York Catholic District School Board hosts virtual open houses for Grade 8 students

BY PAUL JUNOR

As graduating Grade 8 students look ahead toward high school in the York region, the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has organized several virtual open houses. They will be available to Grade 8 students and their parents in order to ensure that they are aware of the important details with respect to each high school that their children will be attending.

These virtual open houses “Will highlight important key aspects of each school including: administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities,” and “information about the registration process including: registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enrol.”

Anthony Arcadi, Superintendent of Curriculum and Assessment states in a news release on Tuesday, October 26^th, 2021, “A spot at our York Catholic High School is highly sought-after by many families in York Region and beyond. Our high schools are well-known for their innovative programming, caring staff who help guide students, leadership opportunities, engaging student life and our Board’s consistency as one of the top-performing boards in Ontario.”

The press release lists seven regional programs, and ten Specialist High Skills Major programs as follows:

• Advanced Placement (AP) Program for Academic and Creative Extension

These are programs with an extended and enriched curriculum that allows students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and educational backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.
• French Immersion (FI)

Students, who completed the Elementary French immersion or equivalent, can continue with the immersion program to earn a French immersion certificate upon graduation.

• High Performer Athlete (HPA)

This is an academic-based program for student-athletes who participate in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.

• International Baccalaureate (IB)

A rigorous and intellectually challenging pro-university course of study that allows students to earn a IB diploma upon graduation, which is recognized  in Canada

• Regional Arts (RAP)

Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental much or vocal music, while obtaining their high school diploma.

• STREAM

This interdisciplinary program uses Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to approach inquiry and problem-based learning.

• Specialist High Skills Program (SHSM)

Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture, Aviation and Aerospace, Business; Construction; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communications Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services; Manufacturing; or the Non-Profit.

Parents, guardians and caregivers can put their residential address into the Board’s School Locator at: https://locator.ycdsb.ca/