Thank you to all who participated in “Leadership Starts Here—Empowering Leaders, Inspiring Change.”
Your enthusiasm, collaboration, and leadership made the 2025 conference a resounding success!

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Award Winners

 

Congratulations to our many door prize winners who took home keynote books and fantastic sponsor/exhibitor swag.

A special congratulations to our Grand Prize Winners:

• Chop House Gift Card – Tara Kahnert (LDCSB)
• Hilton One Night Stay and Breakfast for Two – Tina Blier (CSC MonAvenir)
• Hilton Honor Points—Crystal Vanderveen (Independent School)
• 2026 OSCA/ACOSO Conference Registration One-Night Hotel Stay—Shannon Coombs (LDCSB)

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Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

The University of Niagara Falls Canada
Cambrian College
Naylor Publications

Gold Sponsors

Merit Ontario
George Brown College
University of Guelph-Humber
 

Silver Sponsors

       

Sheridan College
Medix College and North American Trade Schools
Ontario Virtual School
Collège Boréal
King’s at Western University
Carleton University
International Business University
OCAS
ONCAT
OnDeck Marketing
 

Bronze Sponsors

Centennial College
Metalworks Institute Inc. and Wilfrid Laurier University
CPA Ontario
Tyndale University
Sault College
University of Waterloo
University of Manitoba
Toronto Metropolitan University
myBlueprint
HIEC
Laurentian University
University of Toronto
Western Atlantic School of Medicine
Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security
Fosterway

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Exhibitors

Military Family Services National Education Team—HiMark Occupational Skills Training Centre Ltd. – OACETT – Edge Factor – Esri Canada – Points for Schools – Métis Nation of Ontario – Royal Military College of Canada – Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) – University of Windsor – Lakehead University – Georgian College – Humber Polytechnic – Discover Year – Canadian Parents for French – Responsible Gambling Council – Saint Mary's University – CERIC – Université de l’Ontario français – Project Learning Tree Canada – Michener Institute – Skills Ontario – The Empowerment Project – Mohawk College – Let’s Talk Science – Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians – The Brampton Flight Centre – Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre – edvolving – EQAO – YMCA of Greater Toronto – Lang Leadership Lab – University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus) – Girls E Mentorship – OYAP Recruiters Provincial Affiliation

 

SAVE THE DATE...NEW OSCA WEBINAR! 

Tuesday, December 16th @ 1:00 PM
Cultivating Supportive Relationships with 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth 

Identity and mental health are inextricably linked. By examining practices of allyship, identity-affirming spaces, and navigating school climate and culture, school staff can cultivate supportive spaces and relationships with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Through this 60-minute workshop presented by School Mental Health Ontario, participants will explore how to specifically support queer youth through the Guidance-educator role. We will focus on exploring evidence-based protective factors and strengths-based strategies through practical resources and guidance in supporting the mental health and well-being of 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth. Enhance your Guidance-educator toolkit by registering for this workshop today. Register Here!

⭐ Join OSCA/ACOSO’s Winter AQ Courses — Part 1, Part 2, and Specialist — Guidance and Career Education

📅 January 12th – March 6th
Registration Deadline : January 6th

Ready to elevate your impact in student support and career guidance ? Our Additional Qualification (AQ) courses are designed for educators who want to lead with empathie, expertise, and real-world insight.

Why Choose OSCA/ACOSO?

🧠Expertise You Can Trust: We’re leaders in the field of guidance and career education.
🧑🏫 Front-Line Instruction : Learn from an experienced Guidance Teacher-Counsellor actively working in schools.
🤝Authentic Peer Learning : short, live sessions foster meaningful discussion and shared experiences.
Whether you're starting your journey or advancing to the Specialist level, our AQ courses offer the depth, flexibility, and relevance you need.

Spots are limited – secure yours today ! OSCA ACOSO AQ Course Registration

What our students are saying…
“This AQ Part 1 course is my favorite AQ course so far. The live classes with role-playing set this course apart; my co-workers who have done this course did not have an opportunity to do this in their virtual courses. Angela has been an amazing instructor—her kindness, calmness, and clarity are conveyed in her lessons and messages and reminds me of how an experienced guidance teacher/counselor should be like. Thank you for a great course ! I am looking forward to taking part 2 soon.”

“Angela is an excellent teacher. She is very knowledgeable and adapts to the group. It is my second time taking a class with her. I find her content relevant and interesting. She is very respectful of our own knowledge and time, making her Live Classes exactly 1 hour so it is easy to plan around, and the discussions were enriching.” 
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⭐Inscrivez-vous aux cours QA d’hiver offerts par l’OSCA/ACOSO – Partie 1, partie 2 et spécialiste – Orientation et formation au cheminement de carrière   

📅 12 janvier – 6 mars
Date limite pour l’inscription : 6 janvier

Êtes-vous prêts à renforcer votre impact en matière de soutien aux élèves et en orientation de carrière ? Nos cours de qualifications additionnelles (QA) sont conçus pour les éducateurs qui souhaitent diriger avec empathie, expertise et une perspective pratique et réaliste.

Pourquoi choisir l’OSCA/ACOSO ?

🧠Une expertise fiable : Nous sommes leaders dans le domaine de l’orientation et de la formation au cheminement de carrière.
🧑🏫Instruction de première ligne : Apprenez auprès d’un(e) enseignant(e)-conseiller(ère) en orientation chevronné(e) qui travaille activement en milieu scolaire.
🤝Un véritable apprentissage collaboratif : Séances courtes et en direct qui favorisent des discussions enrichissantes et le partage d’expériences.
Peu importe si vous débutez votre parcours ou si vous visez le niveau spécialiste, nos cours QA offrent la profondeur, la flexibilité et la pertinence dont vous avez besoin.

Les places sont limitées – réservez la vôtre dès aujourd’hui ! Inscription cours QA OSCA ACOSO

Ce que nos élèves disent…
« Ce cours QA partie 1 est jusqu’à présent mon cours QA préféré. Les cours en direct avec des jeux de rôle distinguent vraiment cette formation. Mes collègues qui ont suivi ce cours en mode virtuel n’ont pas eu l’occasion de vivre cette même expérience. Angela a été une formatrice exceptionnelle – sa gentillesse, son calme et sa clarté sont évidents dans ses leçons et ses messages. Elle incarne l’enseignant(e)-conseiller(ère) idéal(e). Merci pour ce super cours! J’ai hâte de bientôt suivre la partie 2. » [traduction libre]

« Angela est une excellente enseignante. Elle est très compétente et s’adapte au groupe. C’est la deuxième fois que je suis un cours avec elle. Je trouve son contenu pertinent et intéressant. Elle respecte beaucoup nos connaissances et notre temps, assurant que les cours en direct durent exactement une heure, ce qui facilite la planification, et les discussions étaient enrichissantes. »

The University of Guelph-Humber is focused on career readiness, blending both theoretical and
practical experience in a university setting. Located in Toronto, U of GH is a supportive
community of 4,500 students and offers seven academic programs—Business Administration,
Early Childhood Studies, Justice Studies, Kinesiology, Media & Communication Studies,
Psychology and Social Services & Well-Being Studies. With an average class size of 46, students
have access to instructors and an intimate learning environment.

Visit with a class

Join us on Dec 3, 2025, with your Grade 10/11 students for our Reach Ahead event on
campus. Your class will attend an engaging, instructor-led session (exposing students to one of
our academic programs), participate in hands-on learning labs, tour campus, and enjoy a pizza
lunch.

• Choose a program session
• Runs 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Qualifies as an SHSM Reach Ahead Experience or field trip programming for related high
  school curriculum
• $10.00 (including HST) per student participant; educators attend for free
• Price includes all learning materials, a swag bag, and lunch.

Email shsm@guelphhumber.ca to register by the end of the day on Nov. 26.

We’ll come to you!
Contact Ryley Liddle, Student Recruitment Coordinator, at liaison@guelphhumber.ca to arrange a
school visit.

 

OCAS is excited to announce the launch of the new Ontario Colleges website and brand — built with input from guidance counsellors, applicants, and college partners across the province.

The redesigned site offers a more intuitive and engaging experience for your students as they explore programs and apply to college. With improved navigation, an updated brand, and fresh content, the new site makes it easier than ever to discover all that Ontario’s colleges have to offer. The name and brand have evolved from ontariocolleges.ca to simply Ontario Colleges – reflecting a more connected experience that extends beyond a website.

Highlights include:

• News, events, and blogs highlighting college stories, programs, and partnerships across the college system
• A “Resources for” section tailored to unique applicant groups—including Indigenous applicants, military-connected learners, parents/guardians, and newcomers to Canada
• An improved financial aid section and greatly expanded awards, bursaries, and scholarships information.

Explore the new site today and see how it’s designed to better support you and your students at every step of the college application journey.

Please note: The application remains unchanged.

50 students across Canada will receive a full-tuition, year-long mentorship (value $7,000) with award-winning medical students and physicians.

Details: 

Do you know a Grade 11 student who has the aptitude and compassion to be a doctor? The Future MD Award, offered by PreMedSKL, provides 50 students across Canada with full tuition (valued at $7,000) for a 1-year mentorship and enrichment program led by award-winning medical students, residents, and physicians.

Founded by Dr. Sanjay Sharma, an internationally recognized eye surgeon and professor at Queen’s University, PreMedSKL helps students:

Learn to think like a doctor through virtual rotations in specialties such as cardiology and emergency medicine
Develop empathy through ethical simulations
Gain research insight from clinician-scientists
Each Canadian high school may nominate one outstanding Grade 11 student.

Nominations are now open and close on December 1st, 2025. Submit a nomination or learn more at www.premedskl.com/awards.

PS. While all of PreMedSKL's medical students and resident mentors are affiliated with Canadian Universities and medical schools, and Dr. Sharma is a professor of ophthalmology at Queen's University, the Future MD Award is not associated with any university and in no way confers or implies acceptance into any Canadian University program.

The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) is proud to announce the second year of the Future Veterinarian Bursaries, created to support equity-deserving high school students pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

These bursaries are intended to help remove financial barriers that have historically limited diversity in the profession—a need identified through OVMA’s own research. OVMA hopes to encourage and empower a more diverse generation of future veterinarians by offering financial support at a pivotal stage in their education.

Carleton Program Spotlight Events
Join us throughout November to learn about Humanities, Business, Health and Technology, Public and Global Affairs, Music, and Cognitive Science, Neuroscience and Psychology. Carleton Spotlight Events give you the chance to explore your program of choice, connect with professors, and learn what it’s like to be a student at Carleton.  

Faculty of Public and Global Affairs Showcase
Join us on campus on Saturday, November 8, as the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs showcases their exciting and innovative programs! You will get a chance to find your perfect program, connect with current students, and talk to professors.

Faculty of Engineering and Design Showcase
Spend the day at Carleton on Saturday, November 15, for a look into our Engineering and Design programs. Professors will provide live lab demonstrations, showcase fourth-year projects, and offer sample lectures. Current students will be present to discuss how they have made the most of our vibrant community—inside and outside the classroom.

Grade 12 Family Information Evening
Join us online or in person on Tuesday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET for Carleton's Grade 12 Family Information Evening. Learn about admissions, scholarships and bursaries, co-operative education, residence, and the Carleton student experience. Hear from students who have found their passion at Carleton. 

Discover Carleton's campus
Take a tour of Carleton in November. Visit Carleton classrooms, lecture halls, and student service areas. Discover all the resources available to Carleton Ravens. Visit our website for dates, times, more information, and to register.

Fosterway is a revolutionary way for students to discover their best-fit path. Our platform brings together information about universities, colleges, and private post-secondary schools
across Canada, giving you a complete view of your post-secondary options in one place. Instantly check student eligibility at over 6,500 programs, explore opportunities that match your passions, and find the right path forward with clarity and confidence. Best of all, Fosterway is completely free.

Everything you need to guide their future
You no longer need to sift through multiple publications and websites to discover which school has the programs best suited for your students. The Fosterway platform has structured all of the relevant data along with easy-to-use search tools, including an AI chat advisor, to help students tailor their path based on a variety of criteria.

Filter through your entire student population to see trends and discover what your students are interested in studying. Discover events aligned with their favourite schools and programs.

Students can create a FREE account at students.fosterway.com

Guidance Counselors can request a FREE account with additional features & functionality at
www.fosterway.com/guidance

CERIC has launched the Career Myth Buster quiz—an engaging, evidence-based tool designed to help high school students—and those who support them—challenge common misconceptions about career planning. Developed in collaboration with Vox Pop Labs and myBlueprint, the quiz helps students see that careers are lifelong journeys, not one-time decisions, while normalizing uncertainty and building confidence to explore multiple pathways.

The quiz can be used in career classrooms as a discussion starter, in guidance sessions to uncover student beliefs, or at home with parents and caregivers to promote supportive conversations about the future. Each result encourages reflection and connects students with new perspectives to guide their next steps.

Take and share the quiz at https://www.careermythbuster.ca

Help your students explore rewarding and hands-on careers in the skilled trades with Merit
Ontario. Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with paid, practical experience, giving
students the opportunity to learn valuable skills while building a stable and successful career.
Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), students can start gaining
experience in high-demand trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical while still in high
school.

Apprenticeships open doors to meaningful, well-paying careers that are essential to Ontario’s
future. Encourage your students to take the first step toward a bright and rewarding future in the
trades.

As Canada’s young people continue to struggle with a challenging labour market, the federal government has outlined its plans to address a crisis that has produced some of the highest youth unemployment rates in more than a decade.

The plan focuses on work placement and summer job creation for students, and more investments in skills training programs that the federal government says it expects will make it easier for young people to find work, including in the trades and climate-related sectors.

"To the youth, this budget was made for you," said Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne during a speech on Tuesday before he tabled the budget in the House of Commons.

At a time when today’s youth are facing an uncertain economic landscape, climate anxiety, and a growing mental health crisis, it is more important than ever to work to instill a sense of hope for their future. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be a powerful framework for incorporating hope and purpose into career conversations with students as a coach, educator, or supervisor.

We value your insights! 🌟 As a Guidance Teacher-Counsellor, your feedback plays a vital role in shaping meaningful support for students. Please take a few minutes to complete our short OSCA survey and share your experiences, ideas, and suggestions. Your voice helps us grow—thank you for being part of the conversation!