As the school year rapidly draws to a close, May has been an incredibly busy and productive month, marked by academic milestones, exciting extracurricular activities, and a strong focus on community building. The students and staff have truly embodied the spirit of our school, demonstrating dedication, talent, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Graduating students are actively preparing for their next steps, and we've ensured a recent copy of their IEPs will be sent home electronically to support their transition. Teachers have been diligently participating in Math & Science professional development sessions, continually enhancing their skills to benefit students.

May has been a lively month for student life and school engagement, with numerous initiatives fostering a strong sense of community:

The Media Club achieved an impressive third-place ranking in the video feature category at the Carleton University Journalism Academy Workshop and Awards Ceremony for their outstanding "Dollar the Dog" video. Congratulations to our talented journalists!

May 28th marked a triumphant and energized day for the GHS boys' and girls' cricket teams as they secured a victory against Ridgemont High School in the inaugural bilateral cricket series. The boys competed in three matches, while the girls took part in two, and we're proud to announce that GHS emerged victorious in all five matches!

Students have been busy organizing and participating in several community-building events:

• The Final Link activity on May 28th brought students together.
• Student BBQ on May 30th was a wonderful occasion for fellowship.
• Other successful events included the Spring Fling, MSA Soiree, and Soup and Bread Share.

In a truly collaborative effort, around 500 students participated in creating a mural to "bring joy and unity" to all students—a magnificent display of collective artistry and spirit which will be proudly displayed in the main lobby.

GHS was also delighted to host a cultural showcase shared by our Japanese exchange students, offering a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural learning.

Approximately 40 students attended a Black Jacks Game, an outing with direct links to community building, leadership, and mental health.

Students have had invaluable opportunities to engage in experiential learning outside the classroom:

ELD/ESL classes enjoyed enriching visits to the Museum of Science and Technology and Parc Omega.

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students participated in several significant field trips:

• A visit to MacSkimming on May 13th.
• An insightful trip to Ottawa U Cyber Range.
• A visit to Ottawa U to explore Indigenous spaces.

Students also attended Discovery Day at Ottawa U and participated in a Blood Donation Field Trip.

We were pleased to welcome Carleton University to The Den to discuss the IESP (Indigenous Education Support Program) program with interested students.

Students also had the opportunity to attend both the Rainbow Youth Forum and the Black Youth Forum, fostering important discussions and connections.

On May 27th, Mark Fraser, Gloucester High School alum, NHL alum, and Director of Culture & Inclusion for the Toronto Maple Leafs, presented to students in Andy Waterman's class. He shared insights from his life and NHL experiences that have led him to his current role as Director of Culture & Inclusion for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

We are pleased to announce that our Nurse Practitioner has successfully secured a vaccine fridge for the school, enabling us to administer vaccines to students directly. This is a significant step in supporting the health and well-being of our school community.

June promises to be a month of celebration as we honour our graduating class and recognize student achievements:

• Special Olympics Track & Field and Floorball will be hosted at Gloucester on June 3rd and 4th.
• The Grad Breakfast is scheduled for June 4th.
• The Gloucester Student Arts Showcase is scheduled for June 5th, 5-7pm
• The School Athletic Awards will take place on June 10th.
• The Lodge Community Graduation Ceremony will be held on June 17th.
• Commencement ceremonies will be held at the Shenkman Center on June 25th at 1 pm and 5 pm.
• Finally, a graduation summary with course selections for the 2025-2026 school year has been given to each student for caregivers to verify. Please contact our guidance team if you have not reviewed your student’s course selections. Your attention to this will help us prepare for a smooth start to the next academic year.

We look forward to a successful end to the school year and to celebrating the accomplishments of all students. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Looking ahead to June, everyone must be aware of the following key dates:

• EQAO Math assessments will take place between June 16th and 18th.
• Final evaluations for all students will begin on June 19th and conclude on June 24th.

Yours in Gratitude,

Joe Ross - Principal