Important Transition Information, Dates and Deadlines

Important Dates 

     January  31^st – Optional Attendance forms are due to high schools (delivered by parents/guardians).

 Week of February 10^th –14^th or before - Students are informed of their acceptance to Specialized Programs and Optional Attendance schools.
     By February  24^th- Completed course selections are verified and signed by parents/guardians  and returned to classroom teachers.
     February 28^th  – All course selection sheets are delivered to high schools by Mr. George

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 14^th 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 24^th, 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 me at paul.george@tdsb.on.ca (416)-396-6075 ext 20040. 

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

List of Limited and Closed Schools

Below you will find a list of schools which are closed for Optional Attendance for the Regular Program. 

Here is the 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 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

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 closedto 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!***

Thank You for Attending The Choices For Nine Evening

Thank you to all the families who were able to join us on November 6th for our Choices for Nine Evening.  If you were unable to attend please ask your child to pick up a copy of the handout in Mr. George's office at Bliss Carman.  The Secondary school information nights are getting under way and as was emphasized at the presentation you are highly encouraged to attend those evenings and make contact with the school Guidance departments.  Below you will find a list of schools in our area that students may be interested in:

 

School                                                    Info Night
Bendale B.T.I.                                       November 19, 2013

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

RH King Academy                                 November 27, 2013

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

Sir Robert L. Borden B.T.I                   January 9, 2014

Sir Wilfrid Laurier CI                            November 14, 2013

Sir Oliver Mowat C.I.                            January 15, 2014
Wexford Collegiate School of the Arts  

(Performing Arts)                                   November 13, 2013

(Visual & Media Arts)                            November 14, 2013
West Hill C.I.                                              November 19, 2013
Cedarbrae C.I.                                            December 3, 2013

Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute  December 4, 2013

 We want to leave you with a TDSB Tip Sheet that was shared at our presentation on how "Students can make a successful transition to secondary school":

1. Take part in any summer programs that secondary schools offer for example, “Moving On Up” or grade 9 information days
2. Make certain you are making an informed choice about the correct type of program for your learning style and understand the pathway (apprenticeship, college, university or work) for each course type. Follow advice of grade eight teachers
3. Attend secondary school information evenings with your parents
4. Get involved in sports and clubs, but don’t over schedule yourself
5. Take advantage of peer tutoring programs
6. Do a trial run (bus route or walking) to secondary school
7. “Hang out” with the right people
8. Make good decisions
9. Develop strong work habits at school and at home
10. Keep electronics at home
11. Do your homework
12. Ask for help if you don’t understand something - but don’t leave it until the last minute
13. Learn to self advocate – inform teachers of problems or issues that may interfere with your learning
14. Always use your agenda

"Choices for Nine" brochures have arrived!

Your child will have received a Choices for Nine brochure by October 25, 2013.  The Choices for Nine publication provides you and your child with a detailed outline of the opportunities available and the decisions and choices you’ll be making throughout high school.  Each child will be completing a scavenger hunt in class to explore the content of the brochure.  Student need to have their agendas signed by their parents/guardians once the brochure is brought home.

Please take a look at the parent tip sheet for some important information by clicking here:  High School Courses and Choices Tip Slip.

Important information about the Choices for Nine program will be shared at our Choices for Nine Information evening on November 6th, 2013 at Bliss Carman Senior P.S (6:30pm).  

 

Come and learn about key dates, timelines, Optional Attendance procedures, Secondary School programs and requirements, Secondary School Open House dates and times, Course Selection and much more.

Please note that Birchmount C.I will be hosting their Grade 9 information night on October 30, 2013.

 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Paul George                                             

(416) 396-6075  Ext: 20040