GUIDANCE UPDATES -  OCTOBER 7

Post Secondary Applications

 

Grade 12 potential graduates can begin the application process for Ontario Colleges and Universities in October.  

 

To apply for Ontario Universities, students should visit OUAC (the Ontario University Application Centre) and start by setting up an account and completing their profile.  Students will require their OEN (Ontario Education Number), this can be found on a report card.  Students will also receive this information in an email from YRDSB the week of October 14th (to their gapps accounts).

 

Applications for Ontario Colleges will be open as of October 10th.  Start by clicking on the “Apply Now” button and setting up an account.  Students will require their OEN (Ontario Education Number), this can be found on a report card.  Students will also receive this information in an email from YRDSB the week of October 14th (to their gapps accounts).

 

On October 16th, during period 1, Guidance will be holding an assembly for Grade 12s to go over the application process and answer any questions that students may have. *Any student who has a spare during period 1 needs to make arrangements to be at the assembly. 

 

On October 22 from 6:00-8:00pm Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School will be hosting a Post Secondary Information Fair for students from Westmount, Stephen Lewis, and Maple.  This is a great opportunity to do some research and speak with both college and university representatives.

GUIDANCE UPDATES -  OCTOBER 6

SHAD CANADA

2026 Application Open!

Shad offers transformative programs for grade 10 and 11 students across Canada. With live-in and virtual programs, and specialty options like A-Plus and Unplugged, students engage in STEAM learning, mentorship, and innovation, building the confidence and leadership skills they’ll carry into the future.

Early Bird Advantage: Apply by November 3. The first 650 accepted applicants are guaranteed placement at one of their top 10 campus choices.

APPLY NOW!!

NYCS (Newcomer Youth Connections for Success) 

There are two important Newcomer Youth Connections for Success (NYCS) Events we are having in November. 

Email amy.feigelsohn@jvstoronto.org  to register

Workshops for Newcomer Teens

Mentorship Event 

Our Mentorship Event is happening on Tuesday, November 4th from 4:30-6:00pm at 540 Finch Avenue West, where we will have our university and college student mentors offer advice and insights to our newcomer students. This is an incredibly valuable experience for youth.

Career Exploration

We are having a Career Exploration Workshop on Friday, November 21st from 2:30-5:30pm at 540 Finch Avenue West. In this workshop, a career counsellor will lead a free, interactive workshop with coaching and a personality test which will prepare students for their future career. This is a YRDSB PA Day so we sincerely hope that many of your students will be able to attend. 

We offer transportation support to eligible students in the form of a Presto Card and will have snacks and drinks available during the workshops.

School Council Meeting Slides

  


Thank you for all those who attending our September School Council meeting.

For those who were not able to attend, you can view the meeting presentation.


Programs for Newcomer Youths

Mental Health Resources

Please see the mental health resources that are available to our students and families.


School Clubs and Sport Teams


WCI has a wide variety of clubs and sport teams that will be running for the 2025-2026 school year. Please visit our blog for a list of activities.

School Council Meeting Tonight

 


Our WCI School Council Meeting is tonight beginning at 6:30pm.

This is a great chance to hear what’s happening around school and share your ideas to make our school community even better.

Our Guidance team will be giving a special presentation on how to apply for post-secondary schools! Whether you’re thinking about college, university, or other programs, this session will have helpful tips and important info to get you started.

We hope to see you there! 

School Council Meeting Presentation

Dear Westmount Families,

What an amazing start to the school year!  I have thoroughly enjoyed my first month here at Westmount, and have already met so many wonderful students, staff, and families.  I look forward to meeting more of you as the school year unfolds.


We would like to remind you that tonight, Monday, September 29th, is our first School Council Meeting of the year, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  In addition to reviewing last year’s endeavours, we will share about how this year has begun, and engage in selecting the 2025-2026 School Council Executive. 


Tonight, our Guidance Department will also share their “Post Secondary Opportunities” presentation.  This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about College and University pathways, relevant research, short lists, applications, and financing your child(ren)’s education.


Here is the agenda for this evening:


  • Welcome and Introductions

  • WCI Student Leadership Council

  • 2024-2025 School Council Report

  • Guidance Department: Post Secondary Opportunities Presentation

  • Administrator’s Report: Introduction to the 2025-2026 School Year

  • School Council Roles & Election

  • Future Meeting Dates

  • Shared Learning Opportunity with Families from Stephen Lewis S.S.

  • Adjournment


We look forward to seeing all of our families at the September School Council meeting.


With thanks,


Michelle Randall

Principal


Ontario University Fair - OUF

Dates: September 27-28, 2025

Times: 9:30 am to 5 pm, daily

Location: 

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building

222 Bremner Blvd.

Toronto ON M5V 3L9

Key Information:

  1. The OUF is one of the largest educational fairs in North America, and it’s free!
  2. Students can speak one on one with university students, professors and representatives to get answers about programs, admission requirements, student life and much more.
  3. Attendees are strongly encouraged to sign up for the OUF in advance with the free OUEvents Pass. The OUEvents Pass allows you to instantly share your contact information with the universities you are interested in.

Virtual Information Sessions

Dates and Times: 

September 16, 6-8 pm (ET), and November 10, 5-7 pm (ET)

https://www.ouevents.ca/virtual/ 

The Ontario College Fair *update 2025*

The Ontario College Fair will not take place in 2025. Students are invited to attend one of the College Information Program opportunities offered at colleges and polytechnics throughout Ontario

All Ontario colleges and polytechnics  offer a wide range of in-person and virtual options to connect with students, families, and educators — including Open Houses, campus visits, school presentations, webinars, and one-on-one advising, including offering a comprehensive College Information Program. We encourage you to reach out directly to the colleges and polytechnics in your region or visit ontariocolleges.ca/events  for more information.

US COLLEGE EXPO

YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE INVITED!

CLICK BELOW:

 

Free Admission, Register to attend!

 

Meet with Experts and Universities from US and UK

Thursday, October 2, 2025

7PM - 9PM

St. Francis Xavier SS, 50 Bristol Road West, Mississauga, ON, L5R 3K3

POST-SECONDARY DESTINATION FAIR

October 22, 2025

6:00-8:00pm

Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School 

1401 Clark Ave W, Thornhill, ON L4J 7R4

Hodan Nalayeh…in partnership with…Westmount, Maple, and Stephen Lewis are hosting this local event.

 

This is an opportunity for you to meet representatives from:

  • Colleges and Universities
  • Apprenticeships and the Skilled Trades
  • Private Career Colleges
  • Out of Province School

….and much more!!

Study and Go Abroad Fair 

Sunday, October 26 | Study and Go Abroad / SchoolFinder Student Education Fair

  • 1pm-5pm at Hart House at the University of Toronto.
  • Encourage your students to explore universities, colleges, gap year options, and work / study abroad opportunities. Admission is free!
  • https://www.studyandgoabroad.com/toronto/