Welcome to Garibaldi Secondary School.
Registration for all schools is now done through the Parent Portal–please see the attached information on how to register for Grade 8. Registration is February for the next September.
Grade 7 Parent Evening happens regularly early in the school year. More information will be sent out close to that date.
Grade 8 Courses:
Grade 8 students at Garibaldi Secondary are enrolled in a variety of courses, including:
- English 8
- Social Studies 8
- Science 8
- Mathematics 8
- Physical Health Education 8
- French 8
Electives:
Option #1: Full Rotations:
Grade 8 students have the opportunities to try a variety of electives in Grade 8, and are programmed into two different rotations of courses, INCLUDING: Art, Drama, Woodwork, Foods, Textiles, Guitar, Computers, Careers and Metalwork.
Option #2: Full Year Band PLUS 1 elective Rotation:
Grade 8 students have the option to choose Band 8 instead of an elective rotation. Students still have the other elective rotation to try in addition to Band. Students do NOT have to have any music experience prior to joining band.
Band Information: Here is a link to a new to Band Video from the GSS music teachers: https://gssmusicdepartment.wordpress.com/new-to-gss-music
– Student testimonials on why band is awesome: https://youtu.be/KIgoU_a3x-g
– FAQ for parents and students: https://youtu.be/SpJTIsJ2WcQ
Option #3: Full Year Drama PLUS 1 elective Rotation:
In this course, students develop foundational skills such as organization, team work, communication, and time management while exploring story and character building, artistic intention, and stage techniques and terminology. A willingness to step outside your comfort zone and take creative risks is a necessity.
This course also includes a wide range of specialized unit options such as stage combat, film stunts, musical theatre, audition techniques, improv, monologues, and scene work.
Please email reception and state your, or your student’s, interest in this option.
Want to know a little bit more about our program and see some of our work?
Please check out the following videos:
Video: GSS Drama & Dance Program
Video: GSS Dance Collaboration Project
Thank you to all of the students who submitted work for these projects!
*All students shown in these videos have media release consent.*
Special Education Programming: Beginning in March teachers from GSS are in contact with each of the elementary schools to look to develop individual plan to support each student who receives additional academic supports. This ensures that IEP’s and other transition steps are taken as necessary.
GSS has 40 minutes a day a of dedicated time where student can choose to support their own learning. We call this FLEX time. Often this time can be used as “assigned support time”, allowing for student receiving “support” to remain in more of their elective classes. This is a change from past years.
Welcome Letter 2023 – Sent in Email March 10 2023
Welcome to the Garibaldi School Community!
My name is Ian Liversidge, and I am the proud Principal at Garibaldi Secondary School. In the last five years I’ve seen the growth and development of our school with an increase in population and the variety of programs offered. Transition between grade 7 and grade 8 does mark significant change in the student pathway however, I wanted to reach out to give you a better understanding of some of our programming, options, and reinstate a clear commitment to the care for your child.
We are one of the very few schools in the province with a full teaching kitchen, our own theatre program, a positive and large band program, three red seal trades programs (KPU and BCIT Partnerships). We are one of the only two public schools in the province, certified by the International Baccalaureate Programme at the Middle Year Program and Diploma Programme. We are a unique and impressive community.
Our school history includes a tremendously diverse section of very successful graduates. Recently a Garibaldi grad donated $50 US million to Simon Fraser and the London School of Economics. This donation was directed for scholarships targeted at financial hardships. This graduate spoke at our 2020 grad ceremony. We have elite athletes, including four world champions, seven Olympians, more than 15 members of the Ridge Meadows Hometown Heroes, business leaders in technology, an academy award recognized director, published authors, and a number of local politicians and leaders who at one time called Garibaldi home. This speaks to the diversity we have in our community, a diversity that we celebrate, recognize and support.
In time you’ll receive information about a late May grade 7 day. This is an opportunity to build positive connections. Between now and then I encourage you to look at our website, collect information under the recommended tabs below and work to create a positive excitement about the change. High school is about taking opportunities. The number of clubs, teams, and differential school options we have is truly outstanding.
If your student receives academic support and is on an IEP, we will be communicating with you in a timely manner as elementary schools provide transitional information to us in May and June. Case managers will be assigned and will reach out to you. Often this occurs in early September.
For next year’s programming there is a fundamental decision to be made. We allow our grade 8’s to specialize in Fine Arts. Should your student be interested in Full Year Band, Full Year Drama or both, PLEASE email me directly and we will support course selection accordingly.
Here are some links on the GSS website to support your “webquest”:
o Grade 7 Info: https://secondary.sd42.ca/gss/grade-7-info/ and https://secondary.sd42.ca/gss/new-to-grade-8
o GSS School App: https://secondary.sd42.ca/gss/planner-my-school-day-app
o International Baccalaureate Programme: https://www.ibo.org
o International Baccalaureate Programme GSS: https://secondary.sd42.ca/gss/middle-years-programme-myp and https://gssib.sd42.ca
o GSS Graduates: https://secondary.sd42.ca/gss/community-history-2
o GSS Newsletters: https://secondary.sd42.ca/gss/newsletters
o GSS Parent Advisory Committee: https://secondary.sd42.ca/gss/parent-advisory-committee-info-sessions