Dear Goulbourn MS Community,

The many students and staff involved in the Shrek musical were at school yesterday rehearsing for this week’s performances.  We hope to see you during one of our two parent events this week.

"Shrek The Musical JR. follows an ogre named Shrek who has learned the hard way that “people hate the things they cannot understand.” For many years, he has protected himself from the hurtful actions of those who are scared of him by living as a recluse in a cozy swamp. One day, his peaceful swamp is disturbed by new tenants: fairytale misfits — including Pinocchio, the Ugly Duckling, the Wicked Witch, Peter Pan, the Three Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf — have been banished there by the villainous Lord Farquaad. In order to gain back his land, Shrek makes a deal with Farquaad to rescue the feisty princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a fierce dragon. Setting off with his faithful companion, Donkey, Shrek begins the journey of a lifetime filled with adventure, romance, and hilarity."

GMS is proud to present Shrek Jr this year with a cast of 40 dedicated students in grades 6, 7 & 8, along with huge support from 66 of their peers in the tech crew, props crew, stage crew, set crew, and costume crew - almost half the school has been involved in this musical in one way or another!  Students and staff have been rehearsing since January and are excited to present Shrek Jr. to Richmond PS grades 4 & 5, their peers at GMS, during two matinee shows on Wednesday and Thursday next week.  The public can watch the show during two evening performances (Wednesday, April 30th and Thursday, May 1st) at 7:00 pm in the gym.  If you would like to attend, tickets can be purchased in advance by filling out the ticket form HERE or at the door.  Tickets are $5.00.  

Our gym has been transformed into a fairytale swamp, and excitement is building as we get closer and closer to opening night.  If your son or daughter is involved with the show, here are some important dates and times they cannot miss.

Tuesday, April 29th 

• Tech & Final Dress Rehearsal in the gym from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

SHOW DAYS!

Wednesday, April 30th

• 7:00 pm show for the public (Evening Show - arrive at GMS for 6:15 to get dressed and mics on).

Thursday, May 1st

• 7:00 pm FINAL show for the public (Evening Show arrive at GMS for 6:15 to get dressed and mics on).

We are looking forward to seeing you!

Federal Election: Monday, April 28

GMS is a polling site for Elections Canada on Monday April 28th.  Please, note that this may cause an increase in demand for parking and may impact traffic flow during the day, particularly during the school bus arrival and departure periods. As usual, school staff will be on duty to assist students during the bus arrival and departure times.  If you are coming to the school that day, we appreciate your cooperation and patience with parking.  Also, please be advised that there will be security at the main entrance.  This is normal practice during elections to ensure the voters are directed to the voting location.

National Day of Mourning: Monday, April 28

The National Day of Mourning, held annually in Canada on April 28, is dedicated to remembering workers who have lost their lives or suffered illness or injury on the job or as a result of a work-related incident.  Workplace health and safety and the prevention of work-related deaths and injuries remains an important issue across Canada. 

In honour of the National Day of Mourning, national flags will be half-staffed on all 

federal and provincial government buildings.  All Ottawa-Carleton District School Board flags will also be half-staffed as a sign of respect.

Yearbook Entries due this Wednesday, April 30

Yearbooks are on sale! Students must pre-order their copy of this year's yearbook for $20 by purchasing with schoolcashonline or students can pay cash by April 30th. If students are interested in designing this year's yearbook cover, they must have their entries in by April 30th as well. (front and back cover on 8 1/2 x 11  paper) 

OSTA Message: Opt-out Process - Deadline: June 1

The Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) has implemented an opt-out process to enhance bus routing and transportation planning for the 2025-2026 school year.

If your child(ren) will not require school bus transportation next school year, please complete the electronic opt-out form to inform OSTA that a seat is not needed. This will help optimize services and minimize disruptions. Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime through OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form, and is subject to availability and eligibility.

The opt-out form is now available on OSTA’s website. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2025

Upcoming Events

April 28                Federal Election: GMS is a polling site

April 29-May 1     Play Performance Week: Shrek Junior

April 30                Badminton Tournament: Girls

May 1                   Badminton Tournament: Boys