It's an exciting part of every school year to select which courses you'd like to take for the following year. Here is lots of information to help you along with this process. At any point in the process, students can book themselves an appointment to speak with their counsellor about their plans.
| General Information |
| Grade 8 Parent/Guardian Information |
| Course Catalogue |
| Course Catalogue |
| myBlueprint |
| myBlueprint website |
| Specialty Programs |
| Academy for student athlete development |
| Designed to support high school aged student athletes as they strive for success at regional, provincial, national & international levels of competition, the Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD) provides one of the most unique and inclusive models to support student athletes on able-bodied, parasport, and Special Olympic performance pathways. For more information, check out the Durham District School Board's page on ASAD. |
| Co-operative Education |
| A Co-operative Education program allows students to gain secondary school credits while completing a work placement in the community. This program helps students prepare for apprenticeships, college, university or the workplace. For more information, check out USS's Co-operative Education page. |
| Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) |
Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSMs) let students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while still meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students receive the SHSM seal on their diploma when they:
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complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field
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earn valuable industry certifications including first aid and CPR qualifications
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gain important skills on the job through cooperative education placements.
At USS, we have four SHSMs to choose from. Ask in person in guidance for more information about these amazing opportunities. You will be automatically enrolled in the SHSM once you take the respective Grade 11 course.
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| Summer School |
| Summer school registration can be completed in myBlueprint. Registration instructions can be found using the attached document. |
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| Mental Wellness |
Welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
When it comes to Mental Health and Well-Being, start with the basics .... diet, exercise, sleep, communication, involvement, asking for help, and time for yourself are all important for your mental health. If you are struggling with these basics or you feel that it's not enough and you need more support please check out the interactive board below, the list of links, and of course please reach out to a member of our Guidance Staff to explore resources and counselling options.
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| Tutoring |
NEED A TUTOR?
Student tutors working for community service hours are also available. Speak to Guidance for more information.
Interested in being a community tutor? Complete this Google Form. Interested in being a student tutor? Complete this application form, get it signed by a parent/guardian, and submit it to Guidance.
The USS Science Department is now hosting an extra help session/room once a week on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00pm - 3:00pm. Click HERE to access the Science Google Site to learn more.
Online support for Math and Science:
www.khanacademy.org - This is a fantastic site with many, many videos explaining specific math/science concepts. It's free, but you are invited to make a donation.
Mathify... homework help for grades 7-10 math.
DURHAM BLACK EDUCATORS’ NETWORK
ELEVATE AND EXPAND: COACHING FOR EXCELLENCE
With our continuous focus on optimizing educational experiences and strengthening our commitment to enhancing academic equitable outcomes, in partnership with DDSB’s Student Achievement and Curriculum Department and Minds-On, Durham Black Educators’ Network (DBEN) has created Elevate and Expand: Coaching for Excellence. In it’s 3rd year, this virtual tutoring support program is for Durham District School Board students in Grades 6 – 12who identify as a part of Durham’s Black diaspora.
Virtual 1:1 support will be offered through Google Meet. Students will be matched with tutors based on academic strengths and needs, and our tutors’ teaching qualifications. Students will be provided 1 hour of complimentary tutoring per week.
Elementary students’ sessions will run throughout each term and Secondary students’ sessions will be based on semesters.
Families are kindly asked to complete the Elevate & Expand: Coaching for Excellence Registration Form below, including the media release by 4pm on November 16th .
2022-2023 Elevate & Expand: Coaching for Excellence Registration Form
Sessions will begin during the week of November 28th 2022
For more information, please send your inquiries to our Program Coordinator at elevate@minds-on.com.
Tests and Exams can be stressful! We have created a presentation that outlines some of the fears that come with tests/exams and how to deal with them by preparing and implementing some useful strategies.
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| Community Service Hours and Information |
Please see below for all of the details and links you need for your Community Service Hours Graduation Requirement
*Once you have complete your hours, please bring your printed form(s) to
Mrs. Vallier, our guidance secretary, so that they can be approved and inputted.
Community Involvement Graduation Requirement
Students can start accumulating their community involvement hours in the summer before entering Grade 9.
Students may wish to consider virtual volunteering, such as connecting with seniors, organizing virtual fundraising events and facilitating discussions with newcomer youth. Outdoor volunteer opportunities could include, for example, picking up litter. Volunteer opportunities, such as connecting young people to be technology mentors to seniors, can be found through agencies such as Spark Ontario.
In addition, the Ministry is providing increased flexibility in how all secondary students can earn hours. At the principal’s discretion, students may count the following towards their community involvement hours:
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Community involvement during school time, for example, walking a younger child to and from school or helping younger siblings with school work
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Duties normally performed at home, for example, helping an elderly relative with errands or providing after school care for a sibling
These hours spent in the community are meant to encourage students to:
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Develop an awareness and understanding of civic responsibility
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Understand the role they play and contributions they can make to support and strengthen the community
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Learn more about themselves and possible career opportunities
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITY RECORD
Make sure you keep your Community Involvement Activity Record forms up-to-date with the proper information and signatures. You must submit your completed records to your school for data entry.
REQUIREMENTS
These community activities must:
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Be completed outside scheduled class time
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Not be a part of a credit course
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Be unpaid
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Total a minimum of 40 hours
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Be complete by the end of grade 12
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
The Ministry and DDSB have developed a list of activities students may (eligible) or may not (ineligible) choose. Click here for a comprehensive list of eligible activities and suggestions
OPPORTUNITIES
If you're unsure what you want to do for your community hours, check out Volunteer Durham and Youth Opportunities Ontario.
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| Volunteer and Job Opportunities |
| Volunteer Opportunities |
Fantasy of Lights (Uxbridge)
The Optimist Club is looking for volunteers for the Uxbridge Fantasy of Lights!
Any interested students can sign up for Donation Collection shifts here:
Make a Difference Depot Helpers
The Depot is located at the back of Village Union Public School, Oshawa.
We have an exciting opportunity for student volunteers to gain their volunteer hours here at the Depot.
Tasks can include sorting clothing and organizing food donations.
There are 6 different dates available.
All shifts are from 10:00am - 3:00pm and a pizza lunch will be provided.
Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Saturday, February 1st, 2025
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
Saturday, April 5th, 2025
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
If you're interested, please fill out the following Google Form:
Leaf Raking/Fall Clean Up Help
A senior lady is looking for help with the raking of leaves and some other light fall clean up around her property.
If you are interested, please contact Yvonne James at 905-862-3906.
I'm sure she'd even take a pair of students, if you want to work with a friend!
Uxbridge Skating Club
We are currently seeking enthusiastic high school students to join our CanSkate Program/learn to skate program as Program Assistants.
This role offers students the chance to earn community hours, gain valuable experience, and contribute positively to our community. Specifically, we are looking for individuals who are comfortable on skates and are interested in helping our young skaters develop their skills.
Details of the Program Assistant Opportunity:
- Training Day: September 29th, Classroom: 9-10 AM | On-Ice: 10-11 AM
- Availability Needed: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6-7 PM | Sundays, 9-11 AM
- Requirements: Comfortable on skates and enthusiastic to contribute.
- Season Starts October 6th and ends in May.
Contact info@uxbridgeskatingclub.com
Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary has been affording students the opportunity to complete their required volunteer hours for several years. Greet. direct and answer patient and visitor enquiries at the main entrance to the hospital. Training will be provided.
3 pm 6 pm Monday to Thursday.
Contact Bev Latva, Director of Volunteers at uchauxiliary@oakvalleyhealth.ca or (905)852-9777 ext 5237
*See Brochure below for additional volunteer opportunities, including helping out at "Chances Are" in the evenings, or on Saturdays!
ReachView Village
ReachView Village is looking for volunteers to help with their senior residents. Scheduling is ongoing but volunteers will need to have a police check completed. Contact Carlisle Britton at carlisle.britton@reveraliving.com (905) 852-9747.
Butternut Manor Volunteer Opportunity
 
 
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| Job Postings |
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| Is your organization looking for volunteers? Post your opportunity here ... |
| LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS?
If you are part of a non-profit organization/individual and would like to post a community service / volunteer opportunity, please email Karen Gillespie (Guidance) at karen.gillespie@ddsb.ca.
Be sure to include your email address, phone number and CLEARLY state the details about your opportunity (including times, dates and locations).
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