Hello Hal High Family,

In the month of February, your grade 11 student will be selecting their grade 12 courses. Prior to this, they will receive a course selection presentation to help them prepare.This can be accessed in the grade 11 guidance google classroom.  In the meantime, you can begin to have conversations with them at home about what options they have and what they might be interested in taking or need for their postsecondary pathway.

First I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you about community hours. In order to graduate your student needs 40 hours of community volunteer hours. Now is the best time to get started if they haven’t already. Students can donate their time at a local food bank, volunteer at Rotary events, shovel snow or rake leaves for neighbours. Volunteer for a non-profit summer camp or community sport. There are many ways to get involved. Hours can be submitted by completing volunteer cards or online through the community online form found on our website. https://www.tldsb.ca/community-involvement-activities-record/?school=HSS

In grade 12 your student will  need to take English, and then they will have 5 optional courses if they have met all requirements in previous years. Math is highly encouraged as it leads to many post-secondary programs and is often needed in the trades.  

For Math, here are some things to consider…

GRADE 12 Workplace  (MEL 4E)

  • I have a grade 11 math credit     
  • My grade 11 teacher recommended me for this course
  • I learn best when math is hands-on and the topics deal with real everyday concepts
  • I plan to go directly into the workplace, into an apprenticeship, to college or university for a non-math related program

GRADE 12 College (MAP 4C)

  • I have the Grade 11 College Math credit
  • My grade 11 teacher recommended me for this course 
  • I plan to go directly into the workplace, into an apprenticeship, to college or university for a non-math or science related program

GRADE 12 College Tech (MCT 4C)

  • I have the Academic or Applied Grade 10 Math credit
  • My grade 11 teacher recommended me for this course
  • I plan to go into the trades, powerline technician, engineering technician, computer studies, aviation, or electrical program

GRADE 12 Data (MDM 4U)

  • I have the Grade 11 Mixed Math or Functions credit 
  • I like to be challenged to think critically to solve problems in abstract as well as concrete situations
  • I plan to go to university for a math, business, arts or a social science program

GRADE 12 Functions (MHF 4U)

  • I have the Grade 11 Math Functions credit 
  • I like to be challenged to think critically to solve problems in abstract as well as concrete situations
  • I will need MHF 4U for the University program I am interested in
  • I plan to go to university for a math, business or a science related program

GRADE 12 Calculus and Vectors (MCV 4U)

  • I am taking MHF 4U
  • I plan to go to University for a math, or science related program

For English, they will need to select the best pathway for them. Things to consider…

University/College/Apprenticeship WorkplacePathway

College/Workplace/Apprenticeship pathway

Workplace pathway with some College/Apprenticeships

After choosing a compulsory English course, and a possible math course your student will need to choose 5 optional courses from the following list. For a more detailed description log on to our website. https://hss.tldsb.on.ca/, go to guidance services and select the course calendar for full descriptions. 2022/2023 COURSE CALENDAR

Other opportunities in grade 12 are:

DUAL CREDIT COURSES, where students can earn a high school credit and a college credit simultaneously. Next year we will offer Makeup Artistry(Click link to learn more) and Intro to Mechanical Trades (Click link to learn more) 

SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR programs in Hospitality and Tourism as well as Environmental.

Any student on any pathway is eligible for the SHSM program. Each major is a bundle of classroom courses, workplace experiences and sector certifications. Students who complete a major will receive a special designation on their high school diploma. 

Apply now if interested by completing the google form Application for SHSM program

What will students in a hospitality and tourism major study?

 A bundle of nine Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits.Two cooperative education credits. Experiential learning, career exploration and reach ahead activities within the sector  Certifications and training programs/courses in first aid, CPR, hazardous materials and Service Excellence (customer services) Click on the pathway chart to see what courses are required. 

What will students in an environment major study?  

A bundle of ten Grade 11 and 12 credits. Two cooperative education credits.  Experiential learning, career exploration and reach ahead activities within the sector  Certifications and training programs/courses in first aid, CPR, WHMIS and GPS  Essential skills and work habits required in the sector. Click on the pathway chart to see what courses are required. 

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

1 credit – Peer support where you are placed in a course within the school to assist a teacher in a grade 9 or 10 course such as phys ed, hospitality and tourism, drama, integrated technology, PALS, or library.

2 credit – A half day placement for a semester  in the community learning the skills of the job at a grocery store, restaurant, retail store, hospital, pharmacy, dentist, veterinarian office, township office, arena, construction, manufacturing,electrician, auto shop, small engine repair or dealership

4 credit – A full day placement for an entire semester in the community learning the skills of the job at a grocery store, restaurant, retail store, hospital, pharmacy, dentist, veterinarian office, township office, arena, construction, manufacturing,electrician, auto shop, small engine repair or dealership. 

For further pathway information we use the following sites to research prerequisites and find other useful information. 

Apprenticeship information: 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades

https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/about-trades/trades-information/

College information

https://ontariocolleges.ca/en/

University information

https://www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca/universities

Useful scholarship sites

https://scholartree.ca/

https://www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca/scholarships

In the event your student has not taken a particular course as of yet and is unsure of their pathway, encourage them to come see Mrs. Lloyd in guidance. We can always change course selections at a later date if needed. If you have any questions please contact me. 

Thank you,

Jessica Lloyd

Guidance Counsellor

[email protected]

705-457-2950 ext:34022