The student parliament at Georgetown District High School has been very active this year, organizing many events for the school. Led by Prime Minister Liz Colter and supervised by Mr. Estevan, the student parliament has over 20 members, the most in the last 5 years. Some of the events organized by the student parliament include the semi-formal dance, Halloween dance, and Christmas events. The student parliament has also raised money for charities. Elections for the next year's Prime Minister are coming up soon. The student parliament has been working hard and has contributed to a great school year.

1. Rebel Times
April 2010
Politics in our School
By: Jason St. Jacques.
We don’t hear about what happens every
Tuesday and Thursday after school. This is when
the Student Parliament meets. Run by our Prime
Minister, Liz Colter, and supervised by Mr. Es-
tevan, the Student Parliament has put on most
events at our school, including Semi-formal, the
Halloween dance, and events over Christmas
such as the Santa Claus parade.
“Student parliament is running really well
this year. We have over twenty members, which
is the most in the last five years,” said Mr. Este-
van.
Most people would not think about running
for school Prime Minister because they feel that
it is not a goal that they can achieve. Liz Colter
is not most people. She decided to run for Prime
Minister. “The reason I ran for Prime Minister is
because I am not a student who enjoys attend-
ing school events, but I am a student who enjoys
planning and making them. When I do a huge
event like Semi or the end of the year assem-
bly, I get to work with my best friends to make a
great event. Once we see the final product of our
work, the sense of accomplishment and seeing
students smile and have them say they enjoyed
it is the best part, and knowing I made it possible.
Also being able to represent GDHS is quite an
honour and a responsibility I enjoy,” Colter stated.
Being part of Student Parliament has been
fun for everyone. “My best experience this year
has definitely been people’s reactions from semi.
The entire Parliament put tons of effort into the
event, and hearing that people enjoyed them-
selves was huge!” Kate Turner, the deputy Prime
Minister said. Elections for next year’s Prime
Minister are quickly coming, and it looks like we
are going to have a great future. “Student Parlia-
ment has so many younger students who are full
of ideas and ways to make our school better, and
if they continue to keep the student body’s inter-
ests at heart, the parliament is definitely going to
thrive in up coming years!” said Turner.
“What students may not see or real-
ize is that we have raised a lot of money for chari-
ties, such as the Terry Fox Foundation, Haiti, and
we have also funded different programs around
the school,” Mr. Estevan said.
The student Parliament has been working
hard around the school. They have done a great
job and have contributed to a fantastic school
year.
Student parliament members participate in the annual
Santa Claus parade. Student parliament and volun-
teers put the float together (Photo: Kate Turner)
GEORGETOWN DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

2. A Message From The
Principal.
By: Mag Gardner.
Happy Spring!
It’s an exciting time at Georgetown, and
typical of many high schools, we have one
foot in the present and one foot in the future
as we plan for our 2010-2011 year.
Here are some things happening in the school
right now:
-The report card provides you with important
information regarding your child’s progress. We
strongly suggest parents attend Parent Teacher
Night on April 22/10, especially if your child is
not achieving his or her potential. Our Student
Success Team puts interventions and strategies
in place to ensure all students achieve. Please
contact Dinah Tin if we need to exert more
support in your child’s direction.
-The grade 10s wrote the Ontario Secondary
School LIteracy Test on April 8, 2010. The
LIteracy requirement is needed in order to
graduate.
-The School Effectiveness Survey (for parents,
students and staff) is an online opportunity to get
feedback on how we are doing. It will be available
this spring. Please participate--we welcome your
perspectives and use the data to set direction.
-All period 1 students recently participated in
a class discussion about inclusiveness. The
feedback was thoughtful and compelling and
will lead to a staff-student committee to make
suggestions for improvement. We continue
to build on ways to ensure GDHS is a happy,
healthy community.
Our students continue to make us proud.
Here is a list of some of the great ways they
are contributing to GDHS:
-Green Rebels continue to save the planet,
organizing GDHS Earth Hour and doing ECO
audits.
-Rebel Swimmers wowed us again at OFSAA:
boys earned Gold overall and the girls earned
Bronze.
-Halton Skills Olympics was on April 13th--we had
a good showing from our students.
-Our Debating Rebels have qualified for
the National competition in Victoria, B.C.--
Congratulations!
-Rebel Mathies have fared well in our
competitions this year. Good job!
-Girls’ volleyball earned Silver at OFSAA.
-Music students performed at Oxford, England
on March 31st, and another Arts group heads to
New York soon.
-Yearbook subscriptions have never been higher.
-Planning for the May 27th Prom is well
underway. We are sold out. Our Rebel grads will
not disappoint.
-Student parliament is running a Hearts for Haiti
campaign, indeed Rebels with a Cause!
As we cast our thoughts ahead, here is what
we are looking forward to:
-We still anticipate renovation completion for fall
2010.
-Our enrolment is increasing. More rebels means
more to enjoy at GDHS.
-We are introducing a Specialist High Skills
Major in Hospitality program to complement our
specialized programs like SHSM, IB and OYAP.
There are still spots available for September.
Please see Guidance.
-We welcome students who will be starting in
our new Life Skills and Centre programs in
September.
-A Transitions program, LEAP, is coming to
GDHS; this will make a real difference for some
grade 8s.
-More email and web based communication with
parents. This newsletter, for example, will be
accessible on line.
-Parent Engagement Strategy enhancement
means more face-to-face opportunities to
learn, share and be involved at GDHS. We
look forward to our first session, “Helping the
Teenager Succeed,” on April 28th.
-Babies...babies...babies: Four GDHS teachers
are looking forward to parenthood this semester!
You can see, the place is hopping...There is truly
no place like it!
Onward and upward!

3. Table Of
Contents
Sports....................Page 5
Academics...........Page 9
Events.................Page 12
Classes and
Art......................Page 14
Student editors: Eric Gourlay and
Angelina Vaccaro.
PLAY SCHOOL
WHO: 2.5 to 6 years olds
WHAT: 2 fun filled hours,
WHEN: 3 blocks of 4 sessions
WHERE: Georgetown District High
School: Room 132, Family Studies
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Block 1: April 27-May 6
Block 2: May 11- May 20
Block 3: May 25- June 3
ONLY $15 PER BLOCK!
SIGN UP FOR ALL, OR JUST ONE, OR
TWO!
Applications for this popular program
are available in the school’s office or
from Family Studies students. To re-
serve a spot in the program for your
child, a cheque payable to GDHS and
the completed registration form must
be returned to the office. For further
information about the Playschool Pro-
gram, please contact:
Mrs. Sharon Cook(905) 877-6966
(ext. 810)cooks@hdsb.ca
Ms. Katie Tuitman(905) 877-6966
(ext. 807)tuitmank@hdsb.ca

4. News From Guidance
Upcoming Information Sessions for Grade
12’s: Guidance will be offering financial
information sessions, which will be of particular
interest to any Grade 12’s who are moving on
to post-secondary education in September . On
Wednesday, April 21 at 12:45, a representative
from the Sheridan College Financial Department
will be here to host an OSAP presentation. This
presentation is of great value to any student
who may need financial assistance in order
to attend university or college. Please see
Ms. Cannell to sign up as space is limited.
Summer School: Summer School applications
will be available in mid-April for both the Halton
Roman Catholic School Board and the Halton
District School Board. Students should register
as soon as possible for courses as courses may
be cancelled if there are not sufficient students
registered in the course. Students should not
wait until after they receive their report cards
in July because it will be too late to register.
Students who are in danger of failing a course
should come in to Guidance to pick up a form
or make an appointment with their guidance
counsellor to discuss their options. Listen to the
announcements for details as to when summer
school applications are available.
Community Hours: We would like to take this
opportunity to remind students and parents that
all Grade 12 students who expect to graduate
this June must have their completed community
hours into Ms. Cannell by June 30 in order
to be included in this year’s commencement
ceremonies. At present, 220 grade 12
students out of 412 have NOT submitted their
community hours! Students who are going
onto college or university should be aware that
acceptances from universities or colleges may be
rescinded if your community hours have not been
completed.
Course Changes for 2010-2011: Courses can
be changed fairly easily right now, although some
courses currently have a waiting list. Now is the
time to consider carefully what you have selected
for next year. Students who wait until the last
week in August or the first week in September
may NOT be able to change their minds about
the courses they have selected.
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition
(PLAR): Students interested in challenging a
grade 10-12 credit must register and attend an
orientation session on April 28, 7- 8 pm. The
orientation is at the New Street Education Centre,
Brock Room, 3250 New Street in Burlington. To
register, contact Doug Bothwell at 905-631-6120
Ext. 459 or email at bothwelld@hdsb.ca. For
further information, please check out the Halton
District School Board website.
New Programs at GDHS! September 2010
will see the start of our second Specialist High
Skills Major: Transportation and the third SHSM:
Hospitality and Tourism in February 2011.
We are Moving … Temporarily!! The Guidance
Office will be relocating temporarily due to the
next stage of renovations in June. We plan to
continue with business as usual and we will be
located in the newly renovated classrooms down
the hall from the Cosmetology room.
Students planting trees this past fall for their com-
munity hours. See guidance for opportunities.

5. the GDHS players on the ice playing their hardest
to win the game. Even when the team was
behind in the score, all the players had a smile
on their faces! They were all out there having fun
with it and enjoying themselves.
“Playing on the team was really fun, we
always made Tim’s runs on the way to the games
in the bus and we all got along,” Connor Vincent
said.
The final score on the score board may be
what is looked at, at the end of the game in most
people’s eyes, but that’s not what it’s all about,
and the GDHS girls’ hockey team knows it! The
game is about fun, and that’s what they all were
having out on the ice. Fun!
A GDHS player controls the puck.
Photos: Dean Thompson
Girls' Hockey
By: Dean Thompson.
“We are in a rebuilding year and most of
our players are juniors, but we have had a lot
of fun and have seen great improvement as the
season progressed, so we are already looking
forward to next year!” said Mrs. Michalopoulos,
who coaches girls’ hockey with Ms. Veats. “We
had a good season and although we lost a
number of games, most of the scores were very
close and the games could have gone either
way.”
“We didn’t really do well, we only won 1
or 2 games I believe.” said Connor Vincent when
asked about how their team did over the season.
The GDHS Girls Hockey team may not have had
their best season, but from what players say, it
was still a fun filled season with lots of laughs at
all the games.
Mrs. Michalopoulos coaching the girls.
The team played in the Elite Tournament
at York University and made it to the semi-finals
in a very tough tier from across southern Ontario.
The coaches add that their “thanks and
best wishes for every success in their post-
secondary studies next year go out to our
graduating players: Olivia Hack, Megan Breen
and our goalie Kendra McCutcheon. We will miss
you!!”
When out at the games, it is clear that the
players were giving it their all, with every one of
Sports
Junior Boys' Hockey
The junior boys’ hockey team won the first two
tournaments in which they played. In the third
tournament, they lost in the semi-finals. They are
playing in their final tournament as this newsletter
goes to press. A great season!

6. it off we have Lindsay Poulton number 14,
Courney Keast number 1, Rhianna Malcolm
number 11, Haley Besworth number 17, Nicole
Arthurs number 7, Hillary Banks number 4, Taylor
Harding number 16, Holly Bigg number 8, Maggie
Darling number 9, Chelsea Briscoe number 3,
Chantelle Tanguay number 15, and finally our
captains, Tory McCracken number 13, and Sarah
Chapin number 6.” After each name was called
an abundance of cheers accompanied with the
classic double clap were heard. There was an
enormous gathering of parents, teachers, and
students from Georgetown, who came out to
support our team in this big event. Having not
been to the finals at an OFSAA since 1996, this
was a big opportunity for Rebels to make their
mark.
Players clap as names are read out.
(Photos: Haley Besworth)
The senior girls’ volleyball team finished
second at OFSAA. After losing two games
straight in the five game final, the girls came back
to win two in a row and to tie up the match. In a
fifth game to fifteen, Forest Heights unfortunately
came out on top with a score of 15-10, and the
Senior Girls’ Rebels accepted the bittersweet
silver medal.
The head Coach, Mr. Stewart, tells us about the
second place finish, “Winning the Silver medal
at the Provincial Championships is the highlight
of my coaching career. The Silver medal is an
interesting animal as it comes with a loss. Gold
is instantaneous - and with it comes a great high
but a low must follow. The beauty of the silver is
that its value grows over time. It takes a few days
Rebel Pride
By Haley Besworth
“If I could have both teams line up on the
end lines of the court please.” The announcer
proceeded to call up the head coach of Forest
Heights to name off his players one by one.
After each name was announced the crowd and
players simultaneously performed the classic
double clap to honour each player for making
it to the championship of AAAA girls volleyball
OFSAA. Making sure to acknowledge each
player of the opposing team out of respect, it
was clear that I, and the rest of my team, was
truly uninterested in the team only feet away on
the other side of the net. Concentrated on the
upcoming game instead, as well as the medal
at stake, our team knew that it didn’t make a
difference about whom we were facing. Our
record stood strong at 43 and 1, and through
years of playing the great game, it was known
that to win, only our performance mattered. If we
played our best, we would take the gold.
“Now if I could have the Rebels’ coach
come up and introduce the Georgetown team.”
Mr. Stewart walked up to the microphone and
called on Ms. Nairn to join him. “Okay to start
GDHS girls set up a huge block against
OT in the Halton Finals

7. but the magnitude of the accomplishment begins
to work its way in until the true significance of
what you have attained is felt. That feeling that
begins to linger is pride.”
Tory McCracken, captain, tells us
her feelings on the result, “Obviously I was
disappointed at first, I think we all were, and it’s
hard not to be after coming so far. But in the end,
I was really proud of everyone and the way we
all played. The only thing that could have been
better was the colour of the medal, but otherwise
we couldn’t have had a better game for our
last one as a Rebel!”
Rhianna Malcolm explains what it’s like to
actually be in the Ofsaa final game, “When you’re
in the moment, nothing else matters. You’re not
focused on anything else around you; all that
matters is what is immediately in front of you.
It’s amazing.”
The girl’s worked hard all year to prepare
for the OFSAA championships, which was their
goal of the season to reach that point in girls’
volleyball. Throughout their league season they
were undefeated and went into the Halton Finals
on a good note. Destroying OT with a score of
25-8, 25-10, the team moved on to GHAC to face
St. Thomas More. The winner of this match out of
five, would go on to represent Greater Hamilton
Area at OFSAA. Winning the first two games in
a row, Georgetown went on in hopes to secure
the third game of the series. The first game
had been a close score of 26-24, followed by a
very different second game where the Rebels
dominated 25-8. In the third game St. Thomas
More fought to come out on top with a score of
27-25. In the end Georgetown took the fourth
game, to win the match, with a score of 25-17.
Georgetown had previously taken a gold medal
in every tournament they were in, only losing one
game of one tournament in pool play to Sinclair.
To make up for this loss, Georgetown went on to
defeat Sinclair in the finals of that tournament.
Overall the girls’ season was an
outstanding one, and the fans, families, players,
and coaches, are not anything short of proud
of the team and the many accomplishments
throughout the season. The team leaves
Georgetown with hopes of great years in girls’
volleyball to come.

By Jenna Cann
At the side of the mat, I’m waiting for my
next match. I’m bouncing lightly with anticipation.
The referee will call my name any second. I hear
my favourite songs, hyping me up even more. My
heart really starts pounding when I visualize myself
wrestling. The adrenaline is surging within me and
my mind is thinking about nothing but the match,
and the opponent, that are waiting for me.
GDHS wrestling was made up of a fully
supportive team. Quite a few people have all
talked about how when one person was hurt or
lost a match, they used it to make themselves
work even harder. Kendra Blackbourn said,
“you’re on your own on the mat, but you always
have your team mates behind you, cheering you
on, and coaching you along the way. It makes
it fun because everyone can relate to everyone
else’s matches”.
The girls won the February 19th
GHAC
tournament, and Cameron Killander came third
place at OFSAA in the 38kg. Girls came 46th
,
Boys came 37th
, and overall our school came 34th
at OFSAA, which was from March 3rd
to March
5th
. “Everyone wrestled their best,” Megan Wylde
said, “and came together as a team!”
They practiced everyday after school, or
at five, for about an hour and a half, with Mr. Hall.
They competed at several different tournaments
from Ottawa, Sarnia, or just local ones. If they
needed to raise money, they would do a bottle
drive.
Austin Large stated that the one thing he
loved most about wrestling is before a match. “It’s
the best feeling ever; the adrenaline”.
The boys and girls of the GDHS wrestling
team had a good season. These people, who
may not have known each other otherwise, have
really come together as a team.

8. Rebels Riding the Wave
Photo: Gillian Webb
By: Rachel Wilson
There’s nothing like the terror and the thrill
that seizes your entire body as you step onto
the block. To your right and your left are other
swimmers, all nervous and excited like yourself.
The referee on the far edge of the pool raises his
hand; he keeps a stern look on his face as he
gives a quick blow on his whistle. Like a reflex,
your body leans forward on the block; your hands
reaching out for the water below you, your feet
on the very edge of the block, ready to propel
you forward at any given moment. The ref holds
his hand high, you count to yourself; “3... 2... 1...”
then the signal, “beep,” and you plunge.
There were a total of 76 swimmers on the
swim team this year. Becoming a member of the
swim team takes dedication and an incredible
work ethic; these swimmers know what that is,
as they woke up at around 5:30 for a minimum
of 3 times a week for the entire 5 month season!
“It was hard sometimes, waking up so early, but
it was definitely worth it in the end!” stated Alex
Jewell, a senior on the team.
This past season was an outstanding
one for the Rebels Swim Team, as they were
undefeated throughout. That’s a total of 9 swim
meets won this year! Some of the most exciting
wins for the swim team this season were gold in
the OFSAA High School Boys’ title (for the third
year in a row), and silver in the OFSAA High
School Girls’ title. This year, the Rebels were
the 2010 OFSAA Overall Swimming Champions,
and took home gold with a total of 1545.5 points!
Impressively, there were 270 other teams from all
over Ontario competing for gold at OFSAA.
The Rebels took home a total of 11
individual medals, and 3 relay medals at the 2010
OFSAA championships. They include:
Cameron Elgie: Gold in the 200 meter Freestyle,
Silver in the 100 meter Freestyle.
Drake Livingston: Bronze in 200 meter
Freestyle, Bronze in 100 meter Backstroke.
Nadiya Safanova: Gold in the 100 meter Free,
Silver in the 50 meter Fly.
Sam Bellman: Bronze in the 50m Fly.
Matthew Oles: Silver in the 100IM, Silver in the
50 meter Breaststroke.
Jenn Ormiston: Silver in
the 100 meter Breaststroke.
Sophie Cieplucha: Silver in the 200IM.
Mackenzie Sheppard, Sarah Reid,
Nadiya Safanova, Kristen Davison:
Gold in the Junior Girls Medley Relay.
Daniel Ardron, Matthew Oles, Stefan
Sicard, Ryan Mersiadis-Carrier:
Bronze in the Junior Boys Medley Relay.
Chris Bellman, Kyle Chapman, Brandon
Star, Kyle Hansen: Silver in the Senior Boys
Freestyle Relay.
The OFSAA Leadership in School Sport
Award is an award that is presented to a coach
who exemplifies the values of fair play and good
sportsmanship, while also promoting enjoyment,
personal growth and educational achievement
though school sport. This year that award was
given to Mr. Newcombe for his outstanding
coaching this past season. “I couldn’t have asked
for a better coach!” stated Drake Livingston one
of the 3 swim team captains this season.
It turned out to be an outstanding season
for all the swimmers on the team; we look forward
to commemorating your achievements next
season! Congratulations Rebels!
Photo: Denaka Bodrug

9. our students to access enrichment both within the
building and beyond our walls. All students who
qualify for programs are encouraged to apply. To
find out what enrichment opportunities are cur-
rently available, visit Enrichment Activities under
Student Program on the GDHS website. For
further information, contact:
Gosia Siuda, Coordinator of Gifted Education
siudag@hdsb.ca
(905) 877-6966 ext. 245
Tech Department:
At the Halton Skills Olympics on April 13th, at
Robert Bateman High School. GDHS students
represented us well, with the following results:
Nicole Bond Erich Knoespel: Gold in team TV
and video production
Caitlyn Moses: Bronze, Hairstyling
David Taylor: Bronze in Auto Service Technology
Thomas Nutter Matt Penford: Bronze in team
carpentry
Alex Johnston (6th place) and Kevin Sanderson
(11th place) represented GDHS in the Architec-
tural CADD category.
Science:
Some exciting results from science!!! This year a
lot of grade 9 students competed in the WHERE
challenge. The WHERE Challenge is a national
contest endorsed by the Canadian Earth sci-
ences community that asks students aged 10 - 14
years to discover the answers to these questions:
What on Earth is in your stuff and WHERE on
Earth does it come from? In the 13-14 year old
age group, we had two regional winners from Ms.
Sparling’s class: Monique Tuin for “How is Lego
Made” and Wayne Fang for “The Quartz Clock”.
They each won $200. At the national level Wayne
Fang’s entry won Best Overall for the grand prize
of $1000!!!
Entries can be viewed on April 22nd at http://
www.earthsciencescanada.com/where/. We are
thrilled with the all the results and impressed with
the quality and creativity our students have dem-
onstrated!!!
Academics
Department News
French and Math:
Parents students are reminded that the Math
Clinic is open during the 2nd half of periods 3
4 on Mondays, Wednesdays Thursdays. This
semester it is located in room 238. Students
are also encouraged to speak to their own Math
teacher if they would like extra help. On Tues-
days during the 2nd half of period 3, French help
is available in the Study Hall, room 106.
English:
The grade 12 University English classes are hav-
ing a tabla drumming workshop to support The
Kite Runner, a novel they are reading in class.
The grade 11 University English classes are
going to see Macbeth, as well as The Crucible,
performed on stage.
Mr. Martino and Mr. Stewart’s students are show-
ing off their imaginations as well as their creative
writing skills by creating avatars and telling sto-
ries in graphic novel form.
Students in Ms. Siuda’s grade nine ISP English
class had a chance to experience courtroom
drama right in their own classroom! After read-
ing the short story entitled “Identities,” by V.D.
Valgardson, students were challenged to stage
the trial of one of the characters. While prepar-
ing the case, students utilized their critical think-
ing skills, honed their questioning and listening
skills, learned about the Canadian law system,
and gained an insider’s perspective on courtroom
procedures. Trial day was a great success, and
all students participated in the roles of the law-
yers, the witnesses, the jurors, the judge, and the
bailiff. Afterwards, students commented that the
trial experience was challenging and a little scary,
but definitely lots of fun.
GDHS Enrichment:
At GDHS, we offer a number of opportunities for

10. 10
Learning Curve
By Myke Stevens
A lot of people are wondering about
GDHS’s latest unique learning experiences, and
that would be the SHSM. Georgetown District
now has another prestigious learning program
available to students: The Specialist High Skills
Major. The program is currently offered in
Environment Studies only, but the Transportation
and Hospitality programs are to begin next year.
‘But what is a SHSM?’ you may be
wondering. The program is designed to make
the transition between school and the workplace
easier by allowing students to focus their studies
on a specific economic sector while still meeting
the requirements of their Ontario Secondary
School Diploma.
The program is essentially a bundle of
8-10 Grade 11 and 12 credits, which consists
of 4 major credits that provide the student with
sector-specific knowledge and skills, as well
as 2-4 programs of their choice, and two co-
op programs that offer an authentic workplace
setting to learn in. The program benefits the
student by letting them experience a range of
customized learning opportunities and letting
them explore, identify and refine their career
choices. They gain confidence in succeeding and
see the connections between their high school
courses, the world beyond high school, and
ultimately their future career choices.
These and other essential skills that will
be required of them in their workplace of choice
will be documented in an Ontario Skills Passport
(a document that clearly provides descriptions of
their essential skills and work habits). Ultimately,
a SHSM is evidence of their achievement
and required components for employers and
postsecondary education. Upon completing the
SHSM, and earning their OSSD, the SHSM is
indicated on their certificate by a red seal. On top
of that, they will receive a SHSM record, and it
will appear on their OST.
The Environmental Studies looks for
students who have a passion for environment,
want to develop their leadership skills, are
interested in looking at personal healthy choices
and aspire to work or learn in an environmentally
A Growth In Coop At
GDHS.
Cooperative education (Co-op) provides students
with an opportunity to extend their classroom
learning into the work world. Students explore
career options and gather information they need
to make informed decisions about their post-sec-
ondary destination. Students get to know their
strengths and learn valuable, transferable skills
for education and work. Co-op is a single or
muti-credit option that provides a part or full day
placement in the workplace.
Due to increased enrolment for co-op next year
and with the addition of our Specialist High Skills
Major Programs we are looking for new employ-
ment opportunities for our students. Any em-
ployers interested in providing meaningful work-
related learning opportunities for our students are
invited to contact Len Untinen (905) 702-4599
or Donna Norrie (905) 875-8706. Parents or
students with questions regarding co-op oppor-
tunities are also invited to contact the teachers
above.
Experience China
March Break 2011
March 12-20
For more information contact:
Mr. Ha haj@hdsb.ca

11. 11
friendly field. Among the many other things they
will learn in their courses, they study about our
biosphere, and about helping make their homes,
community and school more eco-friendly.
“The Halton board is highly focused on
the SHSM programs.” Mr. Swanson commented.
He is the teacher in charge of the Environmental
Studies program this year, “They have placed at
least one SHSM program in every high school in
the district. Many have more than one and they
are making sure all programs have the proper
resources and funding.”
Jenny Durno is currently enrolled in the
Environmental Studies program. “I took the
program because of the environment course I
took in grade 10,” she stated as she recollected
what sparked her interest. “I was curious to
explore more areas involving the environment.
The course has definitely lived up to my
expectations and it’s a lot of fun.”
Mr. Jarvie will run the Transportation
Program next year and he was able to give
some insight into what students can expect.
“The SHSM program held at our school will
actually merge with the OYAP program, which is
a benefit to our students. They’ll receive OYAP’s
college level theory and they’ll be able to obtain
certificates throughout the two years.” He also
went on to say “ If you know what you want
early, you can get a head start to proving it by
focusing on that area of study.” He also said that
some Universities, York for example, have stated
that they will acknowledge the SHSM. Students
can also expect more guest speakers and field
trips in the Transportation program next year.
The Hospitality Program for GDHS is still in the
works, but information can be found by contacting
the school’s Guidance Department.
Mr. Swanson, Mr. Jarvie and the
guidance staff can be contacted through the
school or by visiting the staff contact page at
www.georgetowndistricthighschool.com for
Environmental Studies, Transportation and
Hospitality, respectively.
Greetings from your
School Council
Council has been working on plans for some
parent education events. The responses to the
parent engagement survey clearly identified
to us that parents are interested in attend-
ing workshops to assist them to support their
children during their high school experience
and we are looking at ways to respond to that
request.
In the meantime there are a number of parent
education events coming up on our community
which we invite all our parents to attend.
Parent Education Night
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
7pm - 8:30pm
John Elliot Theatre, Georgetown
Keynote Speaker
Education Specialist Michael Reist will speak
on: “Raising Kids in a New Kind of World”
For more information, please contact Tanya
Melykuty at tanya.melykuty@halton.ca or call
1-866-442-5866
If you would like to receive copies of School
Council minutes or information on upcom-
ing events, please send an email to GDHS
SCHOOLCOUNCIL [gdhsschoolcouncil@gmail.
com] and we will be glad to add you to the dis-
tribution list.
Students in the Green Club work to improve the
school’s inner courtyard.
(Photo: Jason St. Jacques)

12. 12
Events
The Justice League
of Georgetown
By Kate Turner
When someone thinks about a league of
people promoting justice, they generally envision
superheroes. Go ahead, try to deny it; you
know you’re thinking of men in tights right now.
However, at GDHS we’re not talking about the
Justice League of America and the X-men. No,
what we’re talking about is a group of students
who gather every Thursday and work on ways to
make our school more “socially just:” the Social
Justice League. Raising awareness about such
issues as genocide and AIDS, and putting on
fundraisers are some of the SJL’s everyday
tasks.
The Social Justice League hosts an
International Day each year, showcasing how
different people of the world live. Students are
given the opportunity to walk around and talk
to the SJL members about other countries,
and learning about how they live. Also, if
you attended GDHS last year, you may have
heard about or participated in the movie night
concerning the genocide in Darfur. SJL member
and enthusiast Kate Motluk, Grade 12, said,
“many students were completely unaware that
it was happening”. These events put on by the
league bring so much attention to important
issues in our world, and it is a crucial element of
our school.
In addition to smaller events, the Social
Justice League runs a fundraiser for Free the
Children at Christmas time, where students are
able to give money to purchase goats, cows,
sewing machines, and more for people in third
world countries. These great charities bring
the school together under the common goal of
making someone’s life better, and helping those
who aren’t as lucky as we are here.
Another great charity the SJL has contributed
to this year is Teddies for Tragedies. Students
from our school brought in their unused stuffed
animals and teddy bears to be given to children
in third world countries. The Teddies for
Tragedies website states that “doctors who treat
children in the third world found that the teddies
were sometimes as important to healing as the
medicines, and of course each child gets to keep
the teddy, so a continual supply is needed.”
Considering the amount of teddies collected, it
is very clear that students of GDHS are not only
“socially just,” but overall are caring and selfless.
Pictured above are all of the teddies donated for
Teddies for Tragedies. The hundreds of stuffed
animals will be distributed around the world to
children in need. (Photo by Lisa Crawford)
The Social Justice League is an incredible
way to get involved with school, and still have
fun. “I have had the privilege of working with
such amazing co-members and our awesome
leaders, Ms Tin and Ms Hicks,” said Motluk. The
SJL is always giving students the opportunity to
change other’s lives as well as their own. When
asked how the league affected her high school
experience, Motluk said, “It gave me the chance
to meet like-minded people and also to really feel
like I was affecting positive change locally and
globally.”
This amazing club of students is always
looking for more members, so if there are
students out there interested in what they’ve
heard and read about the SJL, swing by the back
of guidance on Thursdays after school, and help
make GDHS more socially just.

13. 13


By: Eric Gourlay.
After the great success of the Coffee
House this past fall, everyone eagerly anticipated
the return in spring. On Tuesday March 30th
,
students came to the music room at 4:00 to enjoy
another evening full of refreshments and GDHS
talent. There was music and improv, as well as
many other talents.
With help from the Writer’s Craft class
this semester and other students pitching in, the
Coffee House was a huge success.
“Best attended, most performers! I thought
Brittany McShane and Amanda Ceniti were great!
The MCs were all great! Nice commentary and
stage presence!” Mr. Martino said, when asked
about the Coffee House.
There were many terrific performances
such as ‘The Circle of Life’ from the Lion
King, performed by Emma Bridgwater, Kaitlin
Chamberlain, and Steven Kutarna, Great Big
Sea’s song ‘Clearest Indication’ performed by
Evelyn Elgie, Michael Bublé’s song ‘Everything’
performed by John Currie and Steven Kutarna as
well as some improv.
Although both the spring and fall Coffee
Houses are over, they were a great enjoyment to
everyone who either participated or was just in
the audience. We look forward to next year and
to more fantastic performances by the talented
students of GDHS.
A number of students sang at the Coffee House.
(Photo: Haley Besworth)
Mr. Martino playing “Ooh La La” by The Faces.
(Photo: Haley Besworth)
The Improv club performs using audience sug-
gestions. (Photo: Kate Turner)
Some students performed in bands.
(Photo: Kate Turner)

14. 14
Classes!
What has been going on in some of the classes
around the school? Here are some pictures of
what we have been doing!
There’s No Debate
About It!
By: Mr. and Mrs. Watson.
For the first time in its four year history, GDHS
successfully qualified TWO teams for the
National Championship in Victoria BC!
The team of Kylie de Chastelain and Holly
Kallmeyer were narrowly defeated in a 3-4 split
decision and placed second at the Provincial
Championship! Dryden Bailey and Chelsea
Jackson placed eighth overall and managed
to secure the last spot for team Ontario at the
Nationals! The ladies also won individual speaker
recognition. Kylie placed third and Dryden placed
seventh.
Way to go ladies! It is very rare to have a
school advance so far in competitive debate and
manage to secure, not one, but TWO spots on
the National stage!
Students get to try some Japanese food on Ja-
pan day. (Photo: Jessica Whelan)
The ladies from the Temperance Society clash
with the flappers at the speakeasy in Mr. Keast’s
history class.
A witness gets grilled during the Napoleon mock-
trial in Mr. Nikolov’s history class.
(Photo: Gillian Webb)
Beyond the classroom: students on the March
Break Spain/Italy trip. Photo: Kaitlin Chamberlain

15. 15
Art by Evelyn Elgie.
Creative Talent at
GDHS!
A piece of art by Leighton Bannock.
Artwork by Chloe Negrette.
Art by Chloe Swintak.
Photos this page: Alanna Benson

16. 16
ATTENTION!
The Newsletter is available on the GDHS website
at www.georgetowndistricthighschool.com
We are working towards going fully electronic for
next year.
The Georgetown District High School
Calendar Of Important Dates.
Apr. 22 Full Disclosure Date.
Apr. 22 Parent Interview Evening (6:45).
Apr. 28 - 30 “Love In The Rainforest,” a drama production.
May. 13 Annual Spring Music Concert.
May. 14 Letters of Concern/Sunshine Letters Issued.
May. 24 Victoria Day Holiday (no classes).
May. 27 Prom.
June. 1 - 21 In-class exams presentation.
June. 11 Rebel Achiever Breakfast.
June. 21 Grad Breakfast 7:45 am.
June. 21 Last Day of Semester Two Classes.
June 22 - 28 Semester Two Examinations.
June. 29 Summative Evaluation Review 9 - 11 am ONLY.
June. 30 P.A. Day (no classes).
Important Contacts
School attendence 905-877-6966 Ext. 218 (24 hours/7 days)
School phone number 905-877-6966
School fax number 905-873-9689
School website www.georgetowndistricthighschool.com
Board website www.hdsb.ca
For Students Timetable information go to www.hdsb.ca
Parent and Community link, then click Student information link.
Principal Mag Gardner
Vice-Principal Carol Davin
Vice Principal Gerard Herlihey
Vice Principal Nicholas Varricchio

17. 17
STUDENT SUCCESS AT GDHS
GDHS STUDY HALL
Students who struggle with their homework, have difficulty completing their assignments or need help
with their study skills now have a place to go. The STUDY HALL is open during the last half of peri-
ods 3 and 4 every day in Room 106 (the back of Guidance). Teachers will be available to help stu-
dents succeed.
GRADE 9 MATH REMEDIATION
We are running a grade 9 math remediation program after school Mondays and Wednesday from
3:30-4:30pm starting in April. Students will review math concepts they are struggling with in their
courses and prepare for tests, quizzes, the summative and the final exam. Students are welcome to
attend that are having difficulty in their current applied or academic level math course.
STUDY SKILLS SESSIONS
Is your Grade 9 or 10 student having difficulty studying for quizzes, tests and exams? Come to our
study skills sessions to learn about important concepts and habits that will help students study more
effectively.
Please contact the Student Success Teacher, Ms. Tin or a Guidance counselor for more information
on any of these interventions.
GDHS BREAKFAST PROGRAM
NEEDS YOUR HELP!!
GDHS is pleased to offer a breakfast program to
provide healthy alternatives for students to eat
in the morning before school begins.
Volunteers (parents and students) are needed to
help supervise the program from 8:15am to 8:45
am.
Donations to help purchase food and supplies to
successfully run our program are also appreci-
ated.
For more information about the program or vol-
unteering please contact Dinah Tin at 905 877-
6966 (ext. 223) or by email at tind@hdsb.ca.
CALLING ALL GRADE 10 AND 11
STUDENTS!
GDHS WANTS YOU
TO BE A
LINK CREW LEADER!
Are you interested in working with Grade 9
students to help them transition to high school
next year?
Are you responsible, reliable, enthusiastic and
enjoy working with other people?
If you answered yes to these questions, you
should join the GDHS LINK CREW. Please
come to guidance to get an application form
on April 12th and return it by April 30th. If you
have any questions, ask Mrs. Swanson or Ms.
Tin in the Guidance office.