High School A Parent’s Guide They’re growing up, but you still have a role to play in your child’s education.
Table of contents Welcome to high school
1
Stay connected
2
Make the most of the high school years
1
Connect online Subscribe to school news Update your contact info Where’s my agenda?
2 2 2 2
Be involved
3
Go to school events Attend school council meetings Get the bigger picture Encourage your child to get involved
3 3 3 3
Attendance 4 Attendance matters Reporting an absence Late arrivals Unreported absences Extended absences Vacation planning Leaving school property
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
High school structure
5
Ontario High School Diploma requirements
6
Additional certifications
7
How to earn credits
Literacy requirement Community involvement
French as a Second Language
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5 6 6
Business Studies Technological Education Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) diploma
7 7 7
Course selection timeline
8
Learning pathways
9
Explore options together Which course is the right course?
8 8
Understanding a course code
10
High school program opportunities
11
Assessment, evaluation & reporting
12
Student supports
13
Summer School 11 Focus Programs 11 Cooperative Education (co-op) 11 e-Learning 11 Dual Credit 11 Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) 11 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) 11 How final grades are calculated
Academic support Chaplaincy program Help your child to self-advocate Peer assistance Partnership with Rideauwood Student Services department Financial support for postsecondary studies
12 13 13 13 14 14 14 14
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High School — A Parent’s Guide
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Welcome to high school Get ready for what could be the most exciting and important years your child spends in school. Even if your child does not change schools after Grade 8, the daily rhythm changes in Grade 9. This guide is meant to inform you of the operational differences between intermediate and high school, so that you can better support your child for a successful transition. In high school, students: • take new courses with different teachers each new semester; • work with a different group of classmates in each course; • have a wider choice of extracurricular activities and social engagement opportunities; • take on increased responsibility and independence; • need to use organizational strategies and time management skills; and, • must choose the types of courses they will take to support the pathways they are exploring.
Make the most of the high school years This guide is a starting point to help you understand the world that your child will enter in Grade 9. Each school community is unique, so always refer to the information provided by your school for specific details. The Ottawa Catholic School Board supports the vision of parents as partners in their children’s education. We encourage you to get involved, ask questions and take an interest in your child’s high school years.
Your child’s experience will be shaped by the staff and students at the school, the range of programs and activities offered, and by the relationships you and your child will form. All these changes come at a time in your child’s life when they are maturing into adulthood. It is a time of personal growth and development. These changes can be both exciting and scary — for your child and for you! As a parent, knowing how high school operates and what’s going on in the school enables you to better support your child as they navigate through this new world.
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Stay connected As children grow through the teen years and become more independent, it’s harder for parents to stay current on what they’re learning, who their friends are and what’s happening in their lives in general. Knowing what’s going on at their school can help to keep the lines of communication open with your child. There are several ways to stay connected: Connect online The school website is where schools post timely information and reminders, and is a great way to stay connected and up-to-date on school news. All of our schools also have Twitter accounts where they often post photos of activities taking place at the school. Some teachers run class websites and class Twitter accounts where updates and homework are also posted. The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) also shares news at ocsb.ca, and is an excellent source of information about the school system. The OCSB is also active on social media, posting reminders and sharing stories from all our schools on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Subscribe to school news All our high schools send out emails to parents to update them on school events. If you are only receiving emails regarding attendence and emergencies, it is because the OCSB does not have your signed consent to receive electronic communication. This consent is required in order to comply with Canada’s anti-spam legislation. Contact your school to complete your consent form.
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Where’s my agenda? The student agenda is a organizational and communications tool that is often used throughout the elementary school years. It contains information on school policies and procedures, as well as a calendar where students can plan and organize their work assignments. In Grades 9-12, some schools will continue to provide some kind of hard copy student handbook or planner. Other schools will post their policy information on school websites and teachers will post homework on their class websites. Some high schools also have an app that links to the school website and also allows users to subscribe to notifications for specific classes. Parents are encouraged to help their child figure out how to best use the organizational tools available from their school.
Update your contact info If you change your phone number, address or email address, make sure to give your new contact information to your school.
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Be involved Numerous studies have shown that students do better in school when their parents are involved. This holds true in high school as well. Even though high school students are becoming independent, parental involvement is still important. Although high school doesn’t present as many opportunities for parents to visit compared with elementary school, there are still ways that parents can stay engaged with their child’s school throughout the year.
Attend school council meetings Every school has a school council — a group of parents, staff, student(s) and community members who meet regularly and provide input to the school principal on a number of topics. These meetings are open to any interested parent. Attending school council meetings is a great way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at the school. If you are unable to attend, meeting minutes are posted on your school’s website.
Go to school events Show up for more than just parent-teacher interviews. High schools host a range of events throughout the year, from plays to sporting events, information sessions to BBQs. Attending events at the school is a great way to connect with other parents and to show your support for your child and their school.
Get the bigger picture The Ottawa Catholic School Parents’ Association (CSPA) is a volunteer group made up of representatives from OCSB Catholic school councils. CSPA acts as a resource for school councils and the parent community for information on local and provincial education issues. CSPA uses its website (ottawaCSPA.ca), Twitter, and email newsletters to share tips, resources and information to help parents support their children in school. All parents are welcome and encouraged to join the CSPA e-mail list or attend CSPA monthly meetings.
Encourage your child to get involved The high school experience is more than just academics. High schools offer a range of sports, clubs and extra-curricular activities that take place outside of class time. In addition to sports and general interest clubs, all OCSB high schools undertake one or more social justice initiatives. These activities give students the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Encourage your child to explore the options available. These activities are a great way for students to make new friends, build confidence, and discover an interest or skill. Participating in focused activities with their peers gives students a feeling of belonging and fosters a sense of community.
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The Ottawa Catholic School Board Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is a provincially mandated committee made up of parents, a trustee, the Director of Education and Board staff. The purpose of PIC is to support, encourage and enhance parent engagement at the board level in order to improve student achievement and well-being. More information about PIC can be found on the Board website at ocsb.ca/pic.
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Attendance Attendance matters Getting to class on time and avoiding absences are critical if your child is to get the most out of school. Learning is cumulative. It builds on skills and concepts that were previously introduced. Missing classes for an extended period of time can make it challenging for students to learn classroom concepts and keep up with their studies. High school is an opportunity to continue to build your child’s independence and encourage his or her accountability. Reporting an absence If your child will be absent, please phone the school as soon as you can to let them know. Most high schools have a dedicated voicemail inbox for reporting absences.
Leaving school property In high school, lunch breaks and study periods are unsupervised blocks of time where many students choose to leave school property, often to go home or visit nearby restaurants and businesses. Students in Grades 9-12 do not need special permission to leave school property. Since attendance is taken every period, schools are able to track attendance patterns to determine if students are not coming back from their lunch periods. The school would treat this as an unreported absence. Calendars
Late arrivals The school year calendar is posted on ocsb.ca/calendar and Parents and students should refer to the school’s late policy for includes: instructions on what to do if a student is late for school or class. • the first and last day of classes • Holy days and holidays, including breaks Unreported absences • PD days If a student is absent for part or all of the school day, and the • exam and EQAO testing days absence is not reported to the school, parents will receive an The school year calendar is revised annually, and is approved automated call and/or email later in the day advising them of the absence and asking them to contact the school. in the spring for the school year that begins the following September. Extended absences Contact your school if your child will be absent for an extended School events and activities are posted on school websites in a Google calendar. High schools also post daily or weekly period of time due to illness or travel. announcements that detail many of the activities that are Vacation planning happening before, during, and after school each week. Check Please reserve family trips for scheduled holiday breaks from school. your school website on a regular basis.
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High school structure High school operates differently from elementary school. Your child’s school may not change after Grade 8, but their daily routine will. High school is typically a four-year program, with each year made up of two semesters. Many courses have final exams which take place during a designated week at the end of each semester. • Semester 1: September to January • Semester 2: February to June Every student has a unique schedule, so your child will have a different group of classmates in each course. The semester system means students may end up with Science in semester 1 of Grade 9, and not take it again until semester 2 of Grade 10.
How to earn credits 1 credit is earned for each successfully completed course 4 credits = 1 semester 8 credits = 2 semesters = 1 year Extra credits can be earned in additional programs after school or in online courses, as well as in summer school and through international language programs offered on Saturdays.
Course choices throughout high school Grade 9
Grade 11
Grade 12
Religion
Religion
Religion
Religion
English
English
English
English
Math
Math
Math
Elective
Canadian Geography
Canadian History
Elective or Compulsory
Elective
Science
Science
Elective
Elective
French
Careers and Civics
Elective
Elective
Physical Education
Elective or Compulsory
Elective
Elective
Elective or Compulsory
Elective or Compulsory
Elective
Elective
Student selects 1 optional course April 2017
Grade 10
Student selects 2 optional courses
Student selects 5 optional courses
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Student selects up to 6 optional courses 5
Ontario High School Diploma requirements To graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must complete 3 required components.
Course credit requirements to graduate* Credits in English
4
Credits in mathematics
3
Credits in science
2
Credit in Canadian geography
1
Credit in Canadian history
1
Credit in the arts
1
Credit in health and physical education
1
Credit in French as a second language
1
Credit in career studies
0.5
Credit in civics
0.5
Credit in any of: • English or French as a second language • a Native language • a classical or international language • social sciences and the humanities • Canadian and world studies • guidance and career education • cooperative education
1
Credit in any of: • health and physical education • the arts • business studies • French as a second language • cooperative education
Literacy requirement In Grade 10, students take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which determines whether or not they are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects. If students don’t succeed the first time the test is written, they will have another opportunity. Schools also have the option of offering students a course in place of the test after the first attempt. For more information about provincial testing, visit eqao.com.
1
Credit in any of: • science (Grade 11 or 12) • technological education • French as a second language • computer studies • cooperative education
1
Optional credits
12
TOTAL * See OCSB high school course selection guide for full details.
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Students who do not attain the OSSD, may be granted the Ontario Secondary School Certificate (14+ credits) or the Certificate of Accomplishment (fewer than 14 credits).
30
credits
+
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OSSLT
+
Community involvement Students must complete 40 hours of community involvement to receive their high school diploma. Students can start accumulating hours in the summer before they begin Grade 9.
40
hours
=
6
Additional certifications OCSB high school students have the opportunity to earn a number of different certifications when they graduate. Students wishing to earn one or more certificates should keep the certification requirements in mind when choosing electives.
French as a Second Language Two separate French programs are available for students — Core French or Immersion French. Both programs aim to foster an interest in French language learning that will continue throughout the student’s life. An FSL certificate is awarded to students who have pursued a concentrated study in French. Students can earn a Core French certificate by successfully completing 4 French language courses, including the Grade 11 and 12 Core French courses. Students can earn an Immersion French certificate by successfully completing 10 courses - 4 French language courses and 6 additional courses taught in French. A cooperative education placement, linked to a French credit, may be included toward the 6 additional credits. Business Studies Students can earn a Business Studies certificate by completing a minimum of 5 credits, either through Business Studies courses (‘B’ codes), Economics courses (CIC3E, CIE3M, CIA4U), or cooperative education credits tied to Business courses. See a guidance counsellor for more information.
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Technological Education Students can earn a Technological Education certificate by completing a minimum of 5 credits, either through Technological Education courses (‘T’ codes), or cooperative education credits tied to Technological Education courses. See a guidance counsellor for more information. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) diploma The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) encourages students to focus their secondary school education toward a career area of their choice. Students can earn a SHSM program creditation no matter what their postsecondary plans — work, apprenticeship, or college/university. Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive: • an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed SHSM seal • an SHSM Record documenting his/her achievement • formal recognition on his/her Ontario Student Transcript. This formal recognition lets employers and postsecondary education know that the student has knowledge, skills, and industry-recognized qualifications related to a particular career field.
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Course selection timeline Course selection begins in February every year. You have an important role to play in helping your child research and select their program and course options. Decisions made in high school lead to the achievement of future life goals.
Explore options together All high schools host parent information nights where you and your child can learn about courses and ask questions.
Exact dates will vary with each school. For specifics, always check the information provided by your school.
Find out the date of your high school’s parent information night and plan to attend with your child.
High school information nights take place
January
February
March
• Course selection guide becomes available. • Guidance counsellors instruct students on the course selection process. • Schools may hold “course fairs” during school hours, and guidance counsellors instruct students on the course selection process. • Students select courses using myBlueprint.ca/ocsb online education planner. • Parents approve course selection by signing paper copy printed from myBlueprint. April 2017
April
May
Course selection submissions due.
June
July
Summer school registration period
Which course is the right course? It’s best that students select courses based on their strengths and interests. Talk with your child about what they’re interested in. Guidance counsellors and your child’s Grade 8 teacher can help support this discussion. For students entering Grades 10, 11, or 12, have them consider making an appointment with a guidance counsellor in your school’s Student Services department sometime during the year. Discussing options with a third party can help to clarify the decision process and map out specific goals.
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Learning pathways Your child may not know what his or her postsecondary goals are at this point—that’s okay. There are many opportunities to explore options while in high school. Grades 9 & 10
There are many paths between the various postsecondary destinations. Choosing one type of course in Grades 11 and 12 does not necessarily close the door to other destinations. Grades 11 & 12
Academic (A)
Courses develop students’ knowledge and skills by helping students understand the theory behind concepts, and identify practical applications of concepts.
Applied (P)
Courses develop students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing practical, concrete application of the concepts.
Locally Developed (L)
Courses focus on essential skills to build a student’s knowledge and understanding, and to develop their literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills.
Post-secondary destinations
University (U)
University
University/ College (M)
College
College (C)
Apprenticeship
Workplace (E) Workplace
Open (O)
Courses allow students to learn concepts and skills designed to prepare them for further study in the subject area. Expectations are designed to be appropriate for all students. April 2017
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Open (O)
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Understanding a course code Courses use a six-character course code for identification. The first five characters of the course code are set out by the Ministry of Education. The sixth character is used by school boards to identify a specific characteristic of the course.
These three letters identify the subject. The first letter in the course code is the subject area. A = The Arts B = Business C = Canadian & World Studies E = English and ESL and ELD F = French
G = Guidance & Career Education H = Humanities & Social Sciences (including Religious Education) I = Interdisciplinary or Computer Studies L = International Languages
M = Mathematics N = First Nation, Métis & Inuit Studies P = Physical Education S = Sciences T = Technological Education
This indicator is used to distinguish the grade level (or the level of English language proficiency for English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) students). 1 = Grade 9 2 = Grade 10
3 = Grade 11 A, B, C, D, E = level of English 4 = Grade 12 language proficiency
ENG2DR
The sixth character is sometimes added to identify a specific characteristic of the course. F = Female
I = Immersion
M = Male
R = Regular
This letter identifies the course type.
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Grades 9-10:
D = Academic
L = Locally Developed
P = Applied
Grades 11-12:
C = College O = Open
E = Workplace U = University
M = University/College
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O = Open
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High school program opportunities Students in our high schools can access a variety of course and program offerings. Follow the links for more program details. Summer School Summer school provides students with the chance to complete credits outside of regular school hours. Courses are taught over 16 days in July. It’s a good option for students needing to complete a credit, or wanting to get ahead. conted.ocsb.ca/summer-school
Dual Credit Dual credit courses enable students in Grades 11 and 12 to earn a high school credit and a college credit at the same time. By taking these courses, students have the chance to experience a college environment while still in high school. ocsb.ca/dual-credit
Focus Programs Focus programs are one- or two-semester packages of courses that focus on a particular field of interest or training. These programs enable students to benefit from specialized equipment and teacher expertise. ocsb.ca/focus
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) OYAP is a school to work program that allows students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or 12 through the co-op program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas. ocsb.ca/oyap
Cooperative Education (co-op) Co-op is available to all students in Grades 11 and 12. These are usually 2-credit courses that enable students to take what they learned in a specific course and apply it in a real-world work environment. ocsb.ca/coop
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) SHSM is a Ministry-approved specialized program that allows students in Grades 11 and 12 to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting their high school graduation requirements. ocsb.ca/shsm
e-Learning e-Learning allows students to take some Grade 11 and 12 courses online. e-Learning courses offer the flexibility of choice and timing. Students manage their learning independently. ocsb.ca/e-learning
SHSM sectors offered at one or more OCSB high schools: Arts and Culture Aviation and Aerospace Business
Read how one student used three of these programs to build her skills and test-drive a few career options. ocsb.ca/news/mths-student-test-drives-future-career
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Construction Energy Environment Health and Wellness
High School — A Parent’s Guide
Hospitality and Tourism Information and Communications Technology Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services Manufacturing Non-profit Transportation 11
Assessment, evaluation & reporting Assessment and evaluation happens throughout the semester. It’s the process of gathering and evaluating information that accurately reflects how a student is progressing in the course. The primary purpose of this process is to improve student learning. Report cards give parents/guardians information about: • Student demonstration of specific learning skills and work habits • Student achievement of the curriculum expectations • Student attendance (lates and absences) • Information about second language programming and special learning needs
How final grades are calculated
70%
from evaluations conducted throughout the course
30%
from a final evaluation administered towards the end of the course. This evaluation is based on evidence from one or a combination of the following: an examination, a performance, an essay and/or another method of evaluation suitable to the course content (often called a rich summative task (RST)) .
Timeline of assessment events Semester 1 September 2 February Meet the teacher night (usually only occurs in Semester 1).
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October March
November April
Letters of Parentconcern teacher are mailed interviews. to the families of students who are struggling academically with one or more subjects. High School — A Parent’s Guide
December May Midsemester report cards sent home.
January June Rich summative tasks (RST) Final exams
End-ofsemester report cards sent home. After Semester 2, some schools ask that report cards be picked up at the school. 12
Student supports Although we all want our children to have a positive and successful high school experience, most students will, at some point, experience stress, doubts, and worry during their teen years. As students mature, it is important for them to build skills and strategies to be resilient when faced with challenges and difficulties. Adults in their lives can help with this process. Our high schools provide a wide array of supports to help students when the need arises. Academic support Academic support is available to students throughout the year. All they have to do is ask! Teachers are willing to provide extra assistance to their students at any time during the semester. Whether it’s before or after school, or during lunch period, teachers will make themselves available at pre-arranged times to review concepts or answer students’ questions. Encourage your child to seek out their teacher’s support as soon as they begin to have difficulty with the course material, and not to wait until the end of the semester to seek help. For help in math, students also have the option of signing up for Homework Help — a live online tutoring service run by TVO’s Independent Learning Centre with support from the Ontario government. This is a free service for Ontario students in grades 7-10. Visit homeworkhelp.ilc.org. For help in French, students can access Voilà Learning for one-on-one live tutoring in a fun, avatar-based virtual classroom. This service is free for OCSB students in grades K-12, and is available Monday through Thursday from 5-8 PM. The registration code for OCSB students is BonjourVoila. Visit: http://voilalearning.com/en/if-your-school-board-has-registered. April 2017
Help your child to self-advocate High school is an opportunity for your child to build their advocacy skills and independence. If your child comes to you with a concern about a mark or another issue, discuss it fully. From there, help your child to: • identify the real issue(s) at hand; • identify who at the school should be aware; • determine what needs to be communicated, and to whom; • create an action plan to address the issue; and, • self-advocate, if possible. If your child is not prepared to self-advocate at this point, offer support and be willing to work together to bring about a good resolution. Always feel comfortable to contact the school if you have questions or concerns.
Chaplaincy program Each high school has a chaplaincy leader who helps to create a community rooted in compassion, hospitality and inclusivity. The chaplaincy leader can be a source of support for all students and staff. He or she is available to listen, to provide spiritual accompaniment, to visit hospitals and funeral homes, and to provide resources in crisis situations. The chaplaincy leader helps lead community worship, prayer, and social action projects, is a resource for religion teachers, and fosters liaisons with local parish communities and the diocese.
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Student supports Peer assistance All OCSB high schools have some kind of peer support program in place to assist students both academically and socially. These may take the form of peer mentoring, tutoring, and leadership, or may include activity and awareness groups that support students’ well-being. Activities vary within each school, but all offer opportunities and events focused on making students feel welcome and included. Check with your child’s school to learn more about the peer assistance initiatives and opportunities. Your child may benefit from the support of a peer leader, or may take on the role of peer leader. Getting involved in school life is always encouraged! Partnership with Rideauwood Each of our high schools has a school-based program operated by the Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. This program provides direct support for individual students and prevention education for small groups of students. Rideauwood staff communicate regularly with the OCSB Mental Health Lead, and the Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services.
Financial support for postsecondary studies The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a government financial aid program that can make it easier for students to pay for college or university. Funding is available for both full and part-time postsecondary students, and is based on a number of factors, including family income. Some students may get their entire tuition covered by OSAP. Visit ontario.ca/osap to learn more. Student Services department Every high school has a Student Services department, comprised of teaching staff who specialize in supporting students in their journey through high school. These student supports include: • Academic planning and course selection in high school. • Education and career/life planning for the future. • Exploration and self-awareness of interests, aptitudes, skills and abilities to assist with pathway planning. • Personal and skill development in decision-making, study habits, goal setting, problem solving, conflict resolution, stress and time management, and well-being. • Information and exploration of postsecondary opportunities and options for financing postsecondary studies. • Personal support and referrals to community resources.
Our high schools are full of caring staff who want the best for your child. Each student is assigned to a vice-principal and a guidance counsellor. Together with the chaplaincy leader and the classroom teacher, they are key contacts who are able to provide help and support. You and your child are encouraged to connect with any of them as needed throughout the year. Building these relationships early will benefit your child throughout their high school journey. April 2017
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