Celebrate OSCA’s 60th Anniversary by joining us at our two day Conference November 3 and 4, 2024. We are preparing our guidance teacher-counsellors, teachers and youth for the future age of skilled trades, digital learning/jobs, and artificial intelligence with focused workshops and keynotes. A gala banquet and awards ceremony with entertainment is sure to be a hit! Visit our website for more information and to register for these limited spots!

Please visit the OSCA/ACOSO website for details and to submit your workshop proposal. The deadline for proposals is April 30, 2024.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Now is the time to nominate a deserving colleague for an OSCA award. Perhaps it is that person who has created a great resource that has allowed students to create their own pathway? Maybe you know a guidance counsellor who is the go-to person at your school? Perhaps a deserving community partner that provides excellent support for your school?

You have until September 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM to nominate someone, but why not do it now?
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Chacun et chacune de nous connaît un collègue innovateur, qui accomplit avec enthousiasme son travail auprès des élèves de son école. Pourquoi ne pas reconnaître leur contribution à notre profession en posant leur candidature à l'un des prix de l'ACOSO? Pour poser la candidature de quelqu'un, appuyez sur le lien de la mise en candidature. Toutes les mises en candidature doivent être soumises en ligne d'ici le 26 septembre 2024 à 4h.

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The Daryl L. Cook Peer Helping Award |Le prix Daryl L. Cook Peer pour l'aide des pairs

This award is presented to one elementary and/or one secondary school in Ontario in recognition of its exemplary peer helping program..
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Remis à une école élémentaire et/ou secondaire en Ontario en reconnaissance de son programme exemplaire d''aide des pais.

The Student Awards Nominations are here! Please nominate a deserving student today within the five Post Graduate Pathways:

• Apprenticeship,
• College,
• Community Living,
• University,
• Workplace. 

Details can be found on the nomination form. 

The link is live on the OSCA website and you can access the nomination form through it. The nominations will close on May 6, 2024, so nominate a student today!
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Les candidatures aux prix étudiants sont maintenant ouvertes ! Veuillez nommer dès aujourd'hui un élève méritant qui entreprend l'un des cinq parcours postsecondaires suivants :

• Apprentissage,
• Collège,
• Intégration communautaire,
• Université,
• Monde du travail. 

Vous pouvez trouver les détails dans le formulaire de candidature. 

Le lien est disponible à partir du site web de l'OSCA/ACOSO et vous pouvez accéder au formulaire de candidature via celui-ci. Les candidatures se clôtureront le 6 mai 2024, alors nommez un élève dès aujourd'hui !

New Webinar Opportunity - Wednesday, May 1 at 10:00 AM
Trauma-Informed Practice: How to Understand the 
Impacts of Trauma on Student Behaviour

Do you know how childhood trauma or attachment disruptions can affect the students in your school community? Often, problem behaviour can be linked to a history of childhood trauma, affecting a student’s ability to have healthy social relationships, pay attention in school, or have any interest in planning for the future. This session led by Kristen Gionfriddo, MSW, RSW, Training Manager for the George Hull Centre Institute of Childhood Trauma and Attachment, will lead this 60-minute webinar on the impact of trauma on student behaviour, and offer strategies to guidance educators on how to best support students who may be dealing with childhood trauma. 

Trauma affects the development of children’s brains and nervous systems. While it equips children to survive, it doesn’t equip them to thrive in the classroom. A persistent lack of safety or sense of belonging changes our brains and nervous systems in ways that make it difficult to access relationships and the most education has to offer. A trauma-Informed approach is essential for supporting these students and can help us understand all children better. We hope you will consider joining us for this very important session. Register Here!

As a guidance educator, you are at the centre of your school. Sometimes behaviour you see can be concerning and can be linked to childhood trauma or attachment disruptions. This can look like a student who can’t pay attention in school, has no interest in planning for the future, or shows concerning sexual behaviour.

The Institute of Childhood Trauma and Attachment at the George Hull Centre for Children and Youth offers trauma-informed training to help child and youth-serving professionals. In May we are offering a workshop on sexual development that will help you understand what is developmentally appropriate, what to ask students and their families, and help you understand the influence of culture and media on "acceptable” behaviour. Find out more about Sexual Development 101 training. Or, find out more about the Institute of Childhood Trauma & Attachment.

Friday, May 10, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us on campus to learn about what's new and exciting at TMU! Attendees will have the chance to connect with other education professionals and engage in meaningful networking opportunities during a catered lunch. Don't miss this chance to deepen your understanding of resources available to our student community.

Registration is now available for the spring 2024 virtual Guidance Dialogue on April 16, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

New this year: The spring event will be delivered in presentation format. During the presentation, we will provide important updates and information for guidance counsellors, including updates from the OUAC, about university admissions and on general recruitment activities.

Registration is required. This event is for guidance counsellors only. Please do not share the registration link with your students.

Please send all event inquiries to: onunirecruitment@gmail.com.

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L’inscription à la séance virtuelle des Dialogues du printemps 2024 – laquelle est prévue le 16 avril 2024 de 9 h 30 à 11 h 30 – est maintenant accessible.

Nouveau cette année : L’événement du printemps sera livré en format de présentation. Durant l’événement, nous fournirons des mises-à-jour et de l’information dont les conseillères et conseillers en orientation pourront tirer profit, y compris une mise à jour de l’OUAC, sur les admissions aux universités et sur les activités de recrutement.

L’inscription est obligatoire. Cet événement s’adresse uniquement aux conseillères et conseillers en orientation. Prière de ne pas partager le lien vers le site d’inscription avec vos élèves.

Prière d’envoyer vos questions relativement à l’événement, à l’adresse : onunirecruitment@gmail.com.

 

Join us for updates from our admissions team, as well as a discussion about what’s new at Waterloo and how you and your students can connect with us. Plus, participate in an optional tour of our Architecture campus.  

Wednesday, May 1

9-11:30 a.m.

Waterloo Architecture campus, Cambridge

For details and to register, visit uwaterloo.ca/future-students/counsellors/breakfast.

Are you a young adult who is feeling uncertain or indecisive about your next steps after high school? Are you interested in taking a purposeful gap year to develop new skills, gain work experience, travel, and learn more about yourself and your passions?

If you fit this description (or if you know someone who does!), we would love to meet you at our upcoming Spring Open House!

Ontario’s universities are excited to host a collection of in-person and virtual events this spring and fall, where students can speak directly with university and student representatives.

These events are free and anyone may attend. Please make a note of the following events and dates and consider posting them on your school website.

Virtual Information Sessions

• May 22, 5-7 pm (ET)
• September 25, 5-7 pm (ET)
• November 21, 5-7 pm (ET)

Each virtual event gives students the opportunity to learn about the universities of their choice and ask questions.

New this spring: Ontario’s universities will host an Information Sessions virtual event geared towards Grade 11 students looking to explore their university options ahead of Grade 12. Encourage your students to sign up for this event now.

Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF)

• October 5-6, 2024, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, daily – Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building

The OUF is one of the largest educational fairs in North America. This event allows students to gather information and chat one-on-one with representatives from Ontario’s universities.

Note: There are no university presentations at OUF 2024. If students are looking for a similar experience, we encourage them to attend the virtual Information Sessions.

Ontario Universities’ Regional Fairs

• Northeastern and Northwestern Ontario: September 16–20
• Ottawa and Eastern Regions: September 23–27
• Southwestern Ontario: October 7–11
• Central Eastern Ontario: October 15–18 

Individual event dates and locations are TBD.

Ontario’s university representatives are coming to a city near you as they travel across the province for this year’s Regional Fairs. These events are fair style and offer an opportunity to speak directly with university representatives.  

Visit our website to find out more about these events.
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Événements des universités de l’Ontario – Retenez les dates!

Les universités de l’Ontario sont très heureuses de présenter une collection d’événements virtuels et sur place, au printemps et à l’automne, où les élèves peuvent échanger directement avec des représentantes et représentants des universités et des étudiantes et étudiants. 

Ces événements sont gratuits et tout le monde peut s’y joindre. Veuillez prendre note de ces événements et de leurs dates. Vous pourriez également les afficher dans le site Web de votre établissement.

Séances d’information virtuelles

• 22 mai, de 17 h à 19 h (HE)
• 25 septembre, de 17 h à 19 h (HE)
• 21 novembre, de 17 h à 19 h (HE)

Chaque événement offre aux étudiantes et aux étudiants l’occasion d’apprendre davantage sur les universités qui les intéressent et poser des questions.

Nouveau ce printemps : Les universités de l’Ontario présenteront un événement virtuel des Séances d’information s’adressant aux élèves de 11e année qui souhaitent explorer leurs options d’études universitaires avant d’entamer leur 12e année. Prière d’encourager vos élèves à s’inscrire dès maintenant à cet événement.

Foire des universités de l’Ontario (FUO)

• 5-6 octobre 2024, de 9 h 30 à 17 h, tous les jours
  Palais des congrès du Toronto métropolitain, Édifice Sud

La FUO est l’une des plus grandes foires éducationnelles de l’Amérique du Nord. Cet événement vous permettez de recueillir des renseignements et discuter en personne avec des représentantes et représentants des universités de l’Ontario.

Nota : La FUO de 2024 ne comprend pas de présentations universitaires. Pour vivre une expérience comparable, nous encourageons aux élèves à prendre part aux Séances d’information virtuelles.

Foires régionales des universités de l’Ontario

• Nord-Est et Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario : 16-20 septembre 16 – 20 septembre
• Régions d’Ottawa et de l’Est : 23 – 27 septembre
• Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario : 7 – 11 octobre
• Centre-Est de l’Ontario : 15 – 18 octobre
   

Dates et lieux pour chaque événement à déterminer.

Les représentantes et représentants des universités de l’Ontario arrivent dans une ville près de chez vous lorsqu’elles et ils se déplacent à la grandeur de la province pour les Foires régionales. Ces événements – de type « foire » – vous fournissent l’occasion de parler directement avec des représentantes et représentants des universités.

Nota : Le Programme d’information sur les études postsecondaires pour Autochtones (PIEPA) prendra part à la FUO et aux Séances d’information virtuelles; il permet aux élèves de nouer des liens avec des recruteuses et recruteurs autochtones et découvrir les opportunités qui s’offrent à elles et à eux.

Prière de consulter notre site Web pour en savoir davantage au sujet de ces événements.

The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation and Cullen Family Scholarship program has over $60,000 in funding available to Ontario landscape and horticulture students. Apply or nominate a student before the June 30 deadline.
Learn More...

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As the weather gets warmer, campus tours and open houses are spring-ing into action! This is the time of year when colleges fling open their doors and invite visitors to experience everything they have to offer.

There’s no better way to imagine yourself at college than by exploring a campus firsthand. You’re not going to want to miss this opportunity!

Northern Region

Northern College - Timmins
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northern-region-dialogues-northern-college-registration-836016526937?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eastern Region

Loyalist College - Belleville
Thursday, April 25, 2024
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/eastern-region-college-dialogues-2024-tickets-827265843407?aff=oddtdtcreator

Western Region

Niagara College - Niagara on the Lake Campus
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/western-region-college-dialogues-niagara-college-registration-815548867617?aff=oddtdtcreator

Central Region

Humber College - North Campus (BCTI Building)
Thursday, May 2, 2024
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/central-region-dialogue- humber-tickets-807176696227

OCAS Landing Page for Ontario College Dialogues https://www.ocas.ca/resources/college-dialogues

The report "Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector" shares the groundbreaking results of a CERIC-funded project to investigate the full scope of the people and systems providing career services and supports to Canadians. Produced by Challenge Factory in partnership with the Canadian Career Development Foundation, the study identifies who does career development work in Canada and where.

We are pleased to share that we are collaborating with Skills Ontario this year to bring a Trades Conference for Guidance Educators in support of Experiential Professional Learning in the Skilled Trades for Guidance Counsellors to the 2024 Skills Ontario Competition event. Last year, over 450 guidance educators attended and learned about the skilled trades and this year we have the capacity for double that number!

 
Just a reminder that a total of $3M in funding has been provided to all school boards for guidance teacher-counsellors to participate in experiences to learn about the skilled trades so that they may become more confident in their understanding of the trades and the apprenticeship pathway.  This funding can be used to support conference registration and transportation for counsellors. Please share this information and attachments with guidance staff.

What: Skills Ontario Trades Conference for Guidance Educators

When: Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Where: Toronto Congress Centre

Cost: $250

Registration Link: Skills Ontario: Skilled Trades Conference for Guidance Educators - Skills Ontario

Much of Canada’s career development field is not visible or known to Canadians and policymakers. Without a comprehensive evidence base that identifies who does the important work of career development across the country, several challenges will continue to hinder the advancement of the field. In light of this, CERIC funded Challenge Factory to undertake a research project to identify the size and membership of Canada’s career development sector. In a first-of-its-kind evidence base, the report Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector reveals the full scope of the people and systems providing career services to Canadians. In this informative webinar, Challenge Factory will share key findings from the project and provide an update on the response the work has received since its launch.

In the ever-evolving landscape of career education, a powerful yet often underutilized tool is the strategic incorporation of rubrics. Traditionally seen as assessment tools for instructors, rubrics can also serve as effective guides for learners before an assignment or event. By focusing on the key components of job search skills, rubrics become valuable instruments in preparing students and alumni for the competitive job market. This high-impact approach creates authentic assessment and experiential learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.

In 2022, I developed a Resume Review Checklist and Rubric for a rapid resume review event. This versatile tool has evolved to serve multiple purposes in career education, aiding students and alumni in evaluating the core elements of an entry-level professional resume and identifying areas for improvement.

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Dear OSCA/ACOSO Community,

I am Charmaine D'Souza and delighted to serve on the Board of Directors - Professional Development for OSCA/ACOSO. I have had the pleasure of connecting with my fellow board members throughout this year, and am excited to learn and share more ideas to help serve you as we all continue supporting our students.

I am a Guidance Counsellor at St. Patrick C.S.S. through the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I care deeply about my school community and am committed to provide a mission and vision for our staff and students that is rooted in academic success. Similar to all of you, it is truly a thrill to see students as they grow and develop, find their passion, strive for greatness and kindness, and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they walk the stage at graduation. 

Although I serve as Guidance Counsellor in my community, I also lead many school initiatives such as serving as the Musical Director of our school's musicals, overseeing the Camp Olympia Leadership team, and supporting our Student Ambassador Team. I miss not being in the classroom every day, as I love to witness my students' growth first hand, however, fulfilling extracurriculars that I believe in strongly helps me to see my students thrive outside my office, where oftentimes they solely share their struggles. 

In addition to my involvement in my school community, I have been a classroom/private teacher in the areas of: English, Spec Ed., ESL, Social Sciences, Drama, Music, History, and many more. I have also started new initiatives in my Guidance Department, including a transitional series for Grade 12 Graduating students called: Next Step Prep, a Grade 10 Pathway Night in collaboration with colleges and universities, an elementary transition day called: Take Your Student to High School, Summer Transition workshops geared to help incoming Grade 9 students as they prepare for their course planning, school-based welcome packages for newcomer and International students, and course selection videos to help students and staff in future planning for post-secondary decision-making. I believe strongly in a school community that fosters a student's growth through beliefs and practices rooted in faith and equity, allowing all students to find their calling and feel a sense of belonging; St. Patrick continues to be that community for me, my students, their families, and the staff. 

I look forward to serving you, and collaborating on new ideas to help all our students find their academic success and feel that sense of accomplishment. Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of us as your board members!
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Chère communauté OSCA/ACOSO,

Mon nom est Charmaine D’Souza et je suis ravie de siéger au conseil d’administration de l’OSCA/ACOSO en tant que membre du comité de perfectionnement professionnel. J’ai eu la chance de tisser des liens avec mes collègues du conseil au cours de cette année et j’ai hâte d’apprendre et de partager plus de suggestions pour vous appuyer alors que nous continuons tous à soutenir nos élèves.

Je suis conseillère en orientation à St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School (école secondaire catholique St-Patrick) au sein du Toronto Catholic District School Board (Conseil scolaire catholique du district de Toronto). Je tiens ma communauté scolaire à cœur et je m’engage à fournir à notre personnel et à nos élèves une mission et une vision axées sur la réussite scolaire. Comme vous tous, je trouve que c’est un vrai plaisir de voir les élèves alors qu’ils grandissent, se développent, découvrent leur passion, visent l’excellence, pratiquent la gentillesse et éprouvent un sentiment de fierté et de réussite lorsqu’ils montent sur scène à la remise de diplômes.

Bien que je travaille comme conseillère en orientation dans ma communauté, je dirige également de nombreuses initiatives scolaires, notamment en tant que directrice musicale des comédies musicales de notre école et surveillante de l’équipe de leadership du Camp Olympia. Je soutiens aussi notre équipe d’élèves ambassadeurs. La salle de classe me manque parce que j’aime témoigner la croissance de mes élèves de près. Toutefois, ma participation aux activités parascolaires dans lesquelles je crois fermement me permet de voir mes élèves s’épanouir en dehors de mon bureau – un lieu où ils partagent souvent que leurs difficultés.

En plus de mon engagement dans ma communauté scolaire, j’ai été enseignante en salle de classe et de façon privée dans les domaines suivants : anglais, enfance en difficulté, anglais langue seconde, sciences sociales, art dramatique, musique, histoire et plus. J’ai également lancé de nouvelles initiatives dans mon service d’orientation, y compris : une série pour la transition des élèves finissants de la 12e année intitulée Next Step Prep, une soirée pour le parcours des élèves de la 10e année en collaboration avec des collèges et universités, une journée pour la transition élémentaire intitulée Take Your Student to High School, des ateliers de transition pendant l’été visant à aider les nouveaux élèves de la 9e année avec leur choix de cours, des trousses d’accueil pour les nouveaux arrivants et les élèves internationaux ainsi que des vidéos de choix de cours pour aider les élèves et le personnel avec la prise de décision concernant la planification postsecondaire. Je crois fermement en une communauté scolaire qui favorise la croissance des élèves grâce à des croyances et des pratiques ancrées dans la foi et l’équité, leur permettant tous de découvrir leur vocation ainsi qu’un sentiment d’appartenance. St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School représente pour moi, mes élèves, leurs familles et le personnel cette communauté indispensable.

J’ai hâte de vous servir et de collaborer afin d’aider tous nos élèves à réussir académiquement et éprouver un sens d’accomplissement. N’hésitez surtout pas à communiquer avec l’un d’entre nous en tant que membres du conseil d’administration !