Summertime is here in Ontario and despite some previous predictions it is turning out to be quite hot and full of sun! I hope you're getting a chance to unwind, reconnect with family and friends, seek new adventures, and most importantly, practise some self-love. Whether it be that book you have been dying to read or a getaway to a new part of the world, the most important job you have is taking care of yourself.

This morning my summer vacation truly started. I had been teaching a summer leadership/pathway camp for two weeks and although I loved every minute of it, I eagerly awaited the "no alarm clock" day. It was a lovely morning of waking up slowly, drinking my coffee while it was hot, and starting my day on my own schedule. Those moments are sometimes my favorite. But it also gave me time to reflect on the two weeks that I had just spent with some amazing leaders of the future. The camp was full of many experiences and rich discussions about their futures, pathways, identities and leadership. Their voices, fears, triumphs and challenges were shared and comforted by their peers. Their dreams and self-explorations were highlighted and encouraged by each other. And their visions and innovations of change for the future were celebrated and admired.

I walked away the last day feeling inspired and impressed by what we all had achieved and learnt from this experience and time together. And I realized that I not only was I the teacher but I was also a student learning alongside them. It was such a rewarding way to end my year.

From time to time over the summer you may hear from me as I take breaks from my second cups of coffee or my long walks during the summer nights. Enjoy and rest well, my friends.

The conference is approaching. This year's conference is shaping up to be something you won't want to miss. A new partnership with Student Mental Health Ontario, a new location sponsored by University of Toronto Mississauga Campus, a new date and new workshops with new themes mean that there is bound to be an OSCA Nugget for everyone to take away! Look for more upcoming information on the OSCA/ACOSO Website as well as in the next edition of the OSCA Today magazine.

By Nicole Trotter, OSCA/ACOSO President and Jennifer Boston, VP, Communications/Past President

The role of the Guidance Teacher-Counsellor has been around for many years. In 1911, the first reference to "guidance" or "occupational planning" was made in a report on technical education needs in Ontario. The Superintendent of Education for Ontario at the time, Dr. John Seath, stated that boys would have made better occupational choices had they received suitable advice in their school years. Following the end of the war in 1918, the Vocational Education Act was passed in order to retrain servicemen after the war. In 1921, it was advocated that this be expanded to provide placement services in the schools, and it was supported that a high school board may appoint one or more qualified officers to offer counselling to the pupils in a school for vocational and educational advancement. This was a unique and initiating action; it stated clearly for the first time that qualified people under the direction of the board should provide vocational guidance. If one has parents that went to school in the 1950s, they will probably tell you stories of the guidance lessons they had in classrooms; primarily information on jobs and salaries was taught. Guidance and career education planning has come a long way since those early years.

Don’t miss this opportunity to start planning to study or travel abroad. Learn about university and college programs, scholarships, travel and volunteer opportunities in over 100 countries worldwide.

Visitors to the fair can learn about admission requirements, destinations, program options and available scholarships. Registration is now open for the Study and Go Abroad Fair at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, to be held on October 6, 2019.

The Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT) Foundation Play Therapy Training offers individual days of unique training in the theory and practice of play therapy. Students are able to complete the 180 hours of continuing education credits at a pace and time that they choose. The 180 hours are one of the steps needed to become a Certified Play Therapist. The program instructors are professional, skilled play therapists who bring expertise on a wide variety of topics. The remaining workshop courses will be offered in Toronto from now to August 16, 2019.

Registration for the individual days of training from the selection of 25 one- or two-day courses is open now.

The Ontario School Counsellors' Association has a longstanding tradition (over 40 years) of recognizing and awarding those who stand out in the field of Guidance and Career Education. Each year at our annual conference, OSCA recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have made a significant contribution to Guidance and Career Education in Ontario. We can say with confidence that our past award winners have helped thousands of students to find their pathways to successful futures!

OSCA's awards are an excellent way of recognizing your most dedicated peers in the following categories: 

• Curriculum and Resources
• Counsellor Professional Development
• Elementary Guidance
• Peer Helping
• Contribution to Guidance and Career Education

Consider nominating a worthy colleague today!