Coding courses are included in SHSM Program sectors, either as a major credit or as another related credit.

Each week this summer, explore coding activities, post-secondary pathways and careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), through the annual "CODEfest" event.

This will be via creative and interactive online tools to help students (and parents) understand what each involves and introduce how students can get started on their career goals through a self-paced, virtual coding career journey.

If interested, register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-codef ...

In addition, Hamilton Code Clubs will also be offering free live, virtual summer camps following the topics presented during CODEfest. Mentors will guide students through online activities, provide personal project help and host Q &A periods with guest speakers who work in digital careers.

For more information and to register for Hamilton Code Clubs Summer Camps, please visit: https://hamiltoncodeclubs.com/workshops/

Any questions? Contact the Industry and Economic Council (IEC) at experience@iechamilton.ca

Applicants are instructed to send the completed package to the co-op teachers (Mrs Baldin and Mrs Castura) who will then forward to the Home Building Program teacher.

The interview process will be conducted via Skype or by phone by the Home Building Program instructor.

Successful applicants will be contacted by the co-op teacher - Mrs Baldin or Mrs Castura


The 2020 Semester 1 crew will be working at the Catharine Street build site on both units of a semi detached home in Hamilton.
This past semester, students framed the upper level of both units.


The Home Building Program students can expect to learn:
*Advanced framing techniques
*Exterior and interior insulation practices
*Installing exterior siding
*Assisting on the installation of services - (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
*Drywall and drywall finishing

Exciting news! Mohawk College in partnership with HackStudent is excited to announce, that the HackStudent Program has moved online.

Check out their webpage link:
https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/about-mohawk/ ...

Build a Dream is pleased to announce its first #DreamHomeEdition digital conference for young women (Grades 7 - 12) and their parents,
from the comfort of home on Wednesday, May 27th, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

This is a great opportunity for families to explore careers in Skilled Trades, STEM, Emergency Response, and Entrepreneurship.

The event is packed with information to encourage discussion and inspire young women to pursue their career passion!

ANNOUNCING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ROLA DAGHER
President & CEO, Cisco Canada

Check out the full program here:
https://www.webuildadream.com/events/build ...

Check out the attached chart provided by the Ontario Construction Careers Alliance that shows a range of wages by career.

The Accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) provides senior secondary school students the opportunity to attend Apprenticeship Training and work with employers in Co-operative Education work placements as registered apprentices. This program is funded by the MLTSD - Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

See the attached 2020 - 21 OYAP application, list of 144 Apprenticeships in Ontario and student FAQ's

Mr. Pat Piro, OYAP Coordinator is accepting applications directly via email at the contact information below.

SEMESTER ONE:
AST and Truck and Coach for the current “postponed” cohort and for new students that can accommodate co-op semester 1.
Child and Youth Worker students have the option to begin in semester 1.

SEMESTER TWO - they are running:
Automotive Service Technician (AST)
Construction Craft Worker (CCW)
Child and Youth Worker (block 1) (CYW)
Child Development Practitioner (block 1) (CDP)
General Carpenter
Truck and Coach Technician (TCT)
Welder (will be added once approved by the Ministry)

Pat Piro, OCT, CET.
OYAP Coordinator – Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board
44 Hunt St. Hamilton, ON, L8R 3R1
Email pirop@hwcdsb.ca
Tel: (905) 525-2930 ext. 2886
Fax: (905) 523-0454
Web www.oyaphwcdsb.com Twitter @oyaphwcdsb1 Instagram oyaphwcdsb YouTube OYAP HWCDSB

See the link: https://www.hwcdsb.ca/318427--St-Mary-robo ...

Check out the SHSM pathway charts for your sector in making timetable selections, including 2 credits of co-op before graduation.

To enroll in the Program, complete and submit the Letter of Intent.

Stay safe and stay on target!

https://ocea.on.ca/resource/capturing-the- ...

Check out SHSM Health and Wellness Red Seal Graduate Kate Rokoss and her amazing 2019 school community Green Ribbon Wish Organ Donation Awareness and Registration Campaign.
Let’s continue to inspire one another by registering and telling our family. Remember to use @greenshirtday #GreenShirtDay and #LoganBouletEffect.
Check out - https://greenshirtday.ca/be-inspired/

St Mary is offering the new Arts and Culture sector for grade 10 and 11 students with an interest in art, music, drama, theatre, set construction, communication and technology and French. For further information on this new sector or any of the other 6 sectors offered at St Mary, contact Mrs Castura, SHSM Counsellor.

The Canadian Association of Gift Planning (CAGP) hosted a Women in Philanthropy Panel Discussion on Fri. March 6th, 2020 at the Royal Botanical Gardens. This event discussed and celebrated women doing remarkable work in philanthropy at all levels, not just through financial contributions.

The Hamilton Community Foundation sponsored tickets for young women who are active in volunteering and/or interested in exploring issues related to philanthropy and gender equity. St Mary was represented by Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program students in the Health and Wellness sector Paskaline Birindwa and Gabriela Sierra Gomez. They were seated with the Women 4 Change contributors. These are individuals who donate to support initiatives that transform the lives of women and girls.

SHSM Health and Wellness Program Red Seal Designate student Paskaline Birindwa reflects on her experience below:

Personally, my experience at the event was excellent. As I sat down with my schoolmate and friend, Gabriela, and four other wonderful people, I was surrounded with beautiful minds and different ideas. I experienced so much kindness from all the people who attended the event and they were so welcoming. I am honored to have met each and every one of them, including Patricia. I learned so much about real life opportunities and with the questions I had in mind, I got answers to them.

During the panel discussion, I reflected on a time when I wanted an opportunity with funding to be able to volunteer abroad. This event made me realize I can make it a reality and actually do it. Volunteering or giving back is more than just being financially stable. Time and skills apply as well as having the money to donate, and it is greatly appreciated. This event made me realize that I can use my skills to change someone else’s life. I can also give my time to assist other people.

Helping others or volunteering is not all about nonprofit organizations. One person can choose to support another person if they put their whole heart into it. Overall, being at this event was one of the best experiences of my life. Knowing that there are women who are determined to put smiles on peoples faces, to support others and give hope to the hopeless - it was an honor to talk with them.

Multi-sector SHSM students participated in mandatory ICE (Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship) Training on Feb 27th in the library. The goal of ICE training is to help develop sector specific knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and find applicable solutions for the future. The 3 Gears" process (developed by the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto) in ICE training, helps student teams solve a real-world challenge specific to an organization.

Guest speaker Pam Mulholland, Senior Project Manager, Tourism and Events, City of Hamilton, outlined her career path and presented an engaging PowerPoint on the challenge of creating accessible outdoor festivals and events. Her question to the students was "How can we help the City of Hamilton improve outdoor event areas for people with disabilities?" with innovative responses and examples presented by the students. Thank you to ICE Training Instructor Ms. Yamashita for her coordination efforts.

Brooke Murphy
St Mary Secondary School SHSM Health and Wellness Co-op student
Sept 2019 - January 2020.
Supervisor: Caroline Dunnett
McMaster Children’s Hospital
Labour & Delivery Unit

What an amazing co-op placement experience I had in the Labour & Delivery Unit at McMaster Children’s Hospital from September 2019 to January 2020. I learned so much about so many things that it is a bit overwhelming when I think about it. The fantastic people that I worked with, including doctors, nurses and administrators, taught me an incredible amount about the different aspects of health care. Upon reflection, the three things I learned from my co-op experience that will stay with me are that you never stop learning, you always need to be prepared and that you must be compassionate and empathetic in everything you do.

Every day during my co-op I learned something new. Whether it was a procedure, like setting up a birthing room, or a process, like charting a patient’s condition, or a skill, like inserting and IV, I was constantly learning. Since I was a co-op student, I expected this to be the case. However, what really surprised me was that the doctors, nurses and administrators who worked with me were also learning new things every day. I thought that if these smart, experienced, skilled and engaged people always keep learning, then that is what I need to do to become a great nurse.

In nursing, as in life, you never know what the next moment brings. In the maternity ward, you could be treating a mother with a normal pregnancy one minute and be dealing with a complex and dangerous premature birth the next minute. The doctors and nurses in the maternity ward were always prepared. They kept up on their training and techniques, they knew where devices and medicines were located in the ward, and they knew each others strengths and when to use them. By being prepared and doing the things that mattered every day, the people that I worked with ensured that every newborn, mother and family were provided with the best care and services. This taught me that being prepared will help me to be a good student and the best nurse I can.

While health care generally and nursing specifically rely a great deal upon the knowledge, skills and expertise of professionals, the thing that I noticed matters as much to patients is the heart, soul and humanity that doctors and nurses show when they care for their patients. The staff in the maternity ward were always doing things that offered patients empathy and compassion. I experienced the importance of this first hand. Heart, I learned, is as just important as knowledge.

I have known for a long time that I wanted to be a nurse, just like my mom. The Specialist High Skills Major Program and my co-op placement provided me with knowledge and experience that is beyond what I could have learned in the classroom alone. I am extremely grateful to all the people who shared their time, experience and knowledge to assist me in achieving my SHSM Red Seal Designation with such an impactful co-op placement experience.

https://www.hwcdsb.ca/learn/coopandapprent ...

Anna Hirlehey
St Mary Secondary School SHSM Energy Co-op student
Sept 2019 - January 2020.
Supervisor: Dr. A. Turak, Associate Professor and Associate Undergraduate Chair, Department of Engineering Physics
McMaster University

My time as a high school co-op student at McMaster in the Engineering Physics department was amazing, and was an experience unique to my high school education.

With this co-op I was able to work among Grad Students and truly see what it is like to be a student at McMaster University. I worked on making a new substrate holder for the dip coater in the lab. I utilized the work of a previous summer student and expanded upon it trying new ways to solve the problem. In this process I expanded on my knowledge of CAD and 3D printing, things I knew little about before and probably wouldn’t learn in an average high school class.

Additionally, every member of the McMaster faculty was welcoming and kind and they made my experience here highly positive!

My time here has made me hopeful for the future, as studying Engineering at McMaster is my goal. My time here has proven to be an enjoyable, educational and inspiring experience working in Dr. Turak’s research group among incredible individuals.

I am thankful for the amazing opportunity that this placement gave me and the people I was able to meet and work alongside.

A co-op placement in the McMaster Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at St. Joseph Hospital is helping clear the path for hopeful future doctor Danaeya Wolfe.

The grade 12 student from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School is currently enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Majors program which allows students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests.

“From a young age, I have always been interested in science, particularly biology,” said Wolfe. “Similarly, I have always wanted to attend McMaster University for my post-secondary education, and my co-op at Foster Labs is affiliated with McMaster, so it was a great opportunity that I could not refuse.”

Wolfe is under the wing of St Mary Co-op teacher Gian Francis DiPaolo and Dr. Jane Foster whose work at Foster Lab includes investigating how the immune system and gut microbiota influence brain function and behaviour.

"Our community partnership with McMaster University has been an integral component of our SHSM and Cooperative Education and Experiential Learning programs,” said teacher and SHSM counsellor Nancy Castura.

A first-time a partnership between SHSM and the Foster Lab, the goal is to engage more youth with science education through research-based hands-on learning.

“I have seen first-hand the impact of how a co-op experience can inspire a young person’s engagement and commitment to a career destination,” added Castura.

“Experiential learning opportunities through the SHSM program has changed student trajectories and career destinations. These mentoring opportunities not only enhance the knowledge and skills of our students, but greatly enhance a students’ chances for success."

For Wolfe, the co-op has only reaffirmed her choice to attend McMaster University where she hopes to pursue neuropsychiatry and potentially become a doctor.
“Every day at the co-op is different,” said Wolfe.

Her semester at the lab was spent receiving comprehensive training in DNA isolations, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reactions, animal handling and husbandry, and pipetting.

“The most challenging aspect of my co-op was DNA extraction,” she said. “It required much more precision compared to the other things I did, and it was very time consuming. Since DNA extraction is one of the first stages of genotyping, I needed to be precise to avoid error – if I made one little mistake, it would cause issues in the following steps.”

“Danaeya was quick to learn these techniques following the protocols and for the past two months has been operating independently in the lab,” said Foster.

“She is an excellent student. She is an enthusiastic and engaged learner. During her co-op placement she demonstrated a strong work ethic and a positive approach to learning.”

While Wolfe admitted to being initially intimidated surrounded by academics, her experience was nothing short of rewarding.

“I am blessed to have such wonderful mentors that have given me great advice,” she said. “It is the time of year where grade 12 students are applying for post-secondary programs, so the people here have provided me with excellent advice that I feel will significantly impact my educational path.”

“Later on, I plan to start a charity to raise awareness for concussion-related mental illness. I truly want to dedicate my life to helping other people and working in a career involved with neuropsychiatry is the dream.”

***
Since 2007, SHSM program sectors have been offered at all seven secondary schools. For further information on SHSM programs, please connect with your SHSM or guidance counsellor or visit:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/morestudentsucces ...

My Summer Co-op Experience
Justin Dennehy - SHSM Energy Red Seal Designate

Over the course of my 2019 summer break, I completed five weeks of Summer School co-op for my Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Red Seal Designation in Energy.
I was placed at McMaster University in the Department of Engineering Physics. I was mentored by Dr. Ray LaPierre, Professor, and Chair of the Department of Engineering Physics, as well as Undergraduate student, Pedro, and Graduate student, Ara.

While I was on placement, I had the opportunity to adventure around campus and see what university life is like. I was able to visit many different buildings on campus, for example, the many libraries, the student center, and also different labs. This reach ahead experience will give me an advantage if I were to attend McMaster University next year. Also, while completing co-op, I was able to ask the students I was placed with about some of the programs and opportunities I would be able to pursue in my first year at Mac and some of the different things I would be learning in the first-year Engineering.

The project that I was working on under the supervision of Dr. LaPierre was an application in solar cells. In the division I was working with, we monitored the thermal conductivity of silicon wafers. In Dr. LaPierre’s lab, we used devices that would monitor the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of the silicon. We would change the heat of the silicon and change the current that was flowing through it. My main task was to code different programs to make it more simple for the team to run different tests on the silicon.

While I was in my placement, I was able to learn many different skills. One of the main skills was to learn coding in the coding language “Python”. I spent the first few weeks learning how to code, which in the future will assist me in my studies or in a job. I also had the opportunity to learn how to work in a lab environment which can be extremely useful when it comes to post-secondary studies. Finally, and most importantly, I learned to ask questions when I didn’t understand something. When it came to what our team was working on, at first I had a difficult time understanding how things worked but after countless questions and time in the lab, I finally understood the concepts of what was being achieved.

Overall, I had a great experience working at McMaster University under the supervision of Dr. LaPierre. I was able to learn a great deal in a short period of time. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that I was given by SHSM Counsellor Mrs. Castura and the other Summer School co-op teachers, and most importantly the staff and students at my placement at McMaster University. I would do it all again if I had the chance, and I highly recommend seeking a co-op placement at McMaster University, if given the opportunity.

On December 5, 23 SHSM Health and Wellness and Non-Profit sector students participated in mandatory ICE (Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship) training. The full-day session incorporated the principles of teamwork, problem solving and communication.

The real-world problem of student mental health was explored. Public health nurse, Diane Lau, introduced the problem of:
"What can we do to promote positive mental well-being for all students at our school? and How can your school support you in your self-care in order to promote your mental well-being?".

Students engaged in presentations that summarized and highlighted key issues of importance to them.

Check out the slideshow. https://vimeo.com/378860620

The St Mary Arts Department showcased the play "The Wizard of Oz" during the last week in November
Hundreds of elementary students from the St Mary family of community schools enthusiastically attended daytime shows with the St Mary community enjoying the evening performances.
Congratulations to the inaugural SHSM Arts and Culture sector students for their fine work as actors and stage art designers - Aidan Browne, Sara Grady, Hannah Nie and Meagan Pereira.

Other SHSM Program sectors were equally represented in all aspects of the "Wizard of Oz":
Tania Da Silva and Julia Kiss - Energy
Sebastian Borer, Stephanie Lopez and Megan Worron - Health and Wellness
Paulina Gonzalez-Espejel, Michelle Myers, Luke Sullivan and Jayden Vance - Non-Profit and Community Development

Check out the slide show! https://vimeo.com/378859744

The Specialist High Skills Major Program is an excellent gateway to post-secondary education for all pathways. Take a look at one of our community partners.

CARSTAR's Bill Davidge, Director, OEM Strategy and Equipment and several associates conducted a presentation for the St Mary Transportation class that included interactive and hands-on industry skill experiences that included virtual welding and auto.

The red seal skilled trades highlighted were:
310B - Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer
310Q - Auto Body Repairer
274L - Automotive Glass Technician
410N - Automotive Painter

St Mary grade 10 Science, grade 11 Biology and grade 12 Kinesiology classes hosted CESAP ( Concussion Education Safety and Awareness Program) presentations in their classes.

A McMaster University School of Medicine outreach initiative, first year medical students shared experiences about concussion injuries and the basic elements of brain anatomy and physiology were conveyed through interactive activities. St Mary students learned how sustaining a concussion can impact their lives and gain a better appreciation for the severity of this injury.

These presentations were part of the MACTalks Series through the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program - Health and Wellness sector.

Mohawk College is hosting an Open House at its Stoney Creek Campus for Skilled Trades on Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Mohawk offers 33 programs in the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships, including:
• Construction Engineering Technician
• Electrician (Construction & Maintenance)
• General Carpenter
• General Machinist
• Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Techniques
• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
• And more!

Talk to faculty and students, tour the campus and learn how to apply.

Explore your options and experience all Mohawk has to offer at http://mohawkcollege.ca/openhouse.

The Stoney Creek Campus for Skilled Trades is located at 481 Barton St., Stoney Creek, L8E 2L7.

Since 2017, the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) sector students across Ontario have been certified in Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) skills through a mandatory training program. The goal of ICE training is to help develop sector specific knowledge and skills to solve real world problems and find applicable solutions for the future.

"The 3 Gears" process (developed by the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto) in ICE training, helps student teams solve a real-world challenge specific to an organization.

Students have engaged in team building and ice breaking activities, followed by a “Dragon's Den” challenge where they create a new product, with a viable sales plan, based on the use of specific resources. A sample "problem" is presented by a local community partner, industry or organization where the students then create, plan and present an effective problem solving strategy for the organization.

The most recent ICE Training session involved multi-sector students who considered the problem presented from the various sector perspectives. We thank Sonia Mrva, Senior Curator of Heritage Strategies for the City of Hamilton, who presented with the question of how to increase High School student participation at the Hamilton Civic Museums.

Deciding on a career, especially in high school, can be nerve-wracking, to say the least.

But for grade 12 St. Mary Catholic Secondary School student Brooke Murphy, she’s already mapping out her future.

“I want to be a nurse,” she said. “Just like my mom.”

A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program offered at the school is helping Murphy follow in her mom’s footsteps. The program, which is in its 13th year, offers successful students a Red Seal Designation on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma that recognizes their sector, said SHSM Counsellor Nancy Castura.

“The SHSM Program includes two mandatory credits of co-operative education, CPR, first aid and infection control, WHMIS and other certifications according to the sector.”

Currently, there are six SHSM sectors offered at St Mary, which include Business, Construction, Energy, Health and Wellness, Non-Profit and Community Development and Transportation with a possibility of a future Arts and Culture sector.

Murphy is completing her SHSM co-op at the McMaster Children’s Hospital in the Labour and Delivery unit.

“Everyone here has been so inclusive,” said Murphy, who noted the staff she’s interacted with have gone above and beyond taking her in and teaching her about their role.

A highlight, she gushed, has been holding a 12-hour baby.

“This community partnership in health care is mutually beneficial for Hamilton Health Sciences as a teaching hospital and for our students who can gain real life working skills in an industry setting,” said Castura.

The co-op, which runs from September to December, has allowed Brooke to shadow the working links of the unit that allow for operations to run smoothly.

Even something as simple as filing, Murphy noted, plays a vital role in the efficiency of the department.

“You get to see the business side of everything and how everything is connected and relies on the other.”

Murphy has also had an opportunity to observe nurses prepare medicine for the newborns and take blood samples.

“Everything have to be so precise because they are so small,” she said.

Bathing babies also has a specific set of instructions, she added, because of how fragile they are.

“You have to hold the head steady and wash it separately from the rest of the body.”

As the co-op continues, Murphy hopes to absorb as much information as possible to help ready her for her post-secondary career, which includes applying for the nursing program at McMaster University.

“I want to come back and work here,” she said. “It’s a great facility.”

Finding it difficult to navigate your route beyond secondary school?

Join us for the annual HWCDSB Pathways Night to explore exciting and rewarding opportunities for university, college, apprenticeship and work.

Secondary students and their parents are invited to attend this informative event where they can view engaging pathway demonstrations, visit informative showcase displays and speak directly with knowledgeable education and industry representatives.

For more information, please see the pdf flyer below or contact your school Student Services Department.

Event Date:
Thursday, November 21, 2019

Time:
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location:
Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School
1824 Rymal Road East, Hannon, L0R 1P0

Hard work pays off as ten newly graduated secondary students discovered at a scholarship banquet hosted by the African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc. (ACCPI) on October 16.

The annual scholarship program was initiated in 1996 to foster and reward academic excellence and outstanding community service. To date, 264 scholarships and bursaries have been awarded to deserving students to help with their post-secondary studies.

This year’s theme, “Lifting by Giving,” not only honoured their service and example, but paid tribute to past and present ACCPI boards, committees, sponsors and contributors whose vision and own volunteerism have inspired new generations of students to greater service.

“What a powerful sign of ‘Lifting by Giving,’” said David Hansen, Director of Education in words of greeting on behalf of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School. “I thank you for the example you provide for all of us through selfless giving.”

Hours and hours of selfless giving, he qualified.

“We live in a world where too often the focus is on ‘I’ – what’s in it for me. You have answered that the world in which you live and the world that you will foster is focused on ‘we.’”

Sharing advice from his father, a much respected and celebrated educator, Hansen said, “Our glory is not found in what we do but what we allow others to do. Our glory is not in what we are but in what we help others to become.”

“This whole event is a celebration of just that sentiment and in your young lives you have clearly lived it out.”

“Thank you for your inspiration and for your example,” he commended. “Thank you for being such powerful signs of hope to all of us, and most of all, thank you for representing the very best that the African and Caribbean cultures have to offer our community.”

HWCSDB honourees include:

Matilda Ansa-Sam
Recipient of the Christine Joyce Boahene & ACCPI Award $1000
A graduate of Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School, Aba Ansa-Sam achieved four straight years of honour roll status while participating in a variety of extra-curricular and community activities. Aba participated in the annual Pilgrimage, DREAMS and Halloween for Hunger. She was also involved with community organizations as a children’s program supervisor and volunteer coach with the elderly and sick. She is the recipient of the OECTA Christian Service Award, the John C. Holland Award, and the Stella & Max Rotman Youth Humanitarian Award. Aba is currently pursuing a BSc degree in Nursing at Mohawk College. She aspires to be a midwife or a Labour and Delivery nurse, and hopes to specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, women’s sexual and reproductive health, and newborn care.

Jewel Odogda
Recipient of the Karen Nelson/Dr. Colin & Paul Nurse Award $1000
Jewel is a graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School where she was known for her compassion, excellent work ethic and contagious positive attitude. Jewel was an Honour Roll student who also participated in various school activities, including Dance team, Track and Field, and Step Squad. As a member of the school’s Diversity Committee, Jewel helped to organize a Bullying Awareness Week which not only sought to combat the negative effects of bullying but also set a positive example for her peers. Outside of school, Jewel is active in her church where she is a member of the choir and assists with the children’s ministry, teen camp activities and feeding the homeless. She is currently enrolled at the University of Toronto where she is pursuing Psychological Health Science, and hopes to become a neurosurgeon.

Tresheka Hemmings
Recipient of the Pollard/Abrams & ACCPI Award $1000
Tresheka is a graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School where she took an interest in health sciences and community volunteerism. A driven and accomplished individual, she aspires to start her own medical research company and has dedicated much of her time as a volunteer at the Red Cross Society and the Lend-A-Hand Project. At school, she participated in a number of extra-curriculars such as Track and Field, the Agricultural Science Club, and Ardenne’s student Body and Culture Diversity Club. Tresheka’s leadership skills have been recognized with an Award of Excellence, a Certificate of Merit, and a Special Award Certificate. She is currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at Brock University.

Rebecca Matsakawo
Recipient of the Mervyn Jobity Award $1000
Rebecca graduated from St. Mary Catholic Secondary where she was an Honour Roll student, a prefect, peer mentor, and member of the HAT Team and Diversity Club. Through the Specialist High Skills Major Program, Rebecca was able to focus her studies on Health and Wellness. Her academic achievements and commitment to community have been recognized with a Nelson Mandela Scholarship and Spotlight Award. Rebecca is currently attending the University of Guelph where she is enrolled in the Kinesiology program.

Sojourn Perryman-Mark
Recipient of the Pastor Wycliff Clarke Award $1000
Sojourn is a graduate of Cathedral High School where she was known for her kindness and passion for social justice. In addition to high marks, Sojourn was involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities, including Student Council where she served most recently as President, as well as in school band, choir, CHS Pride, Pilgrimage Committee and swim team. In the community, Sojourn volunteered at 541 Eatery & Exchange, a non-profit eatery whose funds directly support community initiatives. She was also actively involved with the Focus on Youth summer camp program where she supervised co-workers and participated in efforts to empower youth. She is currently at Wilfred Laurier University studying law.

Esther Goombs
Recipient of the HYSO Founders Award $1000
Esther Goombs is a graduate of St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School where she demonstrated academic excellence, active leadership and exemplary community service. In addition to achieving Honour Roll, Esther participated in Band, Glee Club, Peer Mentoring and the Debate Team. Her efforts have been recognized with the Headmaster’s Trophy Award and Glee Award. Outside of school, she volunteered for the reading program at Red Hill Public Library, helping children and newcomers to improve their English proficiency. Esther’s interest in International Relations has inspired her to pursue a double degree in Public Administration and Political Science at the University of Ottawa. She aspires to become an international lawyer and diplomat in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Sharon Adegbite
Recipient of the Justin Policarpio & ACCPI Award $1250
A graduate of Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School, Sharon was a hard working student who took great pride and demonstrated great commitment in every task she undertook. She maintained Honour Roll status while active in the life of the school. She served on the prefect council, participated in the math and robotics club, and was a member of the school choir. In addition to her school activities and academics, Sharon volunteers with her church as a bible school camp counsellor and youth choir leaders. She is currently pursuing a mathematics degree at the University of Waterloo and aspires to become an actuary.

Siena Mitchell
Recipient of the ACCPI Founder’s Award $1500
Siena is an ambitious and diligent young woman who recently graduated from Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School. There she achieved outstanding academic success while also serving on the Health Action Team, the Eco Club and ThinkFAST where she conducted group activities for her peers. As a prefect and tutor, Siena was a highly respected mentor to Grade 9 students. Outside of school, she has volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, CFL Fans Fight for Cancer fundraiser and Juravinski Hospital Cancer Centre. Currently, Siena is attending Brock University for Nursing with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.

A trip to ArcelorMittal helped gear up Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) secondary students from Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School for Manufacturing Month.

The SHSM program, offered in partnership with ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Mohawk College and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, provides high school students with an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related careers in Advanced Manufacturing at both Bishop Tonnos and Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary Schools.

On October 8, Richard Do Couto, Senior Specialist, Corporate Responsibility for ArcelorMittal Dofasco welcomed Bishop Tonnos Advanced-Manufacturing students who participated in a variety of experiential-learning opportunities such as operational tours and manufacturing team building activities as part of their unique involvement with Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) the Certified Production Technician (CPT) training.

“This MSSC CPT program is the next evolution of the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Advanced Manufacturing Program that allows students to formally document their knowledge and receive a manufacturing industry accredited certification,” said teacher John Ivkovic.

This type of student certification program would be to the best of our knowledge a first in Ontario and Canada, noted Do Couto.

He added that the revamped ArcelorMittal Dofasco Advanced Manufacturing will offer students with a new set of tools to ensure that they understand advanced manufacturing and have a high knowledge about what is required in order to keep pace with technological change – the “Industrial 4.0 of the Future.”

The program is not only important, but timely, as the workplace is rapidly changing, and highly skilled and multi-talented workers will be in demand as baby boomers (which currently make up 30% of Canada’s total population) retire.

“Advanced manufacturers, like ArcelorMittal Dofasco, are going through a workforce demographic shift,” said Do Couto.

Currently, the company is hiring between 200 to 300 new employees a year due to retirements.

As a result of the deficit of qualified individuals, many positions are going unfilled. “There is a strong need for graduates in STEM and skilled trade careers,” said Ivkovic. “These are high paying careers.”

The MSSC certification program has been developed, validated, piloted and deployed in the United States and has annually updated standards, courses and computer-based training materials.

“Our goal is to continue to highlight to students and their influencers the various exciting STEM and skilled trade careers available to them with advanced manufacturers like ArcelorMittal Dofasco. As well, this program will help to emphasis the core competencies of the need for a highly skilled workforce of the future.”

Specialist High Skills Major programs, like Advanced Manufacturing, “allow students to customize their high school experience through a variety of new and enhanced learning options,” said Superintendent of Education Morris Hucal.

“The program is an industry-led, training, assessment and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by advanced manufacturers like ArcelorMittal Dofasco,” said Ivkovic.

As part of the program, students receive first-hand on-site training from staff at ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Mohawk College. These professionals will serve as mentors, career advisors and offer opportunities for experiential learning while participating in their classroom learning and CPT training under the supervision of specially trained Advanced Manufacturing teachers.

Along with industry experience and having undergone the MSSC training, Ivkovic added that the CPT training is based upon industry-defined and endorsed standards that bring learning-to-life.

“It offers the opportunity to get a head start as students demonstrate that they have acquired the skills increasingly needed in the technology-intensive jobs of the 21st century.”

“This is a very exciting time for us at the HWCDSB, the strength of our partnership is evident in this new innovative program as we support our students and encourage post-secondary pathways that offer a bright future.”

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program includes mandatory 2 credits of co-op, CPR C, First Aid and Infection Control certification, WHMIS and other certification requirements according to the sector.

Eligible all sector first semester students completed their CPR C, First Aid and Infection Control certifications on their path to achieving the Red Seal Designation at graduation in their sector. Congratulations!

Kate was the student lead on a Speak up grant project called the " Green Ribbon Wish Organ Donation and Awareness Campaign". Kate led activities from April to the end of May that included a school t-shirt drive for the Logan Boulet Green Shirt Day, in class presentations about organ donation, a promotional school announcement campaign highlighting the online beadonor.ca registration site, a school wide assembly with guest speakers from the St Joseph's Health care system, Hamilton Health Sciences and previous assistant coach of the Humboldt Broncos, Hamilton born Mr. Troy Smith. Mr Smith read a powerful letter from the Boulet family to the St Mary community supporting Kate's organ donation and awareness campaign. The St Mary Foods class hosted a Green Ribbon Cookie sale and the Fashion class displayed a "Second Life" fashion show of recycled clothing. The month finished with a highly successful raffle. Please check out https://beadonor.ca/

Watch the Cable 14 interview here: https://vimeo.com/364821490

Meira Morphet is the latest in a long line of St. Mary graduates selected to take part in a research placement through the High School Science Research Bursary Program.

The Health Science Research Bursary Awards Program, offered jointly by Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University Health Sciences, is available to senior students interested in pursuing a Health Science research pathway. Fifteen candidates were chosen this year out of 123 applicants. The mean grade point average of the 15 recipients was 96 percent.

Morphet, who is in her first year of an Integrated Degree in Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences at McMaster University, will be working with Associate Professor Dr. Kerstin De Wit on a multi-centre study at Hamilton General Hospital this fall where she’ll be learning various techniques in clinical research.

More importantly, the experience will give Morphet, an aspiring med student, a taste of life as a physician.

To learn more about the High School Science Research Bursary Program, visit https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/rese ... .

SHSM Health and Wellness student Kate Rokoss was the student lead on a SpeakUp grant that promoted school-community awareness about organ donation and registration.

Read the article about the Green Ribbon Wish Campaign https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9342560 ...

Follow the Logan Boulet Effect Green Shirt Campaign on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GreenShirtDay/status/1 ...

For more organ donation registration information, check out the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECF_lyxkSI ...

Five graduating students from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School were recognized for being “rays of light” during their Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) placements at St. Joseph’s Villa.

The awards, presented by St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation, recognized achievement in the areas of Health Care, Non-Profit and Community Development, Health and Wellness, Business and Volunteer Service.

“St. Mary Catholic Secondary School is honoured and privileged to have the long-standing support of the St. Joseph's Villa Foundation that generously sponsors graduation awards for deserving students of St. Mary,” says Health and Wellness SHSM teacher, Nancy Castura.

SHSM is an Ontario Ministry of Education sponsored program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector. Programs offered at St. Mary include Business, Construction, Energy, Health and Wellness, Non-Profit and Community Development, and Transportation.

This year's award recipients are:
Olivia Bakker – Health Care Award
Rebecca Harrington – Non-Profit and Community Development
Chelsa Kurian – Health and Wellness
Katelyn Scime – Business
Olivia Valeri – Rays of Light Volunteer Service Award

The students not only embody the school motto, “Live, Love, Learn,” but carry out the mission service of the Sisters of St. Joseph in their communities.

SHSM Non-Profit and Community Development student Chianna DiStefano is interviewed at the event. Check out the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7YDElC8Kp ...

Photo by: Barry Gray The Hamilton Spectator

Check out the link for more information.

Your Daughter Her Apprenticeship Celebration showcased speaker Jennifer Green and industrial representatives with female students from co-op and OYAP. St. Mary students Emilia Soares and Michelle Myers attended the event with their guardians. Check out the link: https://www.hwcdsb.ca/291675--Your-Daughte ...

Jennifer Green is a licensed Industrial Mechanic Millwright, with a Certificate of Apprenticeship and Certificate of Qualification, where she was employed at Linamar. While troubleshooting and repairing industrial equipment, she also constructed recruitment strategies for women in trades and was active in trade related youth programs.

Her ability for organization combined with her trade background led her to the Upper Grand District School Board, as Maintenance Planner/ Scheduler, leading projects and programs from their inception stages.

Green has vast experience in Trades advocacy and is a sought-after speaker, working actively with various educational partners, companies and organizations throughout Canada for the advancement of trades, apprenticeships, gender and age gap.

Labelled as a trail blazer for women in non-traditional careers through her advocacy and mentorship, Green has made remarkable contributions through her various endeavours, initiatives and long-time partnerships and volunteering. Her commitment, work and skills has led her to various honours and awards, including earning medals at the Skills Ontario and Skills Canada competition for Industrial Millwright.

Her work has been furthered by co-creating the Skills Ontario Alumni Association, as President, and kick-starting the Skills Compétences Canada National Alumni Committee, as Chair and Ontario Lead. Most recently, she's working with Skills Ontario as Director of Competitions and Young Women’s Initiatives.

St. Mary student Emilia Soares shared the following reflection after the event:

"I wasn’t certain about what to expect when I was offered to go to the “Women in the Trades” presentation. I’m in my second semester of construction and I find it very interesting, So I decided to take a chance and go. I was extremely surprised at all the great opportunity’s women have in trades. Dofasco, Union Gas and Alectra each had a booth there with a female employee available to talk about their specific trade, how they went about getting their education, and the opportunities each company offered. Mohawk College was there presenting all the trades programs they have available as well as co-op programs. What I found the most interesting was the Armed Forces booth. I learnt that I don’t have to enlist to get an excellent education in a trade; I can join the reserves. They took me through all their available trades and what to expect. They also discussed the Red Seal program and how I get earn a Red Seal which allows me to work in my trade anywhere in Canada. The speaker of the evening was a lady who is a Millwright and works at OYAP. She detailed her education and her work history as well as detailing the opportunities OYAP has for girls wanting to go into a trade. I left the presentation excited and with a lot of information to help me decide my post secondary education path." - Emilia Soares

Congratulations to all of the SHSM Program sector students on completion of their mandatory certifications in CPR C, First Aid, Infection Control and ICE Training (Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship). These are required for Red Seal Designation in their sector at graduation.

Applications for the Summer Co-op Program are now being accepted. The deadline for hospital placements is April 30; applications for other co-op programs are due by May 24, 2019.

Summer co-op provides an opportunity for secondary students to:
• gain workplace experience in a unique learning environment outside of the classroom;
• gain co-op credits needed for a specialized SHSM secondary diploma;
• establish contacts in the workplace for networking opportunities and future references for employment; and,
• earn up to two (2) credits by integrating course curriculum with learning at a work placement during the five-week program.

To register, please see the SHSM Counsellor at your school.

Eight of our grade 11 SHSM Health and Wellness - Health care students participated in a St Joseph's Hospital ICU Workshop on March 28, 2019.
The students appreciated the insight into the various research and health care careers expressed by the professional staff assembled for the workshop.
Thank you to Dr Michelle Kho for her support of the Health care programs in both Boards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf63kk0iUN ...

Check out the following photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-s ...

https://www.chch.com/students-take-the-whe ...

"On the morning of March 18th, I was on my way to school, when a medical emergency abruptly interrupted us. My bus driver was having a seizure. When I was alerted to this, my instincts kicked in and I immediately jumped into action; moving to the front of the bus to stabilize the driver’s head momentarily, grabbing the first aid kit, and pushing the doors open to flag nearby traffic for help.

Within a matter of minutes, it seemed we had gotten the situation partially under control. However, without my participation in the St Mary Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, I do not think things would have gone near as smoothly. A requirement for SHSM is to participate in two days of CPR C and Standard First Aid training. This combined with my summer co-op experience at McMaster Hospital, surrounded by medical professionals constantly handling chaotic situations, gave me the confidence to act swiftly and fearlessly in a stressful situation. I cannot thank the SHSM Program enough for giving me such valuable life-saving skills."

- Kennedy Couture , Grade 11 SHSM Health and Wellness student.

This web service allows employers to find new apprentices and vice versa. A great service for graduating students entering the skilled trades.

https://apprenticesearch.com/trades

The SHSM program at St. Mary has placed a number of Co-op and Summer School Co-op in the Engineering Departments at McMaster University. Take a look at the Engineering Physics newsletter below with Angela Tollis, SHSM Energy sector student on Co-op placement.

https://mcmaster.us17.list-manage.com/trac ...

http://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/why ...

Long-time community partner, St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas, invited St. Mary Secondary School students to participate in a required Mock Evacuation ‘Code Green’ conducted by its Emergency Preparedness Committee.

St. Mary responded to the call with 73 Grade 10 Careers and Civics and Grade 11 Health Care students who participated in the morning event. Upon arrival, students were divided into groups by the Villa staff and sent to stations or Resident Home Areas where they played out the role of a residents (some in wheelchairs) in this given situation. Students were evacuated to the Auditorium on the main floor where City Emergency Response Teams and other representatives observed and gave feedback to Villa staff on the evacuation procedures.

Besides understanding the value of volunteering as a community service, the St. Mary students experienced required safety and management protocol in a health care setting. They were introduced to various health care careers and interacted with a variety of health care professionals at the Villa and from the community.

Most importantly, they socialized with the residents and shared a snack at the end of the event.

Students were asked to reflect on their experience:

“I enjoyed it because I was able to make other people’s lives easier. I found the experience to be valuable because some of the residents may not have many people who visit them, and I enjoyed socializing with them. It allowed me to take the time to appreciate the relationships I have and how lucky I am to have people to talk to. I learned more about the community I live in by working with them, and the demographics of who lives in it.”

“My experience during the Villa Mock Evacuation was truly wonderful. I have never been in a seniors home and I did not know what to expect. Everyone was kind to each other and everyone in the Villa was working together for the residents. The residents I met were friendly and I never knew how important it was to communicate with them.”

“I was on the Rec team and stayed behind and talked to the residents as they came down to the auditorium. I met many new people, and talked to lots of interesting residents who had life advice for me. I met staff members and was introduced to the Villa. It felt great to be a part of this and to help out. I’m happy I participated in it.”

The Research Institute of St. Joe’s just released its Summer Edition of the Innovator and highlighted our SHSM High School ICU teaching session

See the article at https://rsjh.ca/news/2018/summer.html

For more images please click on this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157633895@N0 ...

Flamborough Review Mon May 21 2018 Page: 1 Section: Community

With a little help of divine intervention, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is getting creative in order to increase their graduation rate.
To help students be successful in high school, the board is focusing on the Grade 9 transition year by working to ensure they pass all of their courses. If they don’t, students are offered various strategies to get them back on track.
“They have opportunities to either repeat a course in summer school or to do what we call a credit recovery so that those students do not leg behind their peer group, that’s — that’s very important,” said Pathways student success consultant Colleen McPhee.

She explained that the schools also put a high focus on attendance and see a correlation between good attendance and graduating in four or five years. If attendance is poor, social workers get involved and along with student success teachers, work to get students back on track.
“We see a large number of students pursuing an academic path and the more students who do pursue that path, that definitely contributes to an increased graduation rate,” she said.
The preliminary graduation rate data at the Catholic board for the 2013-14 cohort that is set to graduate this year is showing a two per cent decline in the four-year graduation rate compared to last year’s 86 per cent.
“With respect to the students who start and remain with us, our graduation rate went up actually three per cent," said McPhee referring to the four-year graduation rate of the 2012-13 group.
The previous 2011-12 cohort had a graduation rate of 83 per cent of students completing high school in four years. Of the students in the 2012-13 group, 90 per cent graduated after the five year track last June.

“We have really a very focused effort on our students who we know because of the course choices that they make maybe more at risk and there has been a real focus on that in the last few years,” she said.
According to the report presented earlier this year at the board's religion, family life and instructional services committee, the course the board said played a direct role in the decrease of the four-year graduation rate was Grade 9 Applied English.

“It’s important that all schools offer the same kinds of opportunities.” — Colleen McPhee

The only way to succeed is together

A new ArcelorMittal’s campaign called "The World is What You Make It," features the stories of six individuals who are helping contribute to a more sustainable world.

Featured is recent St. Mary graduate Jonathan Bednarksi, who explains how his experience in STEM and robotics has changed the way he views success while bringing his classroom teachings to life.

“Robotics has taught me this completely different perspective where instead of individuals having to build themselves up in a community it’s more of individuals coming together to form groups and those groups work together to build up the community as a whole.”

Read the full feature here: http://159.89.113.168/initiative-six/

Next class is September 2021-June 2022.

PLEASE EMAIL INFO@STCHARLES.CA TO REGISTER. We need your name, date of birth and phone number. Please include the words PSW Class in the subject.

This program enables students to earn a Personal Support Worker certificate issued by St. Charles. The certificate represents the standards set out by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and are satisfied by the completion of the program. Students will acquire the skills and knowledge to work as a personal support worker and gain practical experiences working in a health care environment.

There are also 6 secondary school credits attached to this course.

The program is 10 months (September to June) in duration and runs daily Monday to Friday.

Mandate:

The St. Charles PSW program provides students with the theory and knowledge that is required to understand all aspects of their role as a Personal Support Worker. Student learning is reinforced and enhanced by applying theory to practice while assigned to both their clinical and community cooperative education assignments. All students are supported so that all learning expectations are met with success and confidence with the goal of becoming effective Personal Support Workers in our community.

Specifically, we provide:

• educational training programs that reflect individual workplaces and the needs of our community
• innovative programs that will contribute to local, regional and global collaboration
• quality skills development programs that reflect the changing needs of the community with focus on restorative care
• professional development opportunities for communities and organizations
• career and transition assistance to assist individuals in meeting their employment and career goals
• qualified to work in community settings, private homes, long term care (LTC)
• potential branches to CDA, OTA, PTA, DSW, SSW and other healthcare careers

NEXT CLASS TO START SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

PLEASE EMAIL INFO@STCHARLES.CA TO REGISTER. We need your name, date of birth and phone number.

The Culinary Arts Program is provided in both the practical and theoretical knowledge and techniques that support the versatility required of today’s professional cook.

Employment opportunities are found in a variety of settings including restaurants and cafes, corporate cafeterias, institutional kitchens (nursing homes, hospitals, universities and colleges), hotels, catering businesses, cruise ship lines and self-employment.

Students can earn up to 8 secondary school credits upon successful completion of this course.

Earn Red Seal Cook certification

The course is 10 months duration and runs every day, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:35 am.

Applications are now available in our credit office at 150 East 5th St.

LOOKING FOR A MORE BASIC CULINARY COURSE? Click here: http://stcharles.ca/adults/introculinary/

From July 3 to August 10, approximately 110 secondary students across the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board developed real-world experiences as they explored various career paths through the summer co-op program.

Much like co-op placements during the school year (which run for an entire semester), summer co-ops also offer students two credits towards their compulsory high school graduation requirements, but within a condensed 6-week time frame.

Over the years, the program has grown as students who might not be able to easily accommodate a co-op during the traditional school year can still have an opportunity to “test-drive” a career option in the summer by applying their classroom learning in the workforce.

"During their co-op placement students are collaborative contributors who apply skills for employability, self-employment and entrepreneurship relative to Christian vocation," said OYAP Coordinator Pat Piro.

This summer saw placements in a variety of sectors, including: automotive, construction, dentistry, HVAC, electrical, law, plumbing, health care, engineering, physiotherapy, custodial, aviation and media.

“Majority of students in co-op are enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major program,” said Specialist High Skills Major Counsellor Nancy Castura.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school.

Each SHSM is a bundle of 8 to 10 courses within a selected field/sector completed in grades 11 and 12. Students choosing a SHSM program learn on the job with employers as well as in school, earning valuable industry certification and training related to their chosen sector.

For Grade 12 student Arjun Sidhu, a dentistry co-op at Estrabillo Dental Group in Ancaster gave him the chance to step out of the dentist chair and gain hands-on experience related to the profession.

During his placement, Sidhu was introduced to different equipment and procedures common in a dentist office as he was able to observe the team work on a number of patients.

“One thing I learned on the clinical side was impressions,” he said. “This is where the dentist takes a putty-like substance and smears it on a plate which the patient bites down on and an impression is formed from the bite marks.”

When he wasn’t observing, Sidhu was tasked with administrative duties, including filing and getting patients' information in order before their appointment.

“Personally, I see myself being back on the clinical side but working the administrative side gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of what goes on behind-the-scenes and how important it is that you’re organized so the dentist can do his job properly and efficiently.”

With a family history in health care, Sidhu hopes to carry on the tradition, but with a technological focus.

“I’m on the robotics team at St. Mary,” he said. “I like engineering and figuring out problems using technology. I hope to bring those skills one day in dentistry.”

Overview

Specialist High Skills Majors let students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students receive the SHSM's seal on their diploma when they

- complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field
- earn valuable industry certifications including first aid and CPR qualifications
- gain important skills on the job with employers

Who are they for?

Grade 11 and 12 students who are:

- heading for an apprenticeship, training, college, university or the workplace.
- wanting to identify, explore and refine their career goals and make informed choices about their next steps after secondary school.

How can they help?

Students have the opportunity to:

- Gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skills training centres and at school
- Earn valuable industry certifications, including first aid and CPR qualifications.

Please click on the Path to Success link below:

http://pathtosuccess.ca/shsm

Apprenticeship (OYAP)

OYAP is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.

Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.

http://oyaphwcdsb.com/

http://www.jobspeopledo.com/

Potential Red Seal graduates of the St. Mary Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program were recognized at the February 15th Board-wide Specialist High Skills Major Acknowledgement Day.

St. Mary offers six different sectors of the Ministry of Education Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program: Business; Construction; Energy (Sub-sector: Robotics); Health and Wellness ( Sub-sectors: Health Care, Fitness and Early Childhood and Youth Studies); Non Profit and Community Development; and Transportation.

All secondary school graduates earn the same Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), however, students who successfully complete every component of the SHSM earn the Red Seal Designation which is added to their diploma to recognize this accomplishment. Successful completion of the SHSM requirements is also indicated on the student’s official transcript (i.e. the Ontario Student Transcript). In this way, a record of their success and program concentration is accessible to post-secondary institutions, employers and training organizations.

SHSM students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests as they complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in their selected sector. The program also enables them to earn valuable industry certifications including First Aid and CPR C qualifications, while gaining important skills on the job with employers through co-operative education and experiential learning opportunities.

Through the SHSM Program, grade 11 and 12 students heading for apprenticeship training, the workplace, college or university pathways and wanting to identify, explore and refine their career goals, can make informed choices about their next steps after secondary school. 

For further information about the Ministry of Education Specialist High Skills Major Program, please visit  http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/morestudentsucces ... . 

To learn more about the sectors offered in the St. Mary Specialist High Skills Major Program, visit https://stma.hwcdsb.ca/learn/shsm/.

The St. Mary SHSM program has hosted six sectors over the past eleven years. Every year, the graduation rate has risen and each sector has been well represented. Students in all pathways have successfully achieved all of the Ministry of Education mandated requirements. Congratulations to our 2018 Red Seal Designated graduates, the largest SHSM graduating class in the school's SHSM program history.

A Hamilton teen born with a partial left hand is using her co-op placement to help other people with disabilities. The St. Mary’s high school student isn’t just checking off her graduation requirements, she’s inspiring others along the way.

CHCH’s Tegan Versolatto visited Abby Cappanelli, SHSM Health and Wellness sector student, at the Prosthetics & Orthotics Department at Hamilton Health Sciences where she’s been helping make prosthetics like the one she’s worn all her life. The co-op placement is part of the Grade 12 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Health & Wellness.

See the video at http://www.chch.com/lending-helping-hand/.

http://research.stjoes.ca/news-events/news ...

There is also a photo album linked at the end of the article, which can be reached here as well: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmhT3ttJ

Reach ahead activities, such as these, are an integral part of the SHSM program.

St Mary Catholic Secondary School offers the Ministry of Education Specialist High Skills Major Program in 6 sectors:
Business
Construction
Energy (Sub-sector: Robotics)
Health and Wellness ( Sub-sectors: Health Care, Fitness and Early Childhood and Youth Studies)
Non Profit and Community Development
Transportation

1. What is a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?

The SHSM is a way of recognizing outstanding programming and student success. An SHSM (Red Seal) designation on a diploma tells everyone that the student has focused his/her high school experience on a career path that matches his/her skills and interests. Specifically, the student has focused his/her educational program in a particular economic sector and successfully completed all key program components – at the same time he/she has met all the graduation requirements.

2. What are the components of an SHSM?

Bundle of Credits
Successfully complete 8-10 Grade 11-12 courses in the SHSM pathway, including “coop” education. Students will complete an assignment that connects various subject areas to the sector.

Certifications
Earn 6-7 compulsory certifications (e.g. Standard First Aid, CPR, and WHMIS) and additional sector-specific certifications.

Experiential Learning
Participate in activities that provide opportunities to explore and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers (e.g. guest speakers, job shadow, interviews)

“Reach Ahead” Experience(s)
Participate in activities that allow students to explore and experience post-secondary destinations within the sector (e.g. field trips).

3. In which sectors can a student earn an SHSM?

Schools can apply to the Ministry of Education to offer SHSMs in a variety of sectors. Our school offers Business, Construction, Energy, Health and Wellness, Non-Profit and Community Development and Transportation. Schools must receive approval from the Ministry of Education before they can offer an SHSM.

4. Are SHSM programs open to every student?

SHSM programs are open to all students in Grade 11 and 12 and is designed to meet the needs of students who want to pursue post secondary education, training or employment in specific sectors. To ensure that there is a good match for the student, he/she must attend an information session before being registered in a program.

5. What are the benefits to students?

Students in an SHSM program are involved in courses and experiences that match and develop their skills and interests. They are “engaged” and motivated to succeed because they can easily connect their present-day learning to their post secondary and career goals. Participants have many opportunities to:
• explore, identify and refine education and career goals;
• develop sector-specific knowledge and understandings;
• earn industry-recognized certifications;
• make real-life industry connections (i.e. for future employment or mentoring).

6. Do students and their families have to pay anything to take part?

The administrative costs at the Board level attached to the delivery a SHSM program include: the cost of transportation to conduct industry tours,’ the cost of supply teachers when classroom teachers are away with SHSM students; the cost of developing resources and marketing materials; the cost of coordinating the program, and the cost of delivering industry-recognized certifications.

7. If a student takes part in an SHSM, is he/she “locked in” until the end of high school?

Goals can change and students can make new choices as they develop new interests. As a results, all SHSM programs are designed with the flexibility to allow students to shift between pathways or to discontinue the SHSM should their career plans change – without a negative impact on their prospects for graduation.

8. Won’t students have a hard time fitting all the “bundled” courses into their timetable in Grades 11 and 12, especially cooperative education?

With proper planning, students can fulfill all graduation requirements, successfully complete every SHSM component, and make sure they meet the entrance requirements for their desired post secondary destination, including college and university. The key is to take control and plan effectively. Students who wish to pursue university studies after high school are encouraged to complete their cooperative education credits in Grade 11 to confirm career interests and in order to allow room in their timetables in Grade 12 for credits needed to meet university entrance requirements. Others may take “co-op” in summer school or night school. Finally, the secondary school program is organized to enable students to complete their high school program in four years, but students can take 4.5 or 5 years to do so. A significant number of students do so for a variety of reasons.

9. Do students who complete an SHSM earn the same diploma as all the other graduates from the school?

All high school graduates earn the same Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). However, students who successfully complete every component of the SHSM have a Red seal added to their diploma to recognize this accomplishment. Successful completion of the SHSM is also indicated on the student’s official transcript (i.e. the Ontario Student Transcript). In this way, a record of their success and program concentration is accessible to post secondary institutions, employers, and training organization.

Please click on the links below for the St Mary SHSM Sector Credit Charts, Parent Guide or Student Letter of Intent to complete and submit in order to enroll in the SHSM Program: