cover Transition Guide for Parents

The Complete PictureYour Childs Future in a Catholic Secondary School and Beyond

At Toronto Catholic we transform the world through witness, faith, innovation and action.

Inside Front cover

A catholic school graduate is expected to be:

An effective communicator

who speaks, writes, and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in the light of gospel values.

a collaborative contributor

who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.

a discerning believer

formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of Gods presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living

a reflective, creative and holistic thinker

who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.

a caring family member

who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.

a self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner

who develops and demonstrates their God-given potential.

a responsible citizen

who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

Lao Tzu

Contents

Message From Student Success Leader 1

High School Application Process2

Catholic Secondary Application Form4

Learning Skills And Your Child5

Terms & Definitions6

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Ossd)7

Plannning For Grades 9 And 10 Types Of Courses8

Plannning For Grades 11 And 12 Types Of Courses9

Specialized Programs Summary Chart10

Specialized Programs12

Special Education16

Assisting Your Child In Transition17

A Few Things To Consider18

Helpful Hints19

Decoding A Course Code20

Decoding A Timetable21

Post Secondary Destination: Apprenticeship22

Post Secondary Destination: College23

Post Secondary Destination: University24

Post Secondary Destination: Workplace And Community Living25

Career Program Pathways26

Student Success Initiatives28

Experiential Learning29

Educational Planning And Career Exploration30

myBlueprint31

project co-ordinator:

Rose Lenardon

Guidance Resource Teacher TCDSB, K-12

original writers:

Lisa McGuckin

Julie Fantinato

Gina Vincent

editors & contributors:

Pathways Team

Maria Meffe

Cheshue Soufian

cover illustration:

The Phuse

printed by:

Maracle Press Inc.

Special thanks to the York Catholic District School Board for their contribution to the development of the original document.

Page 1

Setting an exciting goal is like setting a needle in your compass.

Unknown

Message From The Student Success Leader

Dear Students and Parents,

I am sure long before you received this guide you have been pondering the transition to secondary school. The aim of this guide is to offer a way to create dialogue between students, parents and educators that offers focus and provides a well marked pathway to success and well being. Hopefully it will answer some of your nagging questions and offer a plan to affirm your aspirations.

To all students, I would remark that the journey from elementary school to secondary school is a big step in any young persons life, but it is also a time of great anticipation and excitement. The planning that is commenced as you make the transition to secondary school continues throughout your high school career, as you will be called upon to take increasing responsibility for your own learning and the choices that will influence your program pathways. This planning guide will assist you as you move forward with those decisions. We want to work together with you to ensure a bright future for each of you where you can embrace your God-given potential. There are many resources available within your school community and the Toronto Catholic District School Board to help create a successful pathway for you. This guide is only a beginning.

Please take the time to both read this valuable booklet and to speak to your teachers, counsellors and your parents, so that you are making the best possible decisions for your future. God has given you gifts that are to be shared. We want to ensure that your gifts are honoured and cultivated for you, your family and community.

To all parents you have been and will continue to be a key player in your childs education. The importance you place on their studies and the positive habits associated with a successful school experiences should never be underestimated. When students understand that we highly value their daily commitment to their studies through their attendance, punctuality, respect and responsible work habits, we will ensure an empowered and creative school experience for each of them.

May God bless you on your continued educational journey and into the future beyond.

Wishing you much success and fulfillment during your high school years.

Patrick Keyes

Superintendent of Student Success

John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Page 2

Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.

Karen Kaiser Clark

High School Application Process

Toronto Catholic District School Board grade 8 students will be given a Catholic Secondary School Application Form to bring home in early November. The parents/students will be given a specified deadline to have these applications returned to their grade 8 teachers. The secondary school of choice will notify students by mid-February if accepted.

No guarantees will be given, either verbally or in writing, to any applicant prior to the selection process.

HOW IS IT DECIDED WHICH STUDENTS ARE ACCEPTED AT A SECONDARY SCHOOL?

For more information, please refer to TCDSB Policy Register S.A.02 Placement of Pupils available @ www.tcdsb.org

The decision is based on the following criteria:

The availability of a suitable program consistent with the students choices (e.g., Extended French, French Immersion, Hard of Hearing).

Whether there is a brother or sister presently attending the same school for which the student applied and returning to the school in September.

The proximity of the elementary school where the student attends to the secondary school where the student has applied.

Using these criteria, the secondary school will place as many students as possible. Students and parents are advised that the chances for acceptance will increase by applying to the Catholic secondary school nearest to the elementary school they presently attend.

Applicants not accepted will be redirected by the Admissions & Placement Department to the next closest Catholic secondary school which has the requested programs and still has available space. Students will be given an option on their Catholic Secondary School Application Form of a school to which they would like to be redirected in case they do not gain acceptance at their school of choice. This is not a second choice The redirected school will certainly be contacted but space in this school cannot be guaranteed. The Admissions and Placement Department will notify the students who have been redirected through their elementary school principal.

At that time, the student will be given three choices:

1.accept the redirection and the secured placement at the new school; or

2.reject the new placement and be placed on the priority #1 waiting list of the school they first chose; or

3. accept the redirection and the secured placement at the new school and also be placed on a priority #2 waiting list of the school of first choice until the end of May only.

Page 3

All Grade 8 TCDSB students complete a Catholic Secondary School Application Form usually in early November.

Admissions and Placement Department will input data and send nominal rolls (reports) to TCDSB secondary schools.

Accepted:

The secondary school of choice will notify students usually by mid February if accepted.

Redirected:

If the secondary school notifies Admissions and Placement of oversubscription, this department will redirect the student to the next nearest secondary school, with available space.

Student accepts redirection

Registration & course selection:

Students will complete registration forms and option sheets and submit these to the secondary school to confirm acceptance. Schools may hold registration evenings.

Priority 2 waiting list

Student accepts redirection and a secured placement at the new school, but he/she is placed on a Priority Waiting List for the school of first choice until end of May.

Priority 1 waiting list

Student declines the redirection to a new school, choosing to remain on the waiting list.

Caution:

The student may NOT have a secured placement in September

The student has a secured place at the high school and is pre-registered for September.

Page 4

Catholic Secondary School Application Form (supplied pdf) would need a French version to replace it.

Page 5

It is hard to fail; but it is worse to never have tried to succeed.

Theodore Roosevelt

Learning Skills And Your Child

Learning Skills and Work Habits

Respo