August 28th, 2026

Hello GCI Students, Caregivers/Guardians and Families,

As we prepare to begin a new school year, I am so excited to welcome our students back to GCI. We are especially looking forward to welcoming our incoming Grade 9 Ghosts to the Castle. This time of year is always filled with excitement; we look forward to another great year together.

I am also writing to share an update about the ongoing improvements taking place throughout the school, including important work to our Tassie Hall Auditorium as well as in a number of classrooms and learning spaces throughout the building.

Though this ongoing work will continue into the school year, it will not impact school startup for students and staff. We are committed to ensuring that the school remains a safe and welcoming place for learning and work, with a focus on limiting disruptions. While some areas may show visible signs of ongoing construction, all work will be carried out in accordance with established safety standards and regulatory requirements, with the safety of students and staff remaining a priority.

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8th. We will have a modified first day: the morning will focus on welcoming and supporting our new Grade 9 Ghosts as they transition into the Castle, followed by shortened periods in the afternoon for all students. Please find our Modified 1st Day Schedule linked here.

All transportation, including school buses, taxis, etc., will operate as scheduled. The main office will send a welcome email, along with an updated timetable to each student before the start of school.

Similar to last school year, starting on Wednesday, September 9th, we will offer a whole-school community lunch, available to all students. Along with daily Nutrition for Learning (N4L) snacks, our dedicated staff and community partners will continue to offer a full lunch each Wednesday throughout the school year. This Wednesday’s meal will be a make-your-own sandwich bar. We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for our students to connect and strengthen our school community.

Also, in a year that marks GCI’s 175th anniversary, we are pleased to see continued improvements to the spaces where students and staff learn, work and gather each day. These improvements will help maintain the school’s historic exterior while also enhancing the learning environment within the building. We are equally pleased that, although this work continues, we are still able to begin the year as planned, welcoming our students back in a good way. As a special reminder, in recognition of our 175th anniversary, please continue to check the school website and social media channels for updates and information about our 175th Reunion, taking place in May 2027.

We look forward to seeing our new and returning Ghosts on September 8th and to a positive start to the 2026–27 school year. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we undertake these important improvements to the Castle.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the main office.