1. Grade 8 Information Session Donald A. Wilson Secondary School Welcome to Donald A Wilson. These will be some of the best years of life!

2. GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS 2015-2016 Grade 9: Mr. Kaspar Grade 10: Ms. Webb Grade 11: Ms. Chinnick Grade 12: Ms. Roberts

3. TIMELINE January Counsellors visit elementary schools February 9 th Grade 8 Parents Night! May 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th and 6 th Grade 8 visits to Donald A. Wilson for School Tour! Course Selections Due February 24th, 2016

4. INFORMATION ABOUT Donald A. Donald A.Wilson 316 grade 8 students coming from 7 elementary schools to start high school at Wilson in September 2016 1125 Students Double gym, single gym, weight room and access to the Dome! Two floors of wireless learning!!!!

5. What does the Grade 9 program look like? Do I still have recess? How long is the school day? What is different about high school?

6. DAWSS – Bell Schedule

7. What is secondary school all about? CREDITS 1 =1 1 COURSE = 1 CREDIT 4 4 credits are earned each semester Semester 1: Sept to Jan Semester 2: Feb to June

8. UNDERSTANDING THE TIMETABLE Period TimeSubject 18:47 – 10:05PPL 1O3.01 Kaspar, J 155 210:10 – 11:25MFM 1P1.02 Vasani, A 153 312:05 – 1:20CGC 1D1.03 Hook, G 211 41:25 – 2:40BTT 1OF.04 DeJong, M 126 Semester 1 - September to January Based on a Week One Schedule Course Code & Section Teacher’s Name Room Number – 3 digit number (211) All 3 digits appear on the classroom door Semester 2 – February – June

9. FIF 1 D F UNDERSTANDING COURSE CODES School Boards use this final character to distinguish courses The Letter identifies the course type: Grades 9 /10D=Academic P=Applied L=Locally Developed O=Open Grades 11/12U=University M=University/College E=Workplace C=College O=Open This Number identifies the Grade 1 = Grade 9 2 = Grade 10 3 = Grade 11 4 = Grade 12 These three letters identify the subject. The first letter in the course code denotes the course’s department area A = Arts B= BusinessC=Canadian & World Studies E = English F = FrenchG= Guidance & Career Ed.S = Sciences H = Humanities & Social Sciences L = International Languages M = MathematicsP = Physical Education T= Technology

10. Ontario Secondary School Diploma 30  30 Credits to graduate 18 Compulsory  18 Compulsory 12 Optional  12 Optional 40  40 Hours of Community Involvement the summer following your grade 8 year  You can start the summer following your grade 8 year…more information to follow in the spring Provincial Literacy Requirement  Provincial Literacy Requirement  must pass to graduate – you will have a lot of support! You will achieve 8 of these in your grade 9 year! You will achieve 8 of these in your grade 9 year!

11. Which Pathway Do I Choose?

12. WHICH PATHWAY DO I CHOOSE?? Locally Developed (L) Applied (P) Open (O) Academic (D) Students Might: Enjoy discussion See connections to real life Develop new ideas from reading Share ideas and apply them to their own lives Students Might: Like to work independently Enjoy understanding the “whys” Learn from a variety of sources Think creatively Like to solve problems Develop ideas from research Students learn concepts and skills designed to prepare them for further study in the subject area. Expectations are designed and appropriate for all students A focus on the most essential concepts of a discipline. These courses are offered in Mathematics, Science, and English in Grade 9. These courses will provide support for students making the transition to high school by enhancing their skills to allow them to be successful at secondary school.

13. Choosing the Right LEVEL for You!  Consult with parents/guardians, teachers, SERT lack of understanding lack of effort  Difference between lack of understanding and lack of effort  Suggested Ranges: LOCALLY DEVELOPED  Failing current courses – LOCALLY DEVELOPED APPLIED  50 – 60% - APPLIED ACADEMIC  70% - ACADEMIC  Between 60% and 70% is a gray area NOT ALL COURSES HAVE TO BE AT THE SAME LEVEL  NOT ALL COURSES HAVE TO BE AT THE SAME LEVEL

14. Importance of Choosing the Right Level ENTIRE YOU We create the timetable for your ENTIRE grade based on what YOU choose… might not be any space for you If you do not choose the right level initially then there might not be any space for you if you need to move levels once the semester has started

15. Grade 9 Compulsory Subjects for French Immersion Grade 9 Compulsory Subjects for French Immersion Subject Area AcademicApplied Locally Developed EnglishENG 1D1ENG 1P1ENG 1L1 FrenchFIF 1DFFIF1PF Canadian GeographyCGC 1DFCGC1PF MathematicsMPM 1D1MFM 1P1MAT 1L1 Healthy Active Living Education (Female) PPL 1O4 Healthy Active Living Education (Male) PPL 1O3 ScienceSNC 1D1SNC 1P1SNC 1L1 Information and Communication Technology in Business BTT1OF

16. Grade 9 Optional Subjects DescriptionCode Dramatic Arts French Immersion ADA 1OF Instrumental MusicAMU 1O1 Vocal MusicAMV 1O1 Visual ArtsAVI 1O1 Pick one from… and one from… DescriptionCode Exploring TechnologiesTIJ 1O1 Exploring Family StudiesHIF1O1

17. Certificate of Immersion Studies T This program allows students to receive a bilingual education by further exploring and expanding the skills already acquired at the elementary level. In addition to stressing the importance of personal growth, it is the aim of this program to equip students with the practical knowledge of French so that they may take advantage of the numerous positions offered to candidates who are proficient in this language. Students must choose 2 or more courses that are not mandatory in Grades 10 to 12 in order to meet the requirements for the Certificate of Immersion Studies (10 Immersion credits including Grade 12 Francais) In addition, students MUST be sure to complete all diploma requirements.

18. Choosing Your Classes CAREER CRUISING COURSE PLANNER  All of your course selections are done through CAREER CRUISING COURSE PLANNER  To choose your classes you have to: SELECT 1. SELECT your classes on Course Planner SUBMIT 2. SUBMIT your choices PRINT 3. PRINT out a copy of your classes SIGN 4. Have your parent SIGN the sheet RETURN 5. RETURN the signed copy to your GRADE 8 teacher

19. How to Access Course Planner… Go to the Career Cruising website: www.careercruising.com/login/ddsb

20. Demonstration of Course Planner A video if you need assistance Log in here!

21. What is an IPP? Individual Pathway Plan Assists each student in selecting the pathway that will direct them to successfully achieving their future goals. Should be accessed twice per year to complete: –Career Matchmaker –My Saved Careers –My Saved Programs –Career & Life Goals –Skills & Abilities –Volunteer Experience

22. Choosing Courses Click on the for the course to choose the appropriate level.

23. Click on correct level for a description.

24. Click here to add the course

25. Choose your electives from this menu.

26. To delete a course click on the course and hit the delete button.

27. An INCOMPLETE Course Planner This is an incomplete example of a COURSE PLANNER. Every box MUST have a selection. Electives: Choose a Tech or Business AND an Arts Course AND a Physical Education Class Alternates: Choose another Tech or Business AND another Arts Course

28. A COMPLETE Course Planner This is a COMPLETE example of a COURSE PLANNER. Every box has a selection. Electives: Every box has a selection. Alternates: Every box has an alternate selection.

29. You cannot SUBMIT until AFTER receiving your report card!

30. Once you are able to submit this is the message you will see…

31. Course Request Sign Off Sheet After hitting SUBMIT, PRINT this form and have it SIGNED by your parent and RETURN it to your Grade 8 TEACHER

32. You will receive a copy of this handout from your teacher. Option sheets are due to WILSON on February 24th. Your teacher will set a class deadline for you.

33. Academic Supports  Guidance Counsellors!  Subject teachers  Special Education for IEP students  Peer tutors  Grade 9 classrooms  Paid Private Tutors  Credit Rescue  After School Help If you need help…

34. Extra Curricular Activities  Athletics – badminton, basketball, cross-country, curling, football, golf, lacrosse, rugby, volleyball, soccer, swimming, girls hockey  Clubs – Chess, Environmental, GSA, Run Club, DECA, STAR, White Pine, Ski/Snowboard, Weight Training  Student Leadership – Relay for Life, Student Parliament, SLAM!  Music – Band, Choir, Jazz  Drama – Sears Festival, One-Act Plays  Art – Arts Preview Night

35. Grade 8 to 9 Advice Don’t be scared. Be yourself. Make smart choices. Have the right attitude. Do your work. Ask for help if you need it. Join as many activities as possible. Make new friends.

36. Welcome to Wilson! Grade 9 ONLY Day September 6th - September 6th - Lots of Activities! Grade 8 Parent Night February 9th, 7:00 PM Wilson Tour May 2016

37. Questions?