliament in the afternoon, Grade 9 Geography students also visiting the Museum of Nature, and Outdoor Ed students exploring Parc Omega. For a more extended experience, our Outdoor Ed Camping Trip to Frontenac Provincial Park provided an immersive nature adventure from June 11th to 13th. Later in June, on the 26th, Grade 12 English students embarked on a full-day History Museum Field Trip. The following day, June 27th, saw students visiting Parc Omega for a unique outdoor educational experience; also on June 27th, a DDP Field Trip to the NAC offered enriching musical exposure at a Music Circle Concert, and Grade 8 ELD students enjoyed a visit to Gloucester. Rounding out the experiential learning opportunities, June 28th included Media Arts students taking a field trip to the National Gallery.  Finally, academic assessments for the month included EQAO Math for students and final evaluations.

GHS athletes have shown tremendous dedication and spirit this month. The boys' rugby team and the Varsity girls soccer teams completed their seasons, which culminated in a boys' rugby championship victory. The Track and field season saw several students qualify and compete in the Eastern Ontario school championships, where 3 students qualified and competed in the Ontario Federation of Secondary Schools Athletic Associations (OFSSAA) championships in triple jump, shot put and 100 m dash.  Other athletic highlights in June also included the LBP Beach Volleyball Tournament and a Cricket Match held against Ridgemont, where both the girls' and boys' teams went undefeated.  Earlier in the month, a Junior Girls Soccer Tournament was held at GHS.   Most significantly, GHS was privileged to host the provincial Special Olympics Track and Field and Floorball events.   This event was organized by Sarah Rush and supported by an amazing team of student volunteers.  Thank you for being awesome!

Special events included the annual Spring Fling Dance on June 28th, which was a huge success, bringing students together for an evening of fun. The Student BBQ event took place on June 29th, and with the support of Malori Honey, several students attended the ONFE Breakfast Club Conference was held at the Confederation Education Center.  Earlier in June, a Student Council Elections Assembly was held, followed by student council elections. Our graduating class enjoyed their Grad Breakfast on June 4th, and the Arts Showcase captivated audiences on June 5th, highlighting GHS students' creative talents. Our school hosted the School Athletic Awards on June 12th, and the Best Buddies Talent Show was a delight on June 13th.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all students, staff, parents, guardians and caregivers for their continued support, hard work, and dedication. Your contributions make Gloucester High School a truly special place.  I wish you and your child all the best during the summer months.  We look forward to working with you and your child next school year.

Yours in Gratitude,

Joe Ross