Lester B. Pearson Grade 8 Information Evening

How to Make a Successful Transition into Secondary School

q  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. 

q Follow advice of grade eight teachers

q  Attend secondary school information evenings with your parents

q  Get involved in sports and clubs, but don’t over schedule yourself

q  Take advantage of peer tutoring programs

q  Do a trial run (bus route or walking) to secondary school

q  Go to class and you will pass!

q  “Hang out” with the right people

q  Make good decisions

q  Develop strong work habits at school and at home

q  Keep electronics at home or in your locker

q  Do your homework

q  Ask for help if you don’t understand something - but don’t leave it until the last minute

q  Learn to self advocate – inform teachers of problems or issues that may interfere with your learning

q  Always use your agenda

q  Take part in any summer programs that secondary schools offer for example, “Moving On Up” or grade 9 information days

WEST HILL C.I. STUDENT AMBASSADORS

During the month of November, West Hill C.I will be hosting  a number of grade 8 events for their feeder school students. Below is a copy of the dates for participating schools.

WHCI Ambassadors Itinerary

DATE & TIME	FEEDER SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 4 @ 9:30 a.m.	West Hill P.S.
Wednesday, November 5 @ 8:30 a.m.	Grade 8 Tour Day at WHCI
Thursday, November 6 @ 9:30 a.m.	Military Trail P.S.
Thursday, November 6 @ 1:00 p.m.	Highcastle P.S.
Monday, November 10 @ 9:30 a.m.	Alvin Curling P.S.
Monday, November 10 @ 1:00 p.m.	Chief Dan George P.S.
Tuesday, November 11 @ 1:00 p.m.	J. G. Diefenbaker P.S.
Wednesday, November 12 @ 1:00 p.m.	Meadowvale P.S.
Monday, November 17 @ 9:30 a.m.	Highland Creek P.S.
Monday, November 17 @ 1:00 p.m.	Morrish P.S.
Tuesday, November 18 @ 9:30 a.m.	St. Margaret’s
Tuesday, November 18 @ 6:30 p.m.	Grade 8 Parent’s Night at WHCI

Frequently Asked Questions About Going To Secondary School

What is my home secondary school?

·         Your home secondary school is determined by your place of residence (i.e. your home address). 

·         Every student has the right to attend their home secondary school for REGULAR PROGRAMS provided they are successful in Grade 8. 

·         It is important to determine your home school because some schools have limited enrollment programs that may only be available to home school residents. 

·         To find your home secondary school follow this pathway:

www.tdsb.on.ca > click on Find A School > click on By Address > enter your street name in the search box           

NOTE: do not add street number, street type, or punctuation (For example, type in st andrews, instead of 100 St. Andrew's St.)

How do I apply to my home secondary school for grade 9?

·         You will receive a course selection sheet from your elementary school guidance counsellor (usually in January). 

·         Once you complete your Course Selection Sheet or submit your course selections online using myBlueprint, you will be registered in your home secondary school.

Note: students must meet Promotion, Transfer and Retention conditions.

TDSB Secondary Schools - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Optional Attendance?

·         Students also have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their residential address by applying on optional attendance. 

·         Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability.

·         Each year in January, schools are classified as limited or closed to optional attendance based on the space they have available for the upcoming school year.

·         The list will also be posted on the TDSB Internet website. 

·         A school classified as limited can accept students on optional attendance.

·         A “limited” school is not obliged to accept all students who apply on optional attendance. Acceptance is conditional upon space being available in the appropriate grade and program.

·         “Closed” schools may NOT accept any Optional Attendance requests for regular programs under any circumstances.

 How do I apply to a Regular Program at a school other than my home secondary school?

·         Applications for optional attendance are available from your elementary school guidance counsellor. 

·         Applications for optional attendance are to be completed and signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the school the student currently attends (elementary school).

·         The home school principal or a designate (i.e. a vice principal or guidance counsellor) will sign the application. 

·         The parent /guardian will forward or deliver the application to the requested secondary school. 

·         The requested school (i.e. the secondary school) will complete and sign the application indicating the decision and forward a copy to the parent /guardian or student.

·         Parents/Guardians must inform the requested school of acceptance.

Note - The date no student will be admitted under optional attendance is the first Monday in March whether on a waiting list or not.

How do I apply for Optional Attendance at a Specialized Program or School?

·         Each school has its own supplementary application procedure and some have very specific requirements for admission. 

·         It is essential that parents/guardians and students attend the information evenings and research schools in which they are interested. 

·         Admission requirements, procedures and deadlines are available on each school’s website or by contacting the school’s Guidance department.

Note: If you are unable to attend a school’s information evening, it is important to check the school’s website or contact the school directly for admission information.

Note: Transportation, including bussing and distribution of TTC tickets, is not included for Specialized Schools and Programs

Note: Reference letters will no longer be requested or considered from TDSB staff by specialized schools and programs that have auditions, portfolios and/or admission assessment practices in place (e.g. letters from Grade 8 teachers for Grade 9 placement).   Reference letters may be requested from persons or organizations external to the TDSB (e.g. the coach for an elite athlete).

How many schools can I apply to on Optional Attendance?

·         You can only apply to two regular and two specialized schools or programs. 

Once a student engages in any application process with a specialized school or program, whether audition, test or portfolio etc., it counts as a one of their choices under the Optional Attendance policy.

***A Special Thank you to Melissa Rabess who produced this document!***

Mark Your Calendars!