Monday, 29 September 2014

Grade 8 Career Conference @ OSC: October 8th & 10th, 2014

Career development is a critical component of a well-rounded education.  As students eventually go to work, it is our responsibility as educators to expose them to occupations and career paths during their formative years.  A career conference offers students opportunities to explore their strengths and interests which can then be directly linked to occupations. 

The ER12  Family of Schools will be hosting Career exploration events on  October 8th and October 10th at the Ontario Science Centre.   This Career Awareness Project is being designed to help students discover the many pathways to success within their area of interest.  Our goal is for students to discover that there are interesting and meaningful jobs in a variety of career fields.  We want them to see that within each field there are jobs for people with high school education, jobs that require apprenticeships, jobs that need a college diploma and jobs for which a university degree is a must.  Each of the pathways; Apprenticeship, College, University & Workplace will be highlighted at the Career Conference by the staff at the Ontario Science Centre.

Connections To Creating Pathways To Success: An Education and Career/Life Planning Program For Ontario Schools 2013

Creating Pathways to Success puts students at the centre of their own learning, 
viewing them as the architects of their own lives. Students are encouraged to 
discover who they are, explore opportunities, pursue their passions, and design 
personal pathways to success. They are encouraged to express their insights in 
individual ways and to keep track of what they discover about themselves and their 
interests, passions, and opportunities over time. When students are empowered 
to design and plan their own lives, they are engaged, they achieve, and they find 
themselves applying their learning in their daily lives. In an environment that 
encourages such learning, students develop confidence in knowing that their 
school programs are created with them in mind, that the world beyond school 
has something to offer them, and that they have something to offer the world.

(Source: Creating Pathways to Success http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/policy/cps/creatingpathwayssuccess.pdf,  September 29th, 2014)

Mark Your Calendars!



Tuesday, 16 September 2014

2014-2015 High School Information Evenings

To help you make an informed decision when choosing a high school, TDSB schools host open houses and information nights for parents and grade 8 students each year. Open houses take place between October and January and are an opportunity to learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses.  (source: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/HighSchool/GoingtoHighSchool/OpenHousesandInformationNights.aspx) 

Each Grade 8 student and family is highly encouraged  to attend open houses for your home high school and any other specialized or optional attendance programs you may be considering. It is important to be organized and plan visits in advance to avoid schedule conflicts. Open houses are an opportunity to find out specific program details,  application requirements and deadlines. Remember,  Grade 8 students can apply to a maximum of 2 specialized programs and 2 optional attendance schools within the TDSB. 

For further clarification and information, please visit the Optional Attendance & Specialized Schools & Programs section  of our blog or contact your Elementary Guidance Counsellor.

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

For the latest guidance information be sure to follow us on TWITTER @ERGUIDANCE

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

Welcome Back to the 2015-2016 School Year!


To keep you informed with the Guidance and Career Education Program, we will be updating you with information on this blog.

Creating Pathways to Success

Guidance and Career Education is mandated in our schools through a Ministry of Education Policy Document called “Creating Pathways To Success”.  Creating Pathways to Success sets out the new career development policy for Ontario schools, which involves the implementation of a comprehensive Kindergarten to  Grade 12 education and career/life planning program designed to help students  achieve their personal goals and become competent, successful, and contributing members of society. This is a whole-school program delivered through classroom  instruction linked to the curriculum and through broader school programs and activities.
The program framework is a four-step inquiry process built on four questions linked to the
four areas of learning in education and career/life planning – Knowing Yourself; Exploring Opportunities; Making Decisions and Setting Goals; and Achieving Goals and Making Transitions.
(Source: Creating Pathways to Success http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/policy/cps/creatingpathwayssuccess.pdf,  August 27, 2014)




The table below outlines the specific areas of learning related to the 4 Inquiry Questions: 
Our goal is to support schools in implementing this program for students in grades 7& 8 utilizing the My Blueprint Program along with other specific classroom activities. Please visit the resource section in our Blog for further information and resources.
We look forward to working with you and your children this school year.

Please contact your guidance counsellor if you have any questions or concerns.

Sunday, 13 April 2014

Children's Mental Health Week: May 4-10, 2014

1 in 5 Ontario children and youth has a mental health problem - that's about 500,000 kids. Disorders range from anxiety, depression and conduct disorder to eating disorders, psychosis and bi-polar disorder. Left untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse and even suicide.
Children's Mental Health Week is about increasing awareness of the signs of child and youth mental health problems, decreasing stigma and understanding that help is available and treatment works! 

The more educated we are on the subject, the more capable we are to reach out for support. There should be no shame in talking about mental health issues. The more we talk about this, the more we reduce the associated shame and stigma so that young people can get the help they need when they need it most.

Celebrating Children's Mental Health Week

Events being planned across the Province include: 

  • Green ribbon campaigns;
  • Schoolyard walks for mental health awareness;
  • Parent information nights;
  • Municipal proclamations declaring the first full week of May as Children’s Mental Health Week
Source: http://www.kidsmentalhealth.ca/news_and_events/cmhw-2014.php


Thursday, 20 March 2014

Streetproofing Tips

At school, the safety of your child is our most important priority. We remind you to keep your school staff up to date with your address, phone number, childcare arrangements, to whom your child may be released, etc. We also encourage you not to permit your child make alternate arrangements over the lunch hour if they are in a lunch program. We need you to let us know about any changes of routine and to sign your child in if they are arriving late or leaving early for any reason.
The Toronto Police streetproofing program encourages you to teach your child:
      1. his/her name, address, phone number;
2. to Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency;
3. to communicate with you when they feel unsafe or afraid;
4. to keep you informed as to his/her whereabouts at all times;
5. never to admit to being alone in the home when answering the telephone;
6. never to invite strangers into the house or answer the door when alone;
7. never to approach or enter a stranger's car or hitchhike;
8. never to travel or play alone- always be with friends;
9. to trust their feelings and say "NO" to an adult if that adult wants them to do something that is wrong;
10. not to accept gifts from strangers;
11. to tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you;
12. that no one has the right to touch any part of his/ her body that a bathing suit would cover;
13. that if he/ she is being followed, or approached too closely, to run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help;
14. to report to your school authorities or a police officer, anyone who act suspiciously towards him/ her;
15. never to play in deserted buildings or isolated areas;
16. never to enter anyone's home without your permission;
17. to avoid taking shortcuts through parks and fields;
18. never to show his/her money and if attacked to give it up rather than risk injury;
19. that a police officer is a friend who can always be relied upon when he/ she is lost or needs assistance. 
Source:  http://tdsbweb.tdsb.on.ca/webdocuments/Principals_Site/docs/Streetproofing%20Tips.pdf


Seven Ways to Better Organize Your Study Time

  1. Allot enough time for study.
    Study is a major priority in college.  While 6 hours may be too much for one student, it may be what is necessary for another.  Therefore, you must examine your own needs and then allot your time appropriately.
  2. Make use of your free hours between classes.
    If your schedule permits, the hours between classes can be used to review notes before a class or to begin an assignment.
  3. Study at the same time daily.
    Having specific hours set aside each day will maintain the systematic organization of your schedule and keep you actively involved in studying.
  4. Schedule a weekly review.
    Plan to review each classes’ notes from the beginning to end once a week.  This only takes a short time and will reduce the amount of study time needed before an exam.
  5. Schedule daily reviews.
    Spend 15 - 20 minutes reviewing your notes immediately following class or when classes are done for the day.  Again, this will reduce the amount of study time needed before an exam.
  6. Account for project time.
    Remember to allow an appropriate amount of time during the course of the week for long-term projects (i.e., papers, group projects, journals, etc.)
  7. Allow for flexibility.
    Although your schedule should be very systematic, you should allow for some flexibility.  It is important not to over schedule thus allowing for a variety of “non-academic” activities.

Wednesday, 29 January 2014

RH King Registration for Leadership Students

Registration for leadership students and in area students who missed the first date is February 6 from 4 pm - 6 pm.  Please refer to the RH King web site for additional information. http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/rhking/

Wexford CSA Course Selection Information Evening - Feb 6th, 2014 (7 pm-8 pm)

This information night is for parents of grade 8 students attending Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts next year.
Location + Time:
Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts
Thursday February 6, 2014
7pm - 8pm
In the Resource Centre/Library

Sunday, 26 January 2014

Important Transition Information, Dates and Deadlines

Important Dates
     January  31st – Optional Attendance forms are due to high schools (delivered by parents/guardians).
 Week of February 10th –14th Students are informed of their acceptance to Specialized Programs and Optional Attendance schools.
     By February  24th- Completed course selections are verified and signed by parents/guardians  and returned to classroom teachers.
     February 28th  – All course selection sheets are delivered to high schools by Ms. Sebbio & Mr. Brogno.

All Grade 8 students should have received a Grade 9 Course Selection Sheet for their designated “home” secondary schools based on the home address of the students.  Students who have applied for Special Programs or Optional Attendance will be informed of their status before February 14th by the secondary schools directly. If accepted, those students will then have to decide which school they wish to attend and follow directions received from the school of their choice. Those students, who have not been accepted, must then be registered with their designated “Home” secondary school.

All completed Course Selection Sheets are due back to the elementary schools by February 24th, 2014.  Please remember that appropriate placement of a student in grade 9 is of vital importance to the student’s ability to succeed in secondary school. With this in mind, please give careful consideration to each teacher’s recommendations when choosing Applied, Academic or Locally Developed courses. Teacher recommendations are based on the student’s educational history, grades, learning style, attitude, motivation, special interests, talents and abilities. Pages 38 and 39 and insert pages D and E of CHOICES: Secondary Schools Course Selection & Planning Guide provides an explanation of the differences between the various course types. The following link is another great resource:  http://www.dsbn.edu.on.ca/studentsuccess/index.aspx?id=13546
All pathways (College, University, and Workplace) are accessible from any course type in Grade 9. As long as a student successfully meets the expectations in a Grade 9 Applied or Academic course, the student can go on to take either type of course in Grade 10. The Mathematics curriculum requires a mandatory transfer course to facilitate a smoother transfer between levels.

Each student received a copy of CHOICES to share with you. You will find this guide most helpful in assisting your child to make wise and informed decisions.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding course selections or any of the information above, please contact us at lisa.sebbio@tdsb.on.ca (416)-396-6555 ext 20040 or robert.brogno@tdsb.on.ca (416) 396-6225 ext: 20040 to set up an appointment. 

Thank you,
Lisa Sebbio & Robert Brogno

Thursday, 9 January 2014

List of Closed Schools

Below you will find a list of schools which are closed for Optional Attendance for the Regular Program.  Please note that Agincourt has a limited number of spaces and are accepting Optional Attendance applications for French Immersion and Extended French only.  Malvern has a limited number of spaces and is accepting application for French Immersion, Extended French and the Regular program.   

Here is a more local list that students have expressed some interest in.  Please see below for the complete list of Limited and Closed Schools.



School Regular Program French Immersion Extended French
Agincourt Collegiate Institute Closed Limited Limited
Earl Haig Secondary School Closed N/A N/A
Leaside High School Closed Limited Limited
Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
R H King Academy Closed N/A N/A
Riverdale Collegiate Institute Closed N/A Limited
SATEC @ W A Porter Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts Closed N/A N/A

Complete TDSB List of Limited and Closed Schools
School Regular Program French Immersion Extended French
A Y Jackson Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Agincourt Collegiate Institute Closed Limited Limited
Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Alternative Scarborough Education 1 Limited N/A N/A
Avondale Alternative Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Bendale Business and Technical Institute Limited N/A N/A
Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Bloor Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute Limited
C W Jefferys Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
CALC Secondary School
Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute Limited Limited Limited
Central Commerce Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Central Etobicoke High School Limited N/A N/A
Central Technical School Limited N/A N/A
City School Limited N/A N/A
Contact Alternative School Limited N/A N/A
Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute Limited N/A N/A
David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Delphi Secondary Alternative School Limited N/A N/A
Don Mills Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Downsview Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Dr Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Drewry Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Earl Haig Secondary School Closed N/A N/A
East York Alternative Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
East York Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Eastdale Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Emery Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Etobicoke Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Etobicoke School of the Arts Limited N/A N/A
Etobicoke Year Round Alternative Centre Limited N/A N/A
Forest Hill Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Frank Oke Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
George Harvey Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
George S Henry Academy Limited N/A N/A
Georges Vanier Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Greenwood Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Harbord Collegiate Institute Limited Closed Limited
Heydon Park Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Humberside Collegiate Institute Closed Closed Closed
Inglenook Community School Limited N/A N/A
Jarvis Collegiate Institute Limited N/A Limited
John Polanyi Collegiate Institute Limited
Kipling Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
L'Amoreaux Collegiate Institute Limited N/A Limited
Lakeshore Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute Pending Pending Pending
Leaside High School Closed Limited Limited
Lester B Pearson Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
Malvern Collegiate Institute Limited Limited Limited
Maplewood High School Limited N/A N/A
Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
Martingrove Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Monarch Park Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Native Learning Centre Click Here N/A N/A
Native Learning Centre East Limited N/A N/A
Nelson A Boylen Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Newtonbrook Secondary School Limited Limited Limited
North Albion Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
North East Year Round Alternative Centre Limited
North Toronto Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
North West Year Round Alternative Centre Limited N/A N/A
Northern Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Northview Heights Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Oakwood Collegiate Institute Limited N/A Limited
Oasis Alternative Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Overflow Centre Limited N/A N/A
Parkdale Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
R H King Academy Closed N/A N/A
Richview Collegiate Institute Limited Closed Limited
Riverdale Collegiate Institute Closed N/A Limited
Rosedale Heights School of the Arts Limited N/A N/A
Runnymede Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
SATEC @ W A Porter Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies Limited N/A N/A
Scarlett Heights Entrepreneurial Academy Limited N/A N/A
School of Experiential Education Limited N/A N/A
School of Life Experience Limited N/A N/A
SEED Alternative School Limited N/A N/A
Silverthorn Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Sir John A Macdonald Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
Sir Robert L Borden Business and Technical Institute Limited N/A N/A
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute Closed N/A N/A
Sir William Osler High School Limited N/A N/A
South East Year Round Alternative Centre Limited N/A N/A
Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Subway Academy I Limited N/A N/A
Subway Academy II Limited N/A N/A
THESTUDENTSCHOOL Limited N/A N/A
Thistletown Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Ursula Franklin Academy Limited N/A N/A
Vaughan Road Academy Limited N/A N/A
Victoria Park Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
West End Alternative School Limited N/A N/A
West Hill Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
West Humber Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Western Technical-Commercial School Limited N/A N/A
Weston Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Westview Centennial Secondary School Limited N/A N/A
Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts Closed N/A N/A
William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
Woburn Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
York Humber High School Limited N/A N/A
York Memorial Collegiate Institute Limited N/A N/A
York Mills Collegiate Institute Limited Limited N/A
Yorkdale Secondary School Limited

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Grade 8 Transition Newsletter

We are in the midst of high school planning and over the next couple of months, students will be required to make some important choices for grade 9. This is a very exciting and important time for our grade 8 students. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed of some of the procedures and important deadlines for course selections.
Grade 9 Course Selections
We will begin course selections the week of Jan 13th  2014. All students must complete course selections for their home high school using the myblueprint program. Students who have applied for specialized programs or regular school programs under optional attendance, will need to provide letters of acceptance to their Elementary School Guidance Counsellor in order for a new course selection sheet to be completed for that school/program. If students are successful with their choices, they need to inform the schools of their acceptance or not, within the given time frames (refer to the back of the optional attendance sheet for specific info). For students who are unsuccessful with their choices, we will continue with the home high school course selections. It is strongly recommended students log in to the myblueprint program at home and further explore the high school planner with their families, to ensure they are prepared to make final decisions for grade 9 within the next few weeks. All grade 8 students have already created accounts on myblueprint and worked through several aspects of the program including the high school planner. Students can log in from home at www.myblueprint.ca/tdsb with their username and password. Time will be given in class for students to select courses online. We will print online course selections at school and give an opportunity for classroom teachers to make program recommendations by the first week of February and send them home along with the hard copy versions for parents to review and sign. Parents/ guardians are expected to verify and sign course selection sheets and return them to their elementary  school no later than February 24th, 2014.

Important Dates
     Week of January 13th – Elementary schools will be notified of which high schools are open for Optional Attendance. (Optional Attendance forms are available at your elementary school)
     January  31st – Optional Attendance forms are due to high schools (delivered by parents/guardians).
 Week of February 10th –14th Students are informed of their acceptance to Specialized Programs and Optional Attendance schools.
     By February  24th- Completed course selections are verified and signed by parents/guardians  and returned to classroom teachers.
     February 28th  – All course selection sheets are delivered to high schools by Ms. Sebbio & Mr. Brogno.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding course selections or any of the information above, please contact us at lisa.sebbio@tdsb.on.ca (416)-396-6555 ext 20040 or robert.brogno@tdsb.on.ca (416) 396-6225 to set up an appointment. 

Thank you,
Lisa Sebbio & Rob Brogno

Elementary Guidance Counsellors

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

SATEC Deadlines

SATEC Deadlines

The final day to register for SATEC’s entrance test was December 5.  The test is being written on December 12. Students need to submit their completed applications on December 12.  For more information: http://satecatwaporter.ca/about/admissions/

Friday, 15 November 2013

TDSB Secondary Schools - Frequently Asked Questions

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!***

Saturday, 9 November 2013

Grade Nine Information Evenings

We want to remind families that the High School information nights continue to take place over the next few weeks.  Below you will find some of the schools that previous students in our schools have attended. 


School                                                                                    Info Night

David and Mary Thomson C.I.                                            November 12, 2013

Wexford Collegiate School of the Arts      

(Performing Arts)                                                                  November 13, 2013

(Visual & Media Arts)                                                            November 14, 2013

Bendale B.T.I.                                                                       November 19, 2013

Victoria Park                                                                          November 19, 2013

SATEC@ W.A Porter C.I.                                                   November 20, 2013

RH King Academy                                                                November 27, 2013

Cedarbrae C.I. (French Immersion)                                     December 3, 2013

Winston Churchill CI                                                           December 4, 2013