April 4, 2025.

Dear Goulbourn MS Community,

I would like to take this opportunity to confirm with the community that students may not sell items to other students at school.  Since this problem has recently come to the attention of the office, this timely reminder is sent to notify all parents that this activity is strictly prohibited. If you learn that your child is being offered items for sale at school by other students, I would appreciate hearing from you to address this concern.  (We are already aware of the sale of deodorant and lollipops, and these have been addressed.)  Thank you for your collaboration. 

This week we congratulate our boys and girls’ intermediate basketball teams as they participated in their respective tournaments at Stonecrest ES.  The boys were rewarded for their efforts with a silver placing in the tournament while the girls achieved a record of 2 & 1 in their tournament, finishing out of the finals this year.  We are very proud of the sportsmanship and dedication of the student athletes, and grateful to Coach Mullins for her voluntary work with both teams, and to the parent drivers who made it possible for both teams to attend.  We also congratulate the Students’ Council, under the leadership of Ms. Soni, for their successful hot dog day on Thursday.  It was a lovely treat and a great experience for the student organizers.  Finally, “in the news” this past month,  a group of keen students has been working under the leadership of Mrs. Wiggins to bring us updates about school events and we look forward to the next edition of their GMS newspaper. 

Wishing you a pleasant weekend and week ahead

Kimberly Power, Principal (Acting)

April is Sikh Heritage Month

Ontario recognizes April as Sikh Heritage Month.  This month was specifically chosen due to the worldwide celebration of Vaisakhi on April 13th.  During the month of Vaisakh (April-May), in 1699, a new generation of citizens was manifested, called the Khalsa (sovereign). The core root values of Khalsa are Kindness, Justice, Courage, Determination, and Strength. In the OCDSB, we recognize the dedicated Sikh educators, engaged students, and supportive families who contribute significantly to our school communities. Their presence enriches our learning environments and strengthens our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Pajama Patrol:  April 7-11

Many people can relate to the feeling of comfort which comes with putting on a pair of cozy pajamas when getting ready for bed.  The Pajama Patrol is a charitable community organization which provides pajamas to children in need all over our city.  Over the next week, GMS students are invited to donate new pajamas for children from ages 0-18 years.  

Guest Speaker: April 9  1:10-2:10     Katie Weatherston

On Wednesday, April 9, from 1:10 to 2:10 PM, we will be welcoming Katie Weatherston, an Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion with Team Canada’s Women’s Hockey Team. Katie is also a Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame inductee and a certified elementary teacher. She will be sharing her journey as an athlete, the lessons she learned through sport and inspiring our students to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

GMS School Council would like to invite parents/caregivers who may be interested to also attend this special presentation. A form will be sent out to all families so that those who wish to attend may express their interest.  This activity is funded by the GMS School Council through the use of their Parents Reaching Out (PRO) grant.

Parent Response Form: Wed. Apr. 9 - Katie Weatherston

OCDSB: Autism Awareness - Guest Speaker

LINK:  AUTISM AWARENESS Virtual Event

An evening with Dr. Grant Bruno discussing Decolonizing Autism: A Nehiyaw (Plains Cree) Perspective.

This live presentation by Dr. Grant Bruno is available to all OCDSB employees, students, and parents/caregivers via a Zoom link. Participants are encouraged to join the premiere showing on April 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., where an opportunity for questions will be provided. The recording will remain accessible to OCDSB staff until October 2025.   Click on the link above to register for the Zoom presentation.

Upcoming Events

April 7-11 Pajama Patrol

April 9 Guest Speaker: Katie Weatherston (sponsored by the GMS School Council)

April 17 Student Council Social Activity 1:10-2:15

April 28 Federal Election: GMS is a polling site

April 29-May 1  Play Performance Week: Shrek Junior