1. GRADE 10 Welcome Fall 2013

2. AGENDA Introduction to the Guidance department – people and procedures Review Grad Requirements Peer Links – you can be one! Breakfast Club Career Activity

3. THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT: Who Mrs. Costard (Guidance Secretary) Mr. Gosney (Grade 10 A-L; Grade 12 A-L) Ms. Brown (Grade 10 M-Z; all Grade 11; Grade 12 M-Z)

4. THE GUIDANCE OFFICE Room 114 Beside the main office Door usually shut for privacy but no need to knock, just walk in [only locked occasionally] Outer office for Mrs. Aguinaga and for waiting, career information and post-secondary information Counsellor offices (sound-proof) Records room

5. GUIDANCE: When to go? By appointment only Visit during free time only Emergencies, come in anytime and tell someone it IS an emergency. You may be called out of class (we are discrete) Do not come during tests, presentations, or other assessments.

6. Why go to see your counsellor? For anything that is bothering you, or if you need information or help and don’t know who to turn to. Some possibilities:  Difficulties in class, but better to see your teacher first.  Occupation and career issues  What courses to take here in school  What education or training to go on to  Job-finding skills like resumes and interviewing  Exchange programs  Personal issues

7. Personal Issues One of the reasons you might go to your counsellor is for help with personal situations you or a friend is in, such as Relationships Trouble at home Pregnancy Health Drugs and alcohol Anger Thoughts of suicide/ self harm Harrasment

8. Who else might you turn to? FRIENDS Family members School Social Worker (Lorraine in the YHC) African Nova Scotian Support Worker (Bonnie also in YHC) Coaches and group leaders Clergy (priest, minister, pastor) Doctor or nurse (including teen clinic) Psychologist or counsellor in the community Teacher Principal or vice principal RCMP Liason Officer (Const. McNaughton)

9. If you come to see your counsellor: You can expect us to listen, discuss, suggest options, but cannot usually tell you what to do. You might be referred to someone who could help you more. Confidentiality Sometimes parents request that we see you. We will call you in and talk with you but we won’t pass on what you had to say.

10. THE GUIDANCE OFFICE WEBSITE Part of the MHS website http://www.millwood.ednet.ns.ca/guidance/ Quite extensive. Has information about grad requirements, courses, post-secondary links, getting help, etc.

12. REVIEW OF GRAD REQUIREMENTS applies to all students in Nova Scotia Maximum 7 Grade 10 credits Minimum 5 Grade 12 Must include 13 specific credits listed at the right: 3 English Science #1 & #2 2 Math (10 & 11) 1 Cdn History 11 1 Global Studies 12 1 Physical Education 1 Fine Arts 2 further Math/Sci/Tech

13. POST-SECONDARY Looking Ahead Beyond High School

14. WARNING!!!!!! Your performance in your grade 10 year WILL directly affect your options for grade 11 courses This WILL impact all your future options (i.e.: university, etc.) Work hard and do your absolute best the first time!!!!!!!! We aren’t kidding…take a look…

15. University: Requires an academic high school program ending with English 12 and at least 4 other Grade 12 academic credits. Some programs require academic Math or other specific high school courses. About a 70% average is needed at the typical university – more for some programs or for other universities. Information on universities and other institutions is available in Guidance

16. Community College Programs take 1 or 2 years (less than university) and are less expensive Programs are geared toward employment – more training than education. Some programs require academic high school credits. Many don’t.

17. Private Career Colleges (also known as Private Trade Schools) These are private businesses operated for profit. There are many right here in the Halifax area. Concentrate on business and human service training programs Programs are usually 1 year long

18. Apprenticeship A program in which you learn on the job under the supervision of a qualified person Involves some in-school time Get paid while working as an apprentice Eventually write exams and put in time and become qualified yourself This is the best bargain

19. The End