2011 transition guide for grade 8 parents and students

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Moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9: A Guide for Parents and Students 2011 g etting there etting there from here... from here...

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This booklet is designed to assist parents and students in the transition from Grade 8 into secondary school.

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Page 1: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

Moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9:

A Guide for Parents and Students

2 0 1 1

g etting there etting there from here... from here...

Page 2: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

w elcome elcome2 Secondary School!2 Secondary School!

The Avon Maitland District School BoardThe Avon Maitland District School Board provides students with a program designed to ensure all students experience success as they move into, through and beyond secondary school. The Success for Life program utilizes web-based and school-based resources to support students and their parents with identifying personal strengths, mapping out secondary school course selection, and exploring options in each pathway (Apprenticeship, College, Work, including Community Living and University) beyond high school. This transition guide is a valuable part of the Success for Life program.

More specifically, this program helps students

and their parents learn about:• Skills and Interests

• Future career options

• Pathways

• Opportunities for getting work experience

For more information visit: www.successforlife.ca

Beginning high school is a very exciting time in your life. It is a time when your horizons are expanding, and you are beginning your transition into adulthood and the world of work. Secondary schools in the Avon Maitland District School Board offer a variety of programs designed to meet your needs and assist you in reaching your full potential.

When you fi rst enter your secondary school, it may appear much larger than your elementary school. You may feel worried about fi nding your way around and meeting the expectations of a challenging high school program. Be assured that your secondary school has much in common with your elementary school - caring and supportive teachers, a variety of co-instructional activities, and friendly students. Each secondary school offers students an orientation program to help make the transition a smooth one.

This book provides you with important information to help you and your parents prepare for secondary school and plan your secondary school pathway.

Page 3: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

before they get to secondary school Common Q’s from teens...

I’m used to a small elementary school. What will I do if I get lost in such a huge high school?

I am worried about the number of people at the high school. How will I meet friends?

What will I learn in my classes? Will it be more difficult than my grade 8 school work? How will I keep up?

If you experience difficulties and are wondering if you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the course, talk to your teacher and your guidance counsellor.

The Benefits to Parental Involvement?

• You get to know the teaching staff and administrative team

• You become comfortable communicating with the teachers and administrators

• You get to know your child’s friends and classmates

Your Contacts at the SchoolFor academic concerns, contact the teacher of the subject for which you have concerns.For all non-academic concerns and help with course selection, contact a guidance counsellor. The guidance counsellor will assist with timetables and provide support for issues that arise. They can also assist in accessing additional community or board-based supports if required. For attendance concerns, speak to the vice-principal.

Secondary schools organize a Grade 8 open house and a Grade 9 orientation. Try to attend these events with your parents/guardians so you can get more familiar with the school. It may take you a few days before you get used to the school and its layout. If you can’t find a room, ask a teacher or another student and they will be happy to help you.

In grade 9, everyone is new to the school and looking for a friend or group of friends. Introduce yourself to other students in your classes and to students who have lockers near yours. Join a team or club – you will meet many new people by participating in these activities.

The material you learn in grade 9 builds on your learning from grade 8. If you don’t understand something, ask teachers or other students and they should be able to help. You could also ask a classmate. You may feel shy asking a question; however, it is important that you do as there are likely other students in the class who are wondering the same thing.

Get Involved!Students are more successful in school when their parents take an active part in their education. Here are some suggestions:

• Attend Parent / Teacher Interviews

• Join the School Council

• Attend special events at the school

• Act as a parent supervisor at school events or school trips

Especially for Parents

Page 4: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

Cultivating Character

Bullying is not tolerated in AMDSB schools.If you believe your child is being bullied, contact the school immediately.

Regardless of the age of your child, you can help by encouraging your child to talk to you about bullying and giving your child the following advice:

• Walk away from the situation• Do not respond – don’t talk back, don’t email back, don’t hit back• Tell an adult whom you trust about the situation – a bus driver, teacher, coach, principal• Find a friend to be with in places where you do not feel safe

For more information about bullying and what you can do to support your child, access the following:

• the Huron-Perth Bully Prevention website at www.bullyprevention.ca

• a booklet, “Bullying, We Can All Help Stop It”, is available from the Ontario Ministry of Education to assist parents and students with issues of bullying. Contact AMDSB at 519-527-0111 or 1-800-592-5437 to request a free copy. These are also available on the Minstry of Education website.

• Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868, or visit www.kidshelpphone.ca

We believe, model and practise the following character attributes in all Avon Maitland DSB schools:

Character attributes are the basis of healthy relationships.

What to do What to do about bullyingabout bullying

“ “

Page 5: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

If you are new to the community and want to register your child in an Avon Maitland school, contact your local secondary school to find out the dates for registration and to make an appointment with a guidance counsellor.

Want to register for an Avon Maitland School?Want to register for an Avon Maitland School?

Bring the following information to your meeting:Student’s Birth Certificate or Canadian Citizenship document Contact the Avon Maitland DSB offi ce at 519-527-0111 OR1-800-592-5437 for more information or clarifi cation on proof of citizenship.

The student’s address including 911 civic address (fi re number), lot, concession, township, county, postal code, and telephone number.

Doctor’s Contact Information including name, address and telephone number.

Custody information – if applicable.

Parents’ place of employment including daytime telephone number.

Emergency contact personincluding name and telephone number.

Central Huron Secondary School165 Princess Street East, Clinton N0M 1L0519-482-3471yourschools.ca/CHSS

F.E. Madill Secondary School231 Madill Drive, Wingham N0G 2W0519-357-1800femadill.com

Goderich District Collegiate Institute260 South Street, Goderich N7A 3M5519-524-7353yourschools.ca/GDCI

Listowel District Secondary School155 Maitland Avenue South, Listowel N4W 2M4519-291-1880ldss.typepad.com/ldss_online

Mitchell District High School95 Frances Street East, Mitchell N0K 1N0519-348-8495yourschools.ca/MitchellDistrictHS

St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute338 Elizabeth Street, Box 970, St. Marys N4X 1B6519-284-1731dcvi.typepad.com/dcvi/

South Huron District High School92 Gidley Street East, Box 820, Exeter N0M 1S6519-235-0880http://www.shdhs.ca

Stratford Central Secondary School60 Andrew Street, Stratford N5A 1A3519-271-4500yourschools.ca/StratfordCentralSS

Stratford Northwestern Secondary School428 Forman Avenue, Stratford N5A 6R7519-271-9740yourschools.ca/StratfordNorthwesternSS

Avon Maitland Distance Education Centre62 Chalk Street North, Seaforth N0K 1W0519-527-0111http://www.amdec.ca

School Directory

Page 6: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

30 credits in total 2 40 hours of

community involvement 3 completion

of the literacy requirement

For an OSSD, it’s as easy as...(Ontario Secondary School Diploma)

» 4 credits in English (one credit per grade) *» 3 credits in mathematics (at least one credit in Grade 11 or 12)» 2 credits in science» 1 credit in Canadian history» 1 credit in Canadian geography» 1 credit in the arts» 1 credit in health and physical education» 1 credit in French as a second language» 0.5 credit in career studies» 0.5 credit in civics

18 compulsories:

*A maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English course.**A maximum of 2 credits in coopera ve educa on can count as compulsory credits. ***The 12 op onal credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit courses.

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN...

A credit is the way the Ministry of Education recognizes the successful completion of a course. One credit is earned based on 110 hours of instruction. A credit can only be granted by the principal of a secondary school.

Community Involvement Hours must be completed, unpaid, outside normal school hours beginning in September of your grade 9 year. Grade 9 students will receive the 40 Hour Community Involvement Record.

Plus one credit from each of the following groups:

» Group 11 additional credit in English, or French as a second language, ** or a Native language, or a classical or an international language, or social sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance and career education, or cooperative education***

» Group 21 additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business studies, or French as a second language, ** or cooperative education***

» Group 31 additional credit in science (Grade 11-12), or technological education, or French as a second language, ** or computer studies, or cooperative education***

1

w hat’s It Take? hat’s It Take?

Page 7: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

For an OSSC(Ontario Secondary School Certifi cate)

For an OSSCAThis certifi cate recognizes achievement of students who plan to pursue certain vocational programs or other kinds of community integration.

7compulsory credits

» 2 credits in English» 1 credit in mathematics» 1 credit in science» 1 credit in Canadian history or geography» 1 credit in the arts » 1 credit in health and physical education

7 optional credits+

The literacy test is based on Ontario curriculum expectations for reading and writing in all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Students, who are unsuccessful, will be able to write the test again, or to take the equivalent OSSLC. Students write the test in Grade 10.

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) is available to students who are unsuccessful in passing the literacy test. OSSLC can count as the Grade 12 Compulsory English credit.

(Ontario Secondary School Certifi cate of Accomplishment)

Substitutions: Principals may replace up to three compulsory credit courses with courses from the list of compulsory categories that meet the requirement. Substitutions are

granted on an individual basis.

Page 8: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

It is important that young people fi nd work that is rewarding, dignifying, and allows them to become

valuable contributors to our communities. This search may lead directly to work, to an apprenticeship, to college

or to university. Which pathway will you choose?A pathway is designed to lead a student to a particular destination. This does not mean the student will always

end up at that destination. Students should be free to make new choices as they develop new interests,

skills and abilities. Thoughtful course selection with a realistic examination of interests and abilities is an important

aspect of a successful pathway. Sometimes, parents and students are infl uenced by how society views success

in secondary school. Often, success is perceived to be completion of college or university. It is important to realize

that these goals may not match the strengths and needs of all students. Many will fi nd rewarding opportunities

in direct entry to the world of work or apprenticeship. We need only to look at our own communities to see

entrepreneurs and skilled trades people who have expanded their knowledge base.

What is a Program Pathway?

Your interests, skills, goals, needs and

preferred learning styles

Appropriate course selection and

meaningful curriculum

Knowledge, skills and experiences appropriate

for your desired post-secondary destination

Page 9: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

Start...

It’s Time to Plan! It’s Time to Plan!Follow these steps to make decisions about your program pathway.

• What is your learning style? Use the Get Connected: E-Resources page in this booklet to determine how you learn best (by seeing, hearing and/or doing).

• Look at your report card marks, EQAO scores and other test/evaluation results.• Gather information from your teachers, past and present. In which type of course

do they think you will be most successful?

• Talk to parents, family members and friends about different kinds of work.• Look at the Career and Educational Pathway Planner chart on the centrefold to fi nd

possible jobs that may interest you.• Be sure to examine a variety of possibilities.• Use this chart to discover the type(s) of post-secondary education, if any, that your

choices require.• Use this chart to identify the secondary school courses appropriate to realize your goals.

Parents, you can guide your child through the following steps to help them make the best decision and to take responsibility for the outcomes. Talk positively to your child about their interests, skills and abilities, and how they may relate to the workplace.

Visit www.successforlife.ca for moreinformation on building your pathway.

with the end in mind:

Researchabout YOU

Informeddecisions

• Decide what type of course matches your learning style best.• Remember, one course type is not better than the other. They just lead to different

destinations based on different learning styles.

Reflect...time for a reality check

• Check the chart to see that the job that interests you is in line with your learning style.• Make any necessary changes to your plan so far.

BuildA pathway to success

• Talk to a guidance counsellor in your secondary school now that you have decided your probable destination (work,college, apprenticeship, university).

Page 10: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

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Page 11: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

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Page 12: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

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Page 13: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

Course Types ExplainedCourse Types ExplainedYou will need to select specific types of courses in grade 9. The information below will give you an idea of what course type is best for you. If you are uncertain, ask your teacher for

assistance, or contact your secondary school Student Services Department.

Description Course Codes (examples)

Type of Course

Page 14: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

How to ReadHow to Reada Timetablea Timetable

Course Codes Explained...ourse Codes Explained...

Page 15: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

What is an OYAP student?

An OYAP student is a student who is earning COOP credits for work experience in an apprenticeship occupation. The student may or may not be registered as an apprentice while still in high school.

Who can participate in OYAP?Students must:

• be at least 16 years of age• complete sixteen credits towards the OSSD prior to starting the program • be enrolled as full-time students during the program • complete all compulsory credits required for the OSSD

What is a

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?A SHSM is a ministry approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specifi c economic sector while meeting the requirements of the OSSD. It also assists their transition after graduation to apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace.

There are fi ve main components to any SHSM:1. Bundled Credits – consists of 8 to 10 grade 11 and 12 credits and must include two COOP credits

2.Certifi cations – recognized by sector

3.Reach Ahead Experiences – learning experiences connected to student’s post secondary destination

4. Experiential Learning and Career exploration – activities connected to the sector

5. Essential Skills and Work Habits – develop and track essential skills and work habits related to the sector through the Ontario Skills Passport.

SHSM currently being offered in the Avon Maitland District School Board

• Arts & Culture at SHDHS & SCSS• Construction at LDSS & FEMSS• Energy at SMDCVI• Environment at GDCI• Health & Wellness at SNWSS & FEMSS• Hospitality & Tourism at SNWSS & MDHS• Information & Communications Technology at CHSS & SCSS

• Manufacturing at SNWSS and LDSS• Transportation at SNWSS and SHDHS

DUAL CREDITSSchool College Work Initiative (SCWI)

Dual credits are specialized programs that students can take through a college and earn high school credits and college credits at the same time.Currently the AMDSB offers dual credits through the following colleges: 1. Conestoga College -Stratford Campus 2. Fanshawe College– London Campus and REACH in Clinton 3. Lambton College – Sarnia Campus

AMDSB SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR

Tawnie Sequin Dual Credits lead to

Apprenticeship

Tawnie is from Thunder Bay, Ontario and moved to GDCI in grade 11. This

year she had the opportunity to participate in the dual credit program

at Lambton College taking Hairstyling- Styling and Cutting Techniques. This program has been instrumental in helping her to make her career

decision to be a hairstylist. Tawnie hopes to move to a big city once she completes her

apprenticeship. Her long term goal is to own her own salon.

ourse Codes Explained...

TAKE CONTROL

Page 16: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

Organization & Time ManagementRecommendations • Take accurate notes and keep binder well organized• Use an agenda to plan assignments, projects, and tests• Manage study time and begin to prepare well in advance

If you• Do not use your school planner issued to you• Have disorganized or incomplete notes

Then• Use the planner provided for you• Seek help to set up a time management and organizational plan• Monitor use of your planner and notebook

Parents, you can help your child experience success by encouraging the development of these skills.

Student SuccessStudent SuccessEvery secondary school has a Student Success Team which works to ensure that every student has a successful secondary school experience. Members of the SS Team include the Principal (or vice-Principal), Guidance, Student Success and Special Education Teachers. Student Success Teams develop credit rescue, credit recovery and transitional plans with students. They make sure that programs and activities are in place to help every student be successful.

Student ServicesStudent ServicesGuidance Counsel lors are teachers with special training who provide assistance with choosing courses, postsecondary planning and personal issues. Parents and students are encouraged to seek the support of the Student Services Department.

Special EducationSpecial EducationA wide variety of programs and services are available for students with special education needs. These programs and services focus on specif ic needs of students and create opportunities to develop their individual potential. They are developed in partnership with parents and guardians in an atmosphere of cooperation and respect. Parents and students, please contact your secondary school’s Special Education Department for more information about specifi c school programs.

AttendanceRecommendations• Attend school each day• Arrive for class on time

If you • Miss school • Have more absences noted on report card than expected

Then• Discuss attendance record with school administration• Develop a plan to ensure regular attendance• Ensure school work for absences is brought home, completed and submitted

skills 4 success... skills 4 success...

Homework & Assignment SubmissionRecommendations• Amount of time spent on assigned homework depends on

student’s needs, subject, school schedule, proximity to tests, exams and assigned homework due dates

• Complete and submit all assignments for assessment

If you• Do not complete assigned homework regularly• Do not submit assignments for assessment

Then• Be sure you understand the homework or assignment• Seek additional help from your teacher• visit www.gsc2.amdsb.ca for homework help•

Page 17: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

Exploring All PathwaysExploring All Pathways Success for Life www.successforlife.ca• comprehensive website from the Avon

Maitland District School Board • addresses all destinations: apprenticeship,

college, university, and work • links to many other informative and

interactive sites including myblueprint.ca

Ontario Prospects: Ontario’s Guide to Career Planning www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/prospects

E x p l o r i n g Yo u r E x p l o r i n g Yo u r Learning StyleLearning Style Career Parent Magazine www.careerparent.com• provides tools to help young people

develop skills and knowledge about themselves, career alternatives, career and life planning, personal management and service to their community

Mazemaster: Self Assessment www.mazemaster.on.ca• The One-Stop-Shop for Youth

Employment…Training & Opportunities

Get Connected: Get Connected: E-ResourcesE-Resources Exploring Training Exploring Training

& Careers& CareersCareer Cruising: Career Matchmakerwww.careercruising.com

Career Cruising: Explore Careers www.careercruising.com• comprehensive and interactive career

guidance resource• includes interests and skills inventories;

in-depth profi les of hundreds of different occupations; detailed information on col leges, univers i t ies, and apprenticeships; multimedia interviews with people in many occupations

• contact the school for information about the username and password

Apprenticeshipswww.apprenticesearch.com

iQuizzes www.jobsetc.ca

Career Gateway www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/career/

Career Matters www.careermatters.tvo.org• website from TV Ontario and the

Independent Learning Centre• contains over 500 job descriptions

and many videos of real people in the workforce

National Occupation Classifi cationhttp://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/

Human Resources and Social Development Canadawww.hrsdc.gc.ca

GlossaryGlossaryOSR – Ontario Student RecordThis is the offi cial school record for a student. The OSR contains achievement results, credits earned, diploma requirements completed, and other information important to the education of the student.

OST – Ontario Student TranscriptThis document is an offi cial summary of a student’s achievement in Ontario secondary school courses. A current, accurate and complete copy of the OST is included within the Ontario Student Record.

Prerequisite A prerequisite course is a course that you must successfully complete before taking the next course.

OYAP – Ontario Youth Apprenticeship ProgramOYAP is a special cooperative education program which enables senior students to register as Ontario apprentices and gain secondary school credits while enrolled in Avon Maitland secondary schools. Students must be 16 years of age and be enrolled full-time in grades 11 or 12.

skills 4 success...

Page 18: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

A Brussels boy born and bred, Curtis likes hunting, being outdoors and going to the gym. He also likes welding, a lot. Welding is something he has done on his own time for a long time now. He likes the challenge of welding, and of making something new. This interest should serve him well in his choice of career, or in one of his choices of career.

Welding is not the only destination in Curtis’ plans for the future. Yes, he wants to do an apprenticeship, preferably with a local welder, but he doesn’t want to stop there. He also wants to do a second apprenticeship, as an electrician. After all, if one trade is good, two must be even better, right? Being an electrician, in his opinion, offers the same kinds of challenges as being a welder. In either career, there are new projects all the time, new places to work, new things to learn. Once he has completed both apprenticeships, he will be in the perfect position to open his own shop, offering more than just one service, and maybe taking on other employees.

Curtis credits his tech department teachers, especially Mr. Greidanus and Mr. McIntosh, with encouraging him in his path, and helping him learn the skills he needs to succeed. He also is grateful that his father was looking out for him, recommending careers in trades that were most likely to expand and have plenty of opportunities available in the future.

School is important in Curtis’ opinion, as long as you choose wisely as you proceed. He says, “Start thinking early about what you want to do, then take the courses that will help you along the way, including co-op.” That seems like a very sensible plan.

Growing up in St. Marys and attending Arthur Meighen Public School, Sara had the opportunity to attend DCVI and is very happy with her decision. DCVI was such a welcoming school with a lot of friendly staff and

students. The friends she has made throughout the years and the fun things she did will always be remembered. High school has definitely had a big impact on her future goals in life. DCVI has

offered great learning experiences, both academically and clubs. Sara was involved in the school implementation of peer mentoring, a group named PWWP - Peers Working With Peers and also got to be a student leader for Challenge Day. She also played on the badminton team.

Having two older sisters who went to college, Sara feels ready to accept the challenge of college herself. Even though she is not sure where she will be headed, she knows that she wants to pursue either dental hygiene or recreation and leisure studies. Classes that helped Sara choose her career path include: biology, foods and fitness. Sara was always really into those classes.

Her family is really supportive in her career choice. Sara says that her family has always been there for her in the past and will always be there in the future - near or far!

TAKE CONTROL

Curtis White: Apprenticeship (F.E. Madill)

Two Trades Are Better Than One

Sara Leslie: College (St Marys DCVI)

High School Has Made a Big Impact on Future Goals

TAKE CONTROL

Page 19: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

Spencer is a fifth year Goderich District Collegiate Institute student who plans on applying for a Health Science Degree. He is interested in many medical related fields and may eventually go on to become a radiologist. During his time at GDCI he has participated in a variety of extra-curricular activities including volleyball, basketball, peer tutoring, Reach for the Top, and Students’ Council. In the community, Spencer volunteers for the Big Brothers association and has achieved his Grade 9 piano and Grade 2 theory. In his spare time, he works at Rona Building Supplies.

Spencer has known for some time that he has wanted to work in the medical field. He has been positively influenced to pursue studies in this field by his parents and science teachers. Spencer also participated in a co-op placement at the local hospital in his final year of high school. This experience helped assure him that working in the health care field was the right path for him. Spencer’s advice for new students would be to work hard and join extra-curricular activities.

TAKE CONTROL

Madison will be graduating this year and has plans to enter the workforce and to travel. She already has been offered a full-time job at her current place of employment in the food industry. She plans to take the Smart Serve certification through the school as requested by her employer. Madison plans to travel across Canada and then to possibly move to Halifax and open up her own shop there.

Madison said that her time at Central helped her to realize that post-secondary education is not for her. She says “I am very good at doing my work and in being punctual which is an essential skill for having a job”.

There are many fond memories that she has about her time spent at Central. One aspect that she particularly liked was that she could choose classes that suited her personality and interests. She says that high school helped her to learn what she wouldn’t like to do in the future and some things that she now enjoys as hobbies. Madison says that every teacher that has taught her has had an impact on her life and found that all of them helped her to gain confidence in her school career.

Madison does not have any set goals other than to live her life to the fullest and to gain many experiences along the way. She feels she can best do this by living and working in the real world rather than being in a post-secondary classroom. Her dreams include creating a vintage movie theatre or opening a music store.

Her parents are supportive with her decision because they realize that she is the best person to know what is best for her and what will make her happy.

Madison’s philosophy of life is “Don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out alive”–Bugs Bunny.

Spencer Jones – University (GDCI)

Co-op Placement Helps Make Career Decision

Madison Wilson: Workplace (Stratford Central SS)

Every Teacher Has Had an Impact

TAKE CONTROL

Page 20: 2011 Transition Guide for Grade 8 Parents and Students

Avon Maitland District School Board Avon Maitland District School Board 62 Chalk Street North Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0

1-800-592-5437

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