COUNSELLING SERVICES

Director - Dr. Heather Bohez, B.Sc., N.D

Areas of learning	Grade 9 to 12 students will learn to:
Student development Learning skills, preferences, and strategies (e.g., memorizing, working independently, assessing themselves, managing their time)	apply a variety of learning skills and strategies to a variety of situations demonstrate the ability to respond appropriately and thoughtfully to directions from teachers, administrators, and employers
setting goals and monitoring progress	use goal-setting and self-management skills in a variety of situations both inside and outside of the school develop their own up-to-date annual education plans
adapting to change	to adapt in times of transition, like preparing for postsecondary destinations (e.g., financial planning, completing applications, selecting programs)
lifelong learning	apply lifelong learning skills (e.g., communication, research, and employable skills) to their personal education and career plans
Interpersonal development self-management	use personal skills appropriately to encourage responsible behaviour in themselves and others in a wide range of situations demonstrate appropriate behaviour at school, in the community, and with employers
getting along with others	apply skills (e.g., mediating, peer helping, leadership skills) to build positive relationships in diverse settings at school, in the community, and in the workplace
social responsibility	demonstrate social responsibility in the community (e.g., canvassing for the Cancer Society)
Career development self-assessment	apply their knowledge of personal interests, strengths, abilities, and accomplishments to choosing and planning a postsecondary education or career path
exploring and obtaining information about education, training, and careers	demonstration how to locate, interpret, evaluate, and use various sources of education and career information demonstrate understanding of how to use education and career exploration skills to develop personal, educational, or career plans demonstrate understanding of the workplace (e.g., health and safety issues)
work, society, and the economy	describe how changes taking place in the economy, the environment, and society affect the job market
awareness of opportunities	describe the variety of volunteer, employment, educational, and career opportunities, including self-employment
education and career decisions	apply decision-making and problem-solving skills to their postsecondary education or career paths
employability	demonstrate their understanding of employable skills (e.g., job search, interview, job readiness, employment sustainability, and entrepreneurial skills) evaluate their personal, educational, or career plans in light of their community or workplace experiences
Cultural Education Development	Promote a diverse and cultural relevant curriculum and case work to students.

ORIENTATION AND EXIT PROGRAMS

Orientation programs

The orientation programs are designed to ease the transition for students who are new to the school and those that are returning to the school. Both students and their parents will be given a tour of the school facility and will be given information about the programs and services offered at Canadian Independent College.

Students' introduction to the school's programs will include the School's Code of Behaviour and Rules, information about relevant school services and programs, including the academic program, the availability of remedial support, the guidance and career education program, peer tutors, the student council, and opportunities for extracurricular activities. Information about diploma requirements, work experience, cooperative education, and community involvement will also be provided. Each Canadian Independent College student and his or her parents will receive a copy of the secondary school's course calendar and a copy of the student's timetable.

To integrate successfully into Canadian Independent College, students who are recent arrivals to Ontario will be given specialized, planned, and ongoing orientation programs. Students who have been identified as exceptional and those who are entering school in midyear or mid-semester may require extra help in making an effective transition to our school to regain their focus on academic achievement.

Exit plan

The goal of an exit plan is to help all students make a successful transition to the next stage of their lives. o/a Canadian Independent College will prepare exit programs that include a review of students' annual education plans and future goals.

The exit plan for Grade 12 graduates will include the following:

a review of each student's plans for post-secondary education, training, apprenticeship, independent living, or work
information on university and college programs, application and admission procedures, visits to campuses
information on procedures regarding applying for employment
financial planning information

The exit plan for secondary students leaving Canadian Independent College before graduation will include the following:

a review of their achievements to date and the issuing of a copy of the Ontario Student Transcript as well as an Ontario Secondary School Certificate or a Certificate of Accomplishment where appropriate
discussion and clarification of their plans for the immediate future
information about education and training opportunities (e.g., evening courses, correspondence courses, readmission to secondary school)
information on post-secondary education options
information about the community services and community contacts available to help them
information on procedures regarding applying for employment
financial planning information
information on apprenticeship programs

All students leaving school will be encouraged to participate in an exit plan.

THE ANNUAL EDUCATION PLAN

Developing an annual education plan will help students take responsibility for their education, make informed decisions, and plan for the future with the help of parents, the dean, teachers, and guidance counsellors. The plan will include the student's goals for academic achievement and for learning both inside and outside school. The annual education plan is compulsory for students in Grades 9 to 12. Copies of the plans can be retained in students' academic and career portfolios and will be available for student and teacher-advisor reference.

Starting in Grade 10, students' plans will also include their tentative post-secondary destinations. When making plans for post-secondary activities, students will research and consider their options: continued study at university, college, or a vocational school; industry-or sector-based training such as apprenticeships and internships; or direct entry into the work force. Students will consider the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and schoolwork transition programs. They will also consider related activities such as participation in career exploration activities, financial planning, and preparation for independent living.

In the process of completing their annual education plan, students will learn about their options and choices. As well, they will experience first hand the impact of their decisions on their education and career goals. They will come to understand the relevance of their studies to their personal goals and recognize the importance of having learning experiences beyond the classroom (e.g., community service, community involvement, volunteer experience, part-time and summer work, personal interests such as hobbies) and how those experiences contribute to their overall development.

Learning and using the process involved in developing an education plan is as equally important to students as the actual plans themselves. The steps of this process will include the following:

reviewing any previous educational plans and Individual Education Plans where appropriate
assessing their interests, achievements, strengths, and needs
evaluating the achievement of previously set goals
setting new short and long-term goals
identifying the resources (information and people) and strategies needed to reach these goals
evaluating the achievement of those goals
reviewing their academic progress
developing an educational or career plan

The planning process helps parents and teachers become aware of the goals and passions the students have for themselves and the education programs they are considering. Report cards will be an important tool to encourage students to review their annual education plan at least twice a year. In Grade 12, students will review their annual education plan with their guidance counsellors and parents so that they can benefit from constructive feedback and encouragement.

WORKSHOP, SEMINARS, SMALL GROUPS, AND FLOOR MEETINGS

The guidance and career education program will provide a variety of programs and services, including some that are not necessarily delivered through formal classroom instruction or individual assistance. Workshops, seminars, and small groups will provide timely assistance to students who share a common interest (e.g., in a specific university or college program) or a common need (e.g., study skills). Topics could include summer-job search strategies, resume writing, interview skills, conflict resolution skills, learning strategies, assertiveness training, study skills, time management skills, leadership development, peer assistance, self-awareness and assessment activities, and specific university and college programs and admission requirements. These focused programs and services will be delivered in collaboration with the dean and teachers and are designed to help students achieve the guidance and career education program goals.