August 26th, 2019

To those students who are new to Galt Collegiate, I would like to extend a particularly warm welcome as
you begin the next chapter in your education. I hope you are looking forward to a successful year, and that
you will embrace opportunities to participate in school activities that will provide rich experiences and
memories. To that end, all Grade 9 students and all Grade 10-12 students who are new to GCI, are invited
to attend the Grade 9 Welcome on Thursday, August 29th from 10:30 until 12:30. We will meet in
Tassie Hall.
To our returning Ghosts, I hope you have enjoyed your summer, and are anticipating a productive school
year ahead. The start of the school year is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and refine your goals.
Remember that your teachers and other staff members will support you as you pursue your goals.
Every day, I consider myself lucky to be principal at GCI. It is an amazing school! GCI’s rich and extensive
history, its beautiful building and campus, and its important place in the surrounding community make this
school truly unique. With a range of specialized programs (ESL/ELD, OYAP, Design Magnet, Dual Credit,
French Immersion, Extended French, Life Skills, Co-Op, eLearning, and Specialist High Skills Majors in
Sport, Transportation, Business, and Information & Communication Technology), in addition to a strong
core program and extensive student supports, GCI has something for everyone.
I would encourage all GCI students to get involved in extra-curricular activities at school. Extra-curricular
activities (clubs, bands, teams, groups, special events, etc.) immensely enrich your high school experience.
They help you develop important skills, and often contribute to your success in academics as well as other
areas of life.
To GCI parents, your involvement in your child’s education is something I value and respect. Two
important documents that require your attention, your child’s Data Verification Form and the Standard
Release Form, may by picked up in the Main Office between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from August 26th to 29th.  Signed Data Verification Forms may be handed in, in exchange for a student timetable. Students who have submitted their signed DVF and who are requesting course changes will be able to see a guidance counselor from August 26th to 28th (and, in doing so, will avoid waiting until the second week of school).
On the first day of school, students will locate their homeroom by checking the lists posted outside Tassie Hall, the Library, and the cafeteria. The first day of school is a full day, but we will have a slightly delayed start. Grade 9’s will start at 9:00 a.m.; Grades 10, 11 & 12 students will start classes at 10:00 a.m. Please see the home page of our website for the full opening day schedule.
Please note that Photo Day is Wednesday, September 4th
For additional details about the start of the coming school year, please go to the GCI website and click on
“2019-20 School Year Information Package”. Students who qualify for board-funded transportation should
also consult the GCI website for a link to transportation details. Students who walk to school and use the
river path should know that the City of Cambridge has informed us that one of the pedestrian bridges (near
the railway bridge) is closed, and will remain closed for several months.
Finally, our first Parent Night is Wednesday, October 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. I strongly encourage
parents of all students to take the opportunity to meet your child’s teachers in person and discuss your
child’s progress. Parents, teachers, support staff, and administrators working together will make a positive
difference in the lives of our students.
Welcome back everyone. I hope you are looking forward to a fantastic year as much as I am! Go Ghosts!

Ms. B. Wood
Principal