GRADE 8 OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION NIGHT January

GRADE 8 OPEN HOUSE & INFORMATION NIGHT January 11, 2017 WELCOME TO BULLDOG COUNTRY!

A Presentation for Grade 8 Students and Parents GENERAL AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL YOUR COMMUNITY SCHOOL

AGENDA Welcome: Ms. Hazel Keefner, Principal Open House Format

Friendly staff and students Unique Opportunities • 650 students • 45 staff members • OYAP in Precision Metal Cutting • Specialist High Skills Major Program in Manufacturing, Transportation, Business, Justice, Health, and Arts & Culture • Instrumental Music • Full-time Coop Program

Course Types Grade 9 Applied Grade 10 Applied Grade 11 Grade 12 Coll Prep (C) Academic Open Univ Prep(U) Univ/Coll Prep (M) Open (O) Univ Prep(U) Open (O) Univ/Coll Prep(M) LDCC Workplace (E)

Open Courses “O” • Generally, the optional courses (e. g. , physical education, arts, etc. ) are offered in the open stream. • Expectations and learning activities are designed for and are appropriate for all students.

Applied Stream “P” • Students learn the essential concepts of a subject. • Emphasis is on the practical and hands-on applications of the concepts. • Students in applied courses: learn by doing, enjoy discussion, see connections to real life, develop new ideas from reading, share ideas and apply them to their own lives. • Grade 8 students working consistently at level 1 or 2 are more likely to experience success in the applied stream.

Academic Stream “D” • Students learn the essential concepts of a subject and explore related materials. • Emphasis is on theory and abstract thinking as a basis for future learning. • Students in academic courses might like to work independently, enjoy understanding the “whys”, learn from a variety of sources, think creatively and like to problem solve, develop ideas from research. • Grade 8 students working consistently at level 3 or 4 are more likely to experience success in the academic stream.

Locally Developed Compulsory Courses “L” • Intended to meet educational and career preparation needs of students that cannot be met in applied or academic courses • Focus on knowledge and skills students need to be well prepared for grade 11 workplace courses • Learning expectations in these courses interconnect skills in subject-area learning, literacy, and mathematical literacy

What is a course code? ENG 1 D This letter identifies the. stream/destination. D= Academic P= Applied L= Locally Developed O=Open This number identifies the grade 1 = Grade 9, 2=10, 3+11, 4=12 A= Arts B= Business C= Canadian & World Studies E= English F= French G= Guidance H= Humanities & Social Sciences L= International Languages M= Mathematics P=Physical Education S= Sciences T= Technology

What is a credit? • A credit is earned upon successful completion of the curriculum expectations of a particular course. • In order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, you must successfully complete 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 optional).

What do I need to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma? 18 Compulsory Credits 12 Optional Credits The Provincial Literacy Requirement 40 hours of Community Involvement

18 compulsory credits • • • 4 credits in English 3 credits in Math 2 credits in Science 1 credit in French 1 credit in Canadian History • 1 credit in Canadian Geography • 1 credit in the Arts (Visual Art, Music, Drama) • 1 credit in Health and Physical Education • . 5 credit in Civics • . 5 credit in Career Studies • Plus 3 additional credits from selected groups

12 Optional Credits In addition to the 18 compulsory credits, students must earn a total of 12 optional credits selected from the courses listed as available in the school course offerings found in the Career Cruising website. 18+12=30

GRADE 9 COURSES • 6 COMPULSORY • • • ENGLISH FRENCH GEOGRAPHY MATH PHYS. ED SCIENCE • 2 OPTIONAL • AVI 1 O Visual Art • AMI 1 O Instrumental Music • AMV 1 O Vocal Music • ATC 10 Dance • BTT 1 O Information & Communication Technology • GSL 1 O Learning Strategies • TIJ 1 O Exploring Technology

Provincial Literacy Requirement .

40 Hours Community Involvement You may begin earning community involvement hours in July 2017

What will high school be like?

Sample of a Typical Day Semester 1 – September to January Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Exploring Technologies Math Lunch English Physical Education

Planning the Pathway To Your Future! • Choose Grade 9 courses on the basis of the student’s – – needs interests strengths past achievements • The first step in planning is to view available courses using our on line course selection tool. • Don’t forget your most valuable resource for course selection is your GRADE 8 TEACHER!

Registering for General Amherst • Amherstburg Public, Anderdon, and Malden grade 8 student will register online • Non-feeder school grade 8 students will register through paper registration packages. Pick those up during Open House Jan 11, 2017 in Guidance from Mr. Klundert • Home schooled students will register through paper registration packages.

How do I register and select courses online? • Have your Student Number found on your report card handy • Visit www. publicboard. ca and click on “Career Cruising “ at the bottom of the screen • Enter your username and password • Follow the prompts/steps • Career Cruising presentations and Registration package distribution will occur in January/February at the elementary schools. • CAREER CRUISING WILL OPEN BY FEBRUARY 20, 2017

GECDSB website with Career Cruising Link

Career Cruising Login Screen

Next steps to register for High School? • Complete online course selection • Print sign off sheet (Parent signature required) • Return signed completed sign off sheet and registration paperwork to Grade 8 teacher by due date. • If you are not a student with the Greater Essex County District School Board you will register for courses using the paper Registration form, be sure to ask for the due date.

Student Services • Guidance Counselors • Learning Support Teacher • Student Success Teacher • Special Education Coordinator • Social Worker • Attendance Counselor • Psychological Services • Tutors • Peer Leadership Course • Learning Strategies Courses • Community Resources

Student Council • • Grade 9 Orientation Day School Dances Pancake Breakfasts Homecoming JK/SK Christmas Party Motivational Speakers Talent Show Spirit Days

Extracurricular Activities/Clubs • • • • Arts Council Athletic Union Barking Creative B. A. R. C. Debate Drama Environment Gay-Straight Alliance Interact Prom Committee Radio Club Semi Formal Spirit Club Tech Support Yearbook

Sports Teams Sr. & Jr. Boys: Girls: • Football Gymnastics • Badminton • Cross Country • Hockey • Volleyball • Basketball • Baseball • Soccer » Figure Skating » Golf » Track & Field » Curling » Wrestling

We’ve Got Spirit

IMPORTANT DATES • Grade 8 open House January 11, 2017 68 pm. • Registration deadline February 27, 2017.

Feeder School Shadow Days If you do not attend Arts or Tech day, and you would like to request a shadow day, please call the school at 519 736 2149.

Grade 9 Orientation Day • August 30 2017 General Amherst High School 8: 30 -12: 30 • (We will mail you an invitation)

We look forward to assisting you with your choices for Grade 9. Contact us at…. General Amherst High School 130 Sandwich St. S Amherstburg, ON, N 9 V 1 Z 8 519 -736 -2149

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