GUIDANCE
UPDATES - January 31 |
When will marks be sent to OUAC? For students who have applied to university, marks will be transmitted to OUAC by the February 13th deadline. Please note:
This date is determined by YRDSB and is standard across all schools. |
When will marks be sent to OCAS? For students who have applied to college, marks will be transmitted to OCAS by the February 14th deadline. Please note:
This date is determined by YRDSB and is standard across all schools. |
GUIDANCE
UPDATES - January 31 |
IS YOUR STUDENT LOOKING FOR A
TIMETABLE CHANGE? As we approach semester 2, we know
that some students may want to request a timetable change. Due to
limited space in classes, changes will be very challenging. The process
outlined below must be followed for any timetable requests to be
considered so that they can be effectively tracked and prioritized; please do
not send an email to the Guidance or Administration Team to request
changes. COMPLETING THE TIMETABLE CHANGE
REQUEST GOOGLE FORM ·
Parents/Guardians will receive a google form
to be used to submit change requests at a later date. Please see dates
and timelines below. ·
To ensure parental/guardian permission, and
for counsellors to address the request, the timetable change request google
form must be returned from a parent/guardian email address (not a
student Gapps email address). ·
Due to the volume of requests, counsellors
will not be able to check for graduation requirements for each student before
a timetable change is made. By filling out the google form with your
parent/guardian, you are ensuring that you have done your due diligence and
that your changes do not affect your graduation requirements or your
application to post-secondary education. THE PROCESS FOR TIMETABLE
CHANGE REQUESTS: The Google Form is to
be used for ALL issues related to timetables including
but not limited to changing courses, adding courses, deleting courses, specific
concerns about courses, etc. This process should also
be used by students looking to change courses in line with post-secondary
planning. PLEASE NOTE: This
does NOT include changing to a different section of a course the student
already has on their timetable. For example, the student has English
period 1 and wants to move to period 4. This
request cannot be accommodated. Change requests are simply requests.
While the Guidance Department does its best to fulfill all requested changes,
unfortunately this is not always possible. TIMELINES: PROCESSING TIMETABLE CHANGES: ·
Counsellors will start processing requests
when semester 2 begins. ·
Counsellors will call the student down
according to their timetable in Teach Assist, therefore, students need to
attend all their classes including the ones they are trying to
change. ·
Please do not call or email about changes, as
we will be using the google form as the only method of resp onding to course
change requests in order to make the process as equitable as possible for all
students. ·
It could take 5 to 7 business days to address
all the requests. We will start with the Grade 12s and proceed from
there. We thank all students, parents/guardians, and
staff in advance for their patience as we work through all the google
forms. Our goal is to have students settled in their timetable as soon
as possible. There will be many fluctuations in classes
and teachers have been asked to be very flexible and accommodate all new
students who enter a course after the beginning of classes. Please
do not approach teachers to ask if they have space in their classes; with
any changes taking place, only G uidance can track what spaces may be
available. Students can ONLY attend a class once it is officially on
their timetable; do not ask to sit in on a class that you unless you are
officially enrolled and the course is on your timetable. We understand that this can be a very
stressful time. We aim to do our best for our students. Looking forward to a great semester, |
SUMMER CO-OP Summer
Co-op is available for students entering Grade 11 or 12 in the fall. However,
Grade 12 students who could not fit co-op into their regular timetables and
require it for graduation will be given priority. Students must be available
for all scheduled dates. There will be a summer co-op information session for
students held virtually on February 12, 2025 from 4pm - 5pm. All students
interested in applying are encouraged to attend. Students can register for
the information session through yrdsb.cc/summercoopinfo. Here is a flyer . More information about Summer Co-op Programs can be found
at www.yrdsb.ca/summer-pathway. **Please speak to your guidance counsellor or Mrs.
Del-Bianco (Head of Co-op).  |
GUIDANCE
UPDATES - January 26 |
APPLYING TO COLLEGE? DEADLINE IS APPROACHING! February
1, 2025: Equal Consideration DateApply
on or before this date in order to receive equal consideration
for admission to programs starting the following fall. After this date,
colleges consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until programs are full. Note
that applications to Highly
Competitive Programs must be received by this date in order to be considered. Applicants
are encouraged to complete their applications well before
the Equal Consideration Date, as website volumes on the online application are at their highest at this time. Many
programs continue to accept applicants after February 1. Use
our Find
a Program tool at any time to find programs that are still open. May 1, 2025:
Deadline to Confirm Offers of AdmissionApplicants
must confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission by this date. Log in to your ontariocolleges.ca
account to confirm
your offer. Colleges
may extend offers of admission after this date. Each college
will set the deadline to confirm offers made after May 1, and this deadline will be communicated to you with your offer. June 2025: Tuition
Deposit Due at the CollegesThe
colleges require payment of a tuition deposit in June to secure
your spot in your program. Each college sets its own tuition deposit amount
and payment deadline. This information will be communicated to you by the college. |
Message from Our Trustee
February 2025
Welcome to the start of the second half of the school year.
Congratulations to secondary school students who have completed
exams and culminating activities and are ready to start a new semester, and to
elementary school students for all their hard work in the first term. I want to
remind families that when report cards are available, you can now access your
child’s report card through the Family Dashboard.
For students looking at course
selection for next year, the Experience
YRDSB pages on our website will let you explore the areas that interest you
and learn more about the courses, programs and opportunities available in your
secondary school.
At the end of January, we recognized Lunar New Year,
commemorating the first day of the Lunar calendar. Throughout the month, we
also recognized Tamil
Heritage Month. In February, we recognize Black History Month, I encourage you
to check the Board
calendar for upcoming events to celebrate Black excellence and recognize
the contributions made by Black Canadians. You can also find information about
other upcoming significant dates and events for families.
The Student
Trustee election process
is underway for the 2025-2026 school year. Student Trustees play an essential
role in our system, representing student voices at the Board table when we are
making important decisions, and we greatly appreciate their contributions to
our discussions. I would like to congratulate all of the students who put their
names forward for the position and encourage all students in Grades 5-12 to
take the time to vote.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank
current Student Trustees Hayden Lai and Mitusaan Kugathasan and Indigenous
Student Trustee Natalie Pitawanakwat for their hard work, leadership and
commitment to student voice.
As a Board of Trustees, we have several important roles that
affect the daily life in our schools and Board.
One of those responsibilities is to set the policies
that govern the operation of schools in YRDSB. Policies cover
important topics, such as assessment
and evaluation, field trips,
homework,
dress
code, caring
and safe schools, health
supports, student
leadership and more.
We regularly review Board policies to ensure they
are updated and reflect the current context, priorities
and needs of our community and system. An important part of this process is
inviting feedback from the community, including families. You can find a list
of all policies and those currently out for comment
on our Board website and I encourage you to take a look.
Trustees are also responsible for setting the Board budget.
As we prepare to plan for the 2025-2026 school year budget, we will be once
again reaching out to families and inviting you to share your input and
feedback. Please take the time to review this information when you receive it;
your voice is an important part of the process.
Renewed Computer Technology
Do you need a computer?
Renewed Computer Technology (RCT) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization
that empowers learners, educators and not-for-profit organizations with increased
access to information and communications technology (ICT), skill development and
learning opportunities, in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
Working with York Region District School Board we are offering affordable,
renewed computer packages.
Please see the flyer for more information.
WORD, SOUND, POWER: An Annual Celebration of Black Artistic Expression
The Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community, and
Diaspora presents WORD, SOUND, POWER: An Annual Black History Month
Celebration! This year's theme is "Past, Present & Future." Visit
the website for event and ticket information.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students January Session
January Information Session for Families, parents, caregivers, please join us on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
SEAS Family Engagement Evening Series: Understanding High School Pathways and Course Selection
In partnership with Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) Employee Affinity Group, families, parents and caregivers are invited to the Family Engagement Evening Series - Understanding High School Pathways and Course Selection event.
Join us on February 5, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Bill Crothers S.S. for an evening to help gain a deeper understanding of the high school pathways and course selection process in the Ontario Education System.
Flyer with registration information.
GUIDANCE
UPDATES - January 15 |
COURSE
SELECTION 2025-2026… happening soon!! It’s
course selection time for the 2025-2026 school year! During
the month of January and February we will focus on choosing courses for the
following school year. We
wanted to give you some information that will help your child select courses. HOW
DO STUDENTS CHOOSE THEIR COURSES? Through
myBlueprint. Students
will need to log in. Instructions are in the google folder (see below). DEADLINES Course
Selection Opens: Tuesday, February 13 (9:00am) Course
Selection Deadline: Friday, February 21 (3:20pm) ACCESS
THE GOOGLE DRIVE AND RESOURCES **The
most important source of information – students will find everything they
need here. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/160QyKX3gWH4Fw_UGK6--r6JvM8pgvMcd?usp=sharing Reminder:
Only students can access this drive. They use their Gapps account. MANDATORY
PARENT/GUARDIAN APPROVAL There is a 2-step approval process for course selection. 1. Students must enter a
parent/guardian email address into myBlueprint when they submit their
courses. Please ensure your student knows your email address. 2.
All guardians/parents must approve their students' course
selection by 3:20 on Friday, February 21. COURSE
SELECTION WORKSHOPS If
students would like some more in depth information about courses, please have
them drop into one of these sessions. All
workshops will take place in the library. JAN 13 - Period 3 JAN 16 - Period 4 JAN 20 - Period 2 FEB 13 - Period 1, 2 FEB 19 - Period 1, 3 REMINDER
- OPTING OUT OF THE TWO REQUIRED ONLINE LEARNING CREDITS What is
the Online Learning Graduation Requirement? All students
must earn at least two online learning credits as part of the requirements
for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)unless they have opted
out or been exempted. How do
I opt out? 1.
Opt out through
myBlueprint during Course Selection time. 2.
Pick up a paper copy of
the opt out form from the guidance office, fill it in, and return it to the
guidance secretary, Ms. Han. ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES |
DOES
YOUR STUDENT NEED HELP WITH COURSE SELECTION? Please
refer them to this poster:  |
Update From Guidance
GUIDANCE
UPDATES - JANUARY 14 |
APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY? DEADLINE TOMORROW !!! HOW TO APPLY https://www.ouac.on.ca/planning/how-to-apply/ January 15, 2025 The deadline for Group A
applicants to submit their completed applications to the OUAC. Note: The OUAC will continue
to process applications received after this date and distribute them to the
Ontario universities; however, specific university deadlines will apply. May 29, 2025 The
latest date all Group A applicants who submitted their application by the
January application deadline can expect a response from an Ontario
university. This includes an offer of admission, a refusal or a deferral,
once additional information is received. June 2, 2025 The earliest date a
Group A applicant may be required to respond to an Ontario university offer
of admission and give a financial commitment (e.g., registration deposit,
residence deposit). All other admission-related
elements, including scholarships, other forms of student assistance or
financial incentives, and offers of residence, are considered part of the
offer of admission. Therefore, a student may accept these other offers before
June 2, 2025, but Ontario universities will not compel a student in any way
to make a decision before this date. |
APPLYING TO COLLEGE? February 1, 2025: Equal
Consideration DateApply on or before
this date in order to receive equal consideration for admission to programs
starting the following fall. After this date, colleges consider applicants on
a first-come, first-served basis until programs are full. Note that applications
to Highly Competitive Programs must be received by
this date in order to be considered. Applicants are
encouraged to complete their applications well before the Equal Consideration
Date, as website volumes on the online application are at their highest at
this time. Many programs continue
to accept applicants after February 1. Use our Find
a Program
tool at any time to find programs that are still open. May 1, 2025: Deadline to Confirm Offers of
AdmissionApplicants must
confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission by this date. Log in to
your ontariocolleges.ca account to confirm your offer. Colleges may extend
offers of admission after this date. Each college will set the deadline to
confirm offers made after May 1, and this deadline will be communicated to
you with your offer. June 2025: Tuition Deposit Due at the
CollegesThe colleges require
payment of a tuition deposit in June to secure your spot in your program.
Each college sets its own tuition deposit amount and payment deadline. This
information will be communicated to you by the college. |
Building Health Kids – Rebooting Your Routine!
For more tips on how you can reboot your family’s routine this winter routine
visit york.ca/HealthyKids.
visit york.ca/HealthyKids.
Tenant Rights Workshops
Parents/Guardians are invited to the free Virtual
Tenant Rights Workshops offered in partnership with the Canadian Centre for
Housing Rights from January through April 2025.
Tamil Heritage Month Celebration
Students, families and staff your invited to come celebrate Tamil Heritage Month with Arts & Literature Workshops, Cultural Performances and refreshments.
Join us Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Maple High School from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Please register: THM Launch 2025
Course Selection Information
WEBINAR FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29TH 7:30 PM
This Lung Health Foundation webinar will boost your knowledge about vaping and its dangers while preparing you to start a judgement-free dialogue with a teen you care about. Yes, you can help your teen start their quit journey – and with our help, you can get started right now, when New Year’s Resolutions are top-of-mind. Strategically scheduled at the midpoint of the school year, this webinar will also touch on the role of stress in your teen’s decision to vape.
This Lung Health Foundation webinar will help parents and caregivers refresh their knowledge about vaping and plan for supportive, empowering conversations with a young person they care for.
Parents and guardians can register for the webinar using this registration link:
https://cvent.me/nvqQXq?utm_source=halththehazeweb&utm_campaign=halththehaze&utm_medium=halththehazeweb
https://cvent.me/nvqQXq?utm_source=halththehazeweb&utm_campaign=halththehaze&utm_medium=halththehazeweb
This toolkit, developed by public health experts from Ontario Public Health Units and the Lung Health Foundation, is suitable for educators, school staff, coaches, youth workers, and parents. It aims to curb the youth vaping epidemic by increasing knowledge and application of Brief Contact Interventions (BCI) among those who work with youth who smoke, vape, or use other nicotine products. The toolkit includes videos, sample scripts, posters, and more, and is available in both English and French.
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