Guidance & Career Counselling
Working Toward Post Secondary Education
Although the activities of the guidance department include aspects such as personal counselling, course selection, OSR and transcript maintenance, and application to summer school, the major focus is on preparation of the student for a successful transition to the post-secondary level upon graduation from SJK. The vast majority of our grads move on to university or college. This is the culmination of a process that has spanned the student's secondary school career. SJK is proud to boast that 98% of graduates are accepted to their university of first choice. Many graduating students also receive scholarship offers.
The Early Years
Students in grades 9 and 10 are presented with a prescribed balanced program that allows them to receive a solid foundation for courses that they will need in their senior years. By the end of grade 10 a typical student will have achieved 12 of the 18 compulsory courses required for graduation, and be in a position where all paths are still open.
Grade 10
The Career Studies, half credit, taken at this grade, explores post-secondary learning and career options.
Grade 11
During this transition year students will be studying a slate of courses that they have selected. Students will have been counselled both in class and on an individual basis as they were making these important decisions. Attention is particularly paid to ensuring that students leave all doors open, as many grade 12 courses have prerequisites.
Grade 12 Course Selection
Successful application to a university or college requires that a student present both a sufficient average and the correct prerequisite courses. In grades 11 and 12, courses are chosen carefully to ensure students meet prerequisites for their post-secondary programs.
University Preparation
Students in their Grade 12 year will experience a year-long process en route to their acceptance to a post-secondary institution. In the early fall presenters are invited to our campus from a number of universities. They spend time informing students about their institution. Students are encouraged to ask questions of these representatives about courses of study, class size, residence, sports and activities, and any other facet of campus life . The guidance office encourages students to visit all universities in which they are interested prior to accepting any offer. Tours and contact information is available in the guidance office.
Current publications from universities and colleges are available to students in the guidance office. Graduating students receive support and training in the use of the website titled 'eInfo'. This site summarizes course requirements, gives the previous year's cut-offs and outlines the process required for scholarship application, how one gets into residence and many other pertinent facts. Application forms are also available for SAT testing, if students are interested in applying to the United States, and for the TOEFL test, required by foreign students. Personal interviews occur in the fall as the formal application date approaches. Normally each student will visit the guidance office for three or more one-on-one sessions. Students will be guided in making applications to Ontario Universities through the online service. College applications are made in the months of January and February as requested. Letters of recommendation are provided when required for scholarship application, application to a United States College and when special circumstances dictate.
Please feel free to contact Mrs. Cheryl Diefenbacher if you would like to discuss any aspects of the program outlined above at (519) 648-3602, ext. 46 or by email at cdief@sjkschool.org.
