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

1. GRADE 8 OPEN HOUSE & INFORMATION NIGHTJanuary 11, 2017WELCOME TO BULLDOG COUNTRY!

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

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

4. Friendly staff and studentsUnique 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

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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 What is a course code? ENG 1 D .

11. 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).

12. 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

13. 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 18 compulsory credits

14. 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

15. 6 COMPULSORY ENGLISH FRENCH GEOGRAPHY MATH PHYS. ED SCIENCE 2 OPTIONAL AVI1O Visual Art AMI1O Instrumental Music AMV1O Vocal Music ATC10 Dance BTT1O Information & Communication Technology GSL1O Learning Strategies TIJ1O Exploring Technology GRADE 9 COURSES

16. Provincial Literacy Requirement .

17. 40 Hours Community Involvement You may begin earning community involvement hours in July 2017

18. What will high school be like?

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

20. 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!

21. 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.

22. 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

23. GECDSB website with Career Cruising Link

24. Career Cruising Login Screen

25. Next steps to register for High School? • Complete online course selection • Print sign offsheet (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.

26. 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

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

28. 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

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

30. We’ve Got Spirit

31. IMPORTANT DATES • Grade 8 open House January 11, 2017 6-8pm. • Registration deadline February 27, 2017.

32. 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.

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

34. 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, N9V 1Z8 519-736-2149

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