From The Principal

December finds your principal attempting to reclaim some youthful glory as he dusts of his hockey equipment to participate in the annual Warm Winter Wishes Staff/Student hockey game that will take place on Dec 1 from 1 - 3 pm at the Mount Forest Sports Complex. Students need to purchase a buy-out ticket to view this clash of the titans.  Students not participating in the buy-out should be in class. On the morning of the first of December, all students will be participating in an assembly entitled SMARTRISK No Regrets Live that promotes safety and risk management with respect to injury prevention.  Assemblies are an important part of a student's overall education, and for that reason, it is important that all students attend the assembly. Thanks to the Mount Forest Fire Department who have graciously offered to pay for the cost of the assembly. A cornucopia of other Warm Winter Wishes activities will also be taking place leading up to the holidays - including a frigid polar bear dip, Silent Auction, and Pyjamarama. As well, on Dec 7, from 7 - 9:30, parents of future WHSS students will be visiting our school to learn about the process involved in filling out option sheets and to visit a variety of classrooms to view courses available for their son or daughter to select. And on Dec 15, staff and students will partake in a scrumptious Christmas lunch prepared by our very own Mrs. Rowden and Ms. Reed, with help from the Student Council executive and student volunteers. Wishing our school community a safe and relaxing Christmas holiday.  See you in 2011!

Two very important events occur this month.  On November 5, our 2009-2010 graduates return to WHSS for commencement.  Dr. Rogers, the UGDSB's Director, will be on hand to congratulate our graduates and provide a welcome from the Board. Once again, our school must thank all the sponsors who have generously provided financial assistance (over $43,000 in scholarships and awards) for our graduates.  And graduates, you should be very proud of your accomplishment. The staff at WHSS want to wish you the very best in your future endeavours. The second event Warm Winter Wishes, our school's major fundraising event, gears up for its march into December.  The highly successful campaign, last year it raised approximately $20,000, ensures that families in need will not go without this holiday season. November 8 marks the halfway point of semester one; as well, from November 8 and 9 our student council will be in Niagara Falls for a Leadership Conference and from November 12 - 15, Diary of Anne Frank will premiere at WHSS.  Congratulations to our Senior Boys soccer team who once again qualified for CWOSSA in the Spring.  And, by the way, the apparent dirt you see on the upper lip of most of our male staff members this month, is actually not dirt but a moustache.  It is their way of supporting Movember, which is prostate cancer month.  Similar to last month when we had a pink day and a collection for breast cancer, this month we will see a blue day also accompanied by a collection. As you can see, November will be a very active and energetic month at the school.