Grades 9-12
39 Dunning Ave., Aurora L4G 1A2
Phone: (905) 727-3131, (647) 795-7535
Fax: (905) 727-8067
Email: dr.g.w.williams.ss@yrdsb.ca
Bell Times: 8:20 AM – 3:00 PM
Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School Introduction
Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School, formerly known as Aurora High School (1888-1952) and later as Aurora District High School (1952-1961), stands as a beacon of educational excellence with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1888. Renamed after the distinguished medical doctor and former school board trustee, Dr. David Garnet Wolseley Williams, the school has evolved from its initial location on Church Street to Wells Street in 1892, and eventually settled into its present campus on Dunning Avenue in 1952. Since its establishment the school has continually grown, with additions beginning in 1956, enhancing its features and educational offerings.
Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School prides itself on a dedicated faculty of 86 full-time teachers and 11 educational assistants, all committed to creating a rigorous learning environment that encourages students to challenge themselves while ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The school also distinguishes itself with notable facilities including a lab with Green Screen Studio, a Sound Booth and Editing Suites, a Design technology lab, a Foods lab, music room, Outdoor fields and track, single and Double Gymnasiums, a Weight/ Fitness Room, an Auto Shop, and an Art Studio. The school’s motto, “A sound mind in a sound body,” underscores its emphasis on holistic education. Its notable alumni, including Brian Stemmles, former member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, renowned Hong Kong actor and singer Matthew Ko, and computer scientist Garth Alan Gibson, reflect the school’s commitment to excellence and the diverse accomplishments of its graduates.
Highlights
Committed to nurturing a holistic approach to education, the school aims to instill qualities such as responsibility, initiative, courage, integrity, and perseverance in its students. Recognizing the importance of creating a safe and welcoming learning environment, Dr. G. W. Williams also earned the prestigious Premier’s Safe Schools Award in 2011, which acknowledged the institution’s safe schools team’s creativity and leadership in creating positive changes within the school and community. The school has also received praise for Peer Mentor team, responsible for providing support to students transitioning from elementary school to high school,as it received the Louise Russo Group Leadership Award in 2010 and was recognized by the Celebrating Student Success campaign, as well as the Character Community Foundation.
Beyond academics, Dr. G. W. Williams is committed to enhancing the overall well-being of its students, exemplified by initiatives such as half price salad days, the Breakfast Club, and the arrangement of workshops to address contemporary youth issues such as mental health and addiction. Notably, the school’s annual holiday dinner in December feeds those in need, showcasing its community-oriented spirit. The school’s celebration of its 125th anniversary in 2013 also marked a significant milestone, bringing together over 2000 attendees, including former staff and students, for a memorable reunion featuring a luncheon and various shows.
Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School Academics
Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as well as five Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in Arts & Culture, Business, Health & Wellness, Transportation, and Construction. Additionally, the school caters to athletes through the High Performance Athlete (HPA) program, providing cooperative education for those competing at provincial, national, and international levels. The curriculum also offers courses in areas as technology & computers, music, drama, community-based education (Co-op), and alternative education, ensuring a well-rounded and inclusive educational experience.
Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
Clubs and teams offered as of 2023/2024 include:
- Art Council
- Baking Club
- Best Buddies
- BSA
- Chamber Music Ensembles
- Change by Coffee
- Chess Club
- Coding Club
- Creative Writing Club
- Debate Club
- DECA
- Drama Club
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Eco Council
- EmpowHER
- Equity Council
- Ethics Bowl
- Film Production Club
- Financial Literacy Club
- Helping Hands
- HOSA
- IB Council
- Jazz Clinic (Gr.9 Jazz Band)
- Jazz Doctors (gr. 10-12)
- Math Club
- MED Life
- Model United Nations
- Music Leadership Team
- Muslim Students Association
- Newcomer Club
- Newscast
- Peer Tutors
- Political Science
- Psychology Club
- Reading Club
- Relay for Life
- Science Club
- String Ensemble
- Student Council
- The Alliance
- Williams Athletic Council (WAC)
- Williams P.A.Ls (Peer Advocates in Leadership)
- Women’s Empowerment Club
- Words By Wildcats
- Yearbook
References
Banner, A. (2011, July 11). Dr. G.W. Williams wins safe school award. YorkRegion.com. https://www.yorkregion.com/life/dr-g-w-williams-wins-safe-school-award/article_d16bd074-1aad-5868-bd07-c735db817733.html
Banner, C. S. A. (2013, January 4). Aurora’s G.W. Williams celebrates 125 years. YorkRegion.com. https://www.yorkregion.com/news/auroras-g-w-williams-celebrates-125-years/article_4df52e34-0d6e-5a1b-810f-38fa29dd23cd.html
Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School. (2023, July 27). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._G.W._Williams_Secondary_School
High Performance Athlete Program. (2020, January 19). York Region District School Board. https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/school-programs-nav/school-programs/high-performance-athlete-program
Pages – Principal’s Message. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/drgwwilliams.ss/info/Pages/Principals-Message.aspx
Pages – Students. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/drgwwilliams.ss/students/Pages/default.aspx
Pages – Our School. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/drgwwilliams.ss/info/Pages/Facilities.aspx
