Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) - Westdale Secondary School

Westdale, founded in 1931, provides a culture of courtesy, care and co-operation where students are given the opportunity to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners as they prepare to pursue career pathways in a challenging and changing multi-cultural, multi-lingual world. The school culture mixes a rigorous, fascinating and exhilarating academic environment fostered by a highly motivated and enthusiastic staff with a strong sense of togetherness, community, and a wonderful spirit of mutual support and benefit. Westdale students are known to be highly successful in continuing their secondary school excellence into their chosen post-secondary pursuits in academics, research, business, career paths, and life in general. An extensive Immersion programme in French and second language programmes in French, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, and Korean reinforce both the international interconnectedness and scholarly outlook of our school. Westdale is HWDSB’s first International World School offering an International Baccalaureate Diploma. In addition, Westdale is able to offer a wide range of secondary courses including a unique Music Strings program and Enrichment courses in English and Mathematics. Its alliterative Latin school motto “Alius Alia Via Ad Astra Ascendit” means “Everyone finds his or her own way to the stars.” This motto recognizes both the ambitious nature of students and the individual care and attention afforded them by its excellent teaching staff. Why Westdale Secondary School English as a Second Language: Westdale is one of four schools that offers the ESL program. Course variety: Westdale offers specialized courses including French immersion, music strings program, healthy active living, apprentice-carpentry, outdoor education, ceramics, interior design, photography, and media art. It also offers Specialist High Skills Majors in Arts & Culture, Construction, Health & Wellness, and Hospitality & Tourism. Extracurricular activities: Westdale offers clubs such as grad council, environmental club, drama club, science club, poetry club, and film club, as well as before and after school programs such as junior and senior band, orchestra, DECA, and Model UN.