Thank You for Attending The Choices For Nine Evening

Thank you to all the families who were able to join us on October 23rd and October 28th for our Choices for Nine Evenings.  If you were unable to attend please pick up a copy of the handout at your child's Elementary School.  Copies will be left with the Grade 8 homeroom teachers, office administrators and the Principal.  The Secondary school information nights are getting under way and as was emphasized at the presentation you are highly encouraged to attend those evenings and make contact with the school Guidance departments. 
Birchmount CI is holding their information evening tomorrow night, October 3oth at 6:30pm.

We want to leave you with a TDSB Tip Sheet that we shared at our presentation on how Students can make a successful transition to secondary school:

1. Take part in any summer programs that secondary schools offer for example, “Moving On Up” or grade 9 information days
2. Make certain you are making an informed choice about the correct type of program for your learning style and understand the pathway (apprenticeship, college, university or work) for each course type. Follow advice of grade eight teachers
3. Attend secondary school information evenings with your parents
4. Get involved in sports and clubs, but don’t over schedule yourself
5. Take advantage of peer tutoring programs
6. Do a trial run (bus route or walking) to secondary school
7. “Hang out” with the right people
8. Make good decisions
9. Develop strong work habits at school and at home
10. Keep electronics at home
11. Do your homework
12. Ask for help if you don’t understand something - but don’t leave it until the last minute
13. Learn to self advocate – inform teachers of problems or issues that may interfere with your learning
14. Always use your agenda

"Choices for Nine" brochures have arrived!

Your child will have received a Choices for Nine brochure by October 25, 2013.  The Choices for Nine publication provides you and your child with a detailed outline of the opportunities available and the decisions and choices you’ll be making throughout high school.  Each child will be completing a scavenger hunt in class to explore the content of the brochure. 

Please take a look at the parent tip sheet for some important information by clicking here:  High School Courses and Choices Tip Slip.

Important information about the Choices for Nine program will be shared at our Choices for Nine Information evening.  We are looking forward to seeing you at one of the parent/guardian nights listed below:

• Oct. 23rd at Birchmount C.I.  at 6:30pm
• Oct. 28th at Winston Churchill S.S.  at 6:30pm

You are welcome to attend the evening which is most convenient for your family.  Come and learn about key dates, timelines, Optional Attendance procedures, Secondary School programs and requirements, Secondary School Open House dates and times, Course Selection and much more.


Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Rob Brogno                                                 Lisa Sebbio

robert.brogno@tdsb.on.ca                             lisa,sebbio@tdsb.on.ca
(416) 396-6225                                           (416) 396-6555 ext. 20040

Grade 8 Career Conference Highlights

On October 2^nd and October 4^th, 2013 Grade 8 students from ER12 took part in an interactive career conference at the Ontario Science Centre (OSC).  Our students were very fortunate to hear from many employees from the various educational pathways about their career journeys.  OSC High School students shared advice about how to make the most of their future secondary school experiences.  The students were encouraged to become involved in extracurricular activities and be students who “Make things Happen” in high school.

A big part of the day involved students learning about the numerous career possibilities available at the OSC by having the opportunity to interact with the incredible staff.  Student heard from and saw Designers who plan the amazing exhibits and many of the skilled trade employees like Anthony Sword the Cabinet Maker who build them.  Speeches and presentations by Science Centre professionals helped students learn about the importance of career planning. 

Hosted by Laura Zrymiak 

Anthony Sword and Scott Pinard

Ms. Sebbio and Mr. Brogno would like to thank all the teachers, support staff and parents for helping out with supervising the students.  A special thank you to all the students who conducted themselves in such an excellent manner.  We hope you found the day informative and enjoyable.  The feedback from the Ontario Science Centre staff about the students was overwhelmingly positive.  

The Guidance Counsellors from ER12 and ER13 would like to send out a huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful people at the Ontario Science Centre for allowing us to use this wonderful venue for our career conference and for the incredible hospitality you showed.

A special thank you to our Superintendent of Education (SOE) Nadira Persaud and the ER12 Student Success committee for supporting this wonderful initiative for our students.  

Jerry Newton

OSC High School Student and Newcomer to Canada reminds students to get the most out of high school by getting involved in extracurricular activities

OSC High School Student - Wants Students to "Make things Happen in High School"