OSCA is pleased to announce that our Call for Workshop Proposals is now open for our Fall 2023 Conference! This is an excellent opportunity to share best practices and programs with your colleagues. We encourage Guidance Counsellors and Careers teachers to apply. See the link below for topic ideas, more information and the application - DUE: April 30.
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L’OSCA/ACOSO est heureux d’annoncer que nous acceptons maintenant les propositions d’ateliers pour la conférence annuelle d’automne 2023! Ceci est une excellente occasion de partager vos pratiques exemplaires et vos programmes avec vos collègues. Nous encourageons les conseillers en orientation et les enseignants de la formation au cheminement de carrière à soumettre une proposition. Voir le lien ci-dessous pour des idées de sujets, plus d’information et le formulaire – À REMETTRE : le 30 avril.

OSCA/ACOSO is pleased to announce our 2023 Fall Conference Keynote Speakers:

Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson

The Amazing Two Spirit Couple is on a mission to raise awareness to create equal access for LGBTQ2S & Indigenous populations. Their ability to blend their personal experiences with high-level expertise creates new foundations of understanding for the acceptance of individuals while empowering individuals to give them tools and strategies for how they can be a part of the solution through allyship and unity. In 2019, Dr Makokis competed alongside his husband Anthony Johnson as "Team Ahkameyimok" on the Amazing Race Canada and won, becoming the first two-spirit, Indigenous, married couple in the world to do so.

We've had a great response to this year's free, monthly webinar series for OSCA/ACOSO subscribers and we thank you for the interest you have shown in the topics we've offered! Your input in helping us to book future professional development for these webinars is very important to us. Please use the form linked below to indicate potential topics of interest that you would like to see in our 2023-24 OSCA Webinar Series. This form will be open until April 15.

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 18, 2023 11:59 p.m. 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 18 septembre 2023 à 23h59.

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The Marion Axford Award for Elementary Guidance

This award is presented in recognition of outstanding contribution to Elementary Guidance in Ontario.

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

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

Details can be found on the nomination form/link. 

The link is live on the OSCA website. You can access the nomination form through it. The nominations will close on May 5, 2023. Nominate a student today!

My name is Mark Abouelsaad, and I am honored to be a member of the OSCA Board of Directors. I have a long experience working with non-profit organizations to promote positive change in the community. I am a passionate educator with special interest in youth development. I am looking forward to using my experience and skills to further the mission of OSCA. I strongly believe in the OSCA’s mission of providing quality services and resources to those in need, and I am excited to be a part of this effort. 

Currently, I am a Guidance Counselor and a Biology teacher with the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. I hold a medical degree and I used to be a surgical resident. I realized that my passion for teaching and mentoring others was greater than my love for surgery which let me to pursue a career in education and teach high school science. 

Throughout my career, I have worked with students from diverse backgrounds and have seen firsthand the positive impact that education and mentorship can have on their lives. As a member of the OSCA Board of Directors, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow board members, staff, and volunteers to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. 

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Je m’appelle Mark Abouelsaad et j’ai l’honneur d’être nommé pour siéger au conseil d’administration de l’ACOSO. J’ai une longue expérience de travailler avec des organisations à but non lucratif pour promouvoir des changements positifs dans la communauté. Je suis un éducateur passionné avec un intérêt particulier concernant le développement des jeunes. J’ai hâte d’utiliser mon expérience et mes compétences pour faire avancer la mission de l’ACOSO. Je crois fermement en sa mission de fournir des services et des ressources de qualité à ceux et celles qui en ont besoin, et je suis ravi de contribuer à cet effort.

À présent, je suis un conseiller en orientation et enseignant de biologie au Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. Je suis titulaire d’un diplôme en médecine et j’étais résident en chirurgie. Je me suis rendu compte que ma passion pour l’enseignement et le mentorat était plus grande que mon amour pour la chirurgie. J’ai alors décidé de poursuivre une carrière dans l’enseignement et je suis devenu enseignant de sciences au secondaire.

Tout au long de ma carrière, j’ai travaillé avec des étudiants de diverses cultures et j’ai apprécié l’impact positif que l’éducation et le mentorat pouvaient avoir sur la vie des jeunes. En tant que membre du conseil d’administration de l’ACOSO, j’ai hâte d’avoir des opportunités et de surmonter les défis qui nous attendent. Je m’engage à travailler en collaboration avec les membres du conseil d’administration, le personnel et les bénévoles pour faire une différence positive dans la vie de ceux et celles que nous aurons l’occasion de servir.

We are excited to announce that a new OUAC project is now underway. One of our long-time goals has been to simplify the application process to undergraduate programs by combining the 101 and 105 applications into a single application.

New Programs
Go to humber.ca/newprograms to explore all new programs at Humber. 

Admissions Advising
Domestic applicants can now book a virtual advising appointment to speak to an admissions representative about their application. 

We are pleased to invite you to a free virtual Guidance Dialogue on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Event Schedule

9 am-11 am: Main Presentation and University Updates

Update from the Ontario Universitie's Application Centre (OUAC)
General update on recruitment activities
Updates from Ontario university representatives on admission and general information
11:00 am-12:30 pm: Chat with University and OUAC Representatives

You will be able to submit questions before the event. We will answer the most common questions following the university updates. More details will follow in early April.

Registration is required and will be available in early April. Please be advised that this event is for guidance counsellors only.

Visit Guidance for more information and to register (once available).

Please send all event inquiries to: onunirecruitment@gmail.com.
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Dialogues entre les conseillers et les universités de l’Ontario – Printemps 2023 – Séance virtuelle : Date à retenir

Nous sommes heureux de vous inviter à une séance virtuelle gratuite des Dialogues, le mercredi 19 avril 2023, de 9 h à 12 h 30.

Horaire de l’événement

De 9 h à 11 h : Présentation principale et mises à jour des universités

Mise à jour du Centre de demande d’admission aux universités de l’Ontario (« OUAC »)
Mise à jour générale des activités de recrutement
Mises à jour des représentant(e)s des universités de l’Ontario sur les admission et renseignements générales.
De 11 h à 12 h 30 : Clavardage avec les représentant(e)s des universités et de l’OUAC

Vous aurez l’occasion de soumettre des questions avant la tenue de l’événement. Nous répondrons aux questions les plus courantes à la suite des mises à jour des universités. De plus amples renseignements seront fournis au début avril.

Nota : L’événement se tiendra principalement en anglais seulement. Puisque certaines universités sont bilingues, les participants auront l’occasion de s’entretenir en français avec certain(e)s représentant(e)s universitaires.

L’inscription est exigée et sera disponible à compter de la mi-avril. À noter que cet événement s’adresse uniquement aux conseillères et conseillers en orientation.

Consultez Orientation pour de plus amples renseignements et pour vous inscrire (une fois disponible)

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

Save the Date: Upcoming OSCA/ACOSO Webinar!
Inspiring and Empowering Students on their 
Journey into the Skilled Trades 
Tuesday, April 18 @ 1 PM

OSCA/ACOSO is pleased to invite you to a webinar on how to utilize the power of storytelling to guide students forward in their career journey! In this webinar, Larissa Hofman, vice president of Edge Factor, will help Guidance Counsellors and Career Studies teachers learn about the extraordinary opportunities available in the trades, and will offer exciting access to Edge Factor's story-driven, modular tools that you can use to inspire students to explore career pathways, prepare for success with technical and soft skills, and connect to local training programs and companies. With the ever-increasing demand for Skilled Trades workers in Ontario, it is important for us to be aware of these careers and for students to unlock their potential in these fields. During this webinar, Larissa will share real-life stories that highlight the benefits of Skilled Trades careers, as well as provide best practices on how Edge Factor's innovative digital tools can help you to engage students and prepare them for success in the workforce. Join us for a dynamic session to unleash the power of skilled trades career pathways in your school! Register Here!

Save the Date: Upcoming OSCA/ACOSO Webinar!
Fostering Safe Spaces for 2SLGBTQIA Students  
Wednesday, April 12 @ 10 am

In this webinar facilitated by Erin Huston, Community Engagement Lead from OK2BME, we will cover 2SLGBTQIA identities and terminology, and existing challenges and barriers for 2SLGBTQIA students in school and at home. We will explore strategies and resources for increasing our capacity to provide affirming support to queer and trans youth and create safe spaces for all students. Don't miss this important session to learn more about how to support some of our more vulnerable students!

OK2BME is a program operated by KWCounselling located in the Waterloo Region, which offers programming and services built to support 2SLGBTQIA children, teens, adults, and their families across the region and beyond. This includes individual, family, and relationship counselling, group therapy, recreational youth programming, and public education. Register Here!

This webinar is designed for adult allies who are supporting youth to navigate the transition from post-secondary education to the world of work in institutions and in workplaces. It will be led by RBC Future Launch and supported by panelists from Jack.org and the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health.

Finding the right career path can be tricky. The horticulture and landscape industry offers a wide range of career opportunities. Explore them all and develop your skills through the Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Program.

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Mandatory high school graduation requirement will empower students with early exposure to technological education and skilled trades

March 10, 2023

Education

MISSISSAUGA —The Ontario government is implementing a new high school graduation requirement to help better prepare students across our province for the jobs of tomorrow. Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
"I am proud to announce another step forward to ensure all students learn the critical skills necessary to succeed and get a good paying job," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. "By requiring students to take at least one Technological Education credit in high school, we are opening up doors and creating new pathways to good jobs in STEM and the skilled trades. All students will benefit from a greater emphasis on hands-on learning experiences and technical skills in the classroom so they can graduate with a competitive advantage in this country."
Read More...
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Une condition obligatoire pour l’obtention du diplôme dotera les élèves d’un atout en leur faisant découvrir plus tôt l’éducation technologique et les métiers spécialisés

10 mars 2023

Éducation

MISSISSAUGA — Le gouvernement de l’Ontario instaure une nouvelle condition d’obtention du diplôme d’études secondaires afin de mieux préparer les élèves de toute la province aux emplois de demain. Tous les élèves, à compter de ceux qui entrent en 9e année en septembre 2024, devront obtenir un crédit parmi les cours d’éducation technologique de 9e et de 10e année pour recevoir leur Diplôme d’études secondaires de l’Ontario.
« Je suis fier d’annoncer une mesure de plus pour veiller à ce que tous les élèves acquièrent les compétences essentielles pour réussir et pour occuper des emplois bien rémunérés, a déclaré Stephen Lecce, le ministre de l’Éducation. En exigeant que les élèves obtiennent au moins un crédit d’éducation technologique à l’école secondaire, nous ouvrons des portes et nous créons de nouveaux parcours menant à de bons emplois dans les disciplines liées aux STIM et les métiers spécialisés. Tous les élèves bénéficieront de l’accent particulier porté à l’expérience d’apprentissage pratique et à l’acquisition de compétences techniques dans la salle de classe afin qu’ils puissent obtenir leur diplôme en ayant un avantage concurrentiel au pays. »
En savoir plus...

A new survey by Wiley finds that one-fourth of students said they would be more invested in their courses if they learned in a way that emulated their future careers.

Undergraduate students are struggling to stay engaged in class—and they believe that material more directly connected to real-life issues could help solve the problem.

That’s a key finding of the recent State of the Student 2022 survey by the academic publishing company Wiley, which noted that 55 percent of undergraduate and 38 percent of graduate students said they struggle to remain interested in their classes. The same proportion of undergraduates and 34 percent of graduate students also said they have trouble retaining the material they learn.

Grade 11 students can soon apprentice full-time and still earn their high-school diploma

March 08, 2023
Premier's Office
 
TORONTO — The Ontario government is preparing young people for in-demand and well-paying careers by allowing students in grade 11 to transition to a full-time, skilled trades apprenticeship program. Upon receiving their Certificate of Apprenticeship, these young workers can apply for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as mature students. At a time when the province continues to face historic labour shortages, this change means that more students will be able to enter the trades faster than ever before to help build Ontario.
Read More...
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Les élèves de 11e année pourront bientôt suivre un apprentissage à temps plein tout en obtenant leur diplôme d’études secondaires

08 mars 2023
Cabinet du premier ministre

TORONTO — Le gouvernement de l’Ontario prépare les jeunes à des carrières bien rémunérées en permettant aux élèves de 11e année de suivre un apprentissage à temps plein. Après avoir reçu leur certificat d’apprentissage, ces jeunes pourront demander leur diplôme d’études secondaires de l’Ontario à titre d’étudiants ou étudiantes adultes. À un moment où la province continue de faire face à des pénuries de main-d’œuvre historiques, ce changement permettra à un plus grand nombre d’élèves de se tourner plus rapidement que jamais vers les métiers spécialisés, afin de contribuer à bâtir l’Ontario.
« Ces changements offrent aux élèves des perspectives intéressantes pour accéder à des emplois stables bien rémunérés et à des carrières passionnantes tout en soutenant les efforts continus de notre gouvernement pour attirer davantage de jeunes vers les métiers spécialisés, a déclaré le premier ministre Doug Ford. Qu’il s’agisse d’améliorer la formation professionnelle dans nos écoles, d’éliminer les obstacles pour les nouveaux arrivants ou de perfectionner les compétences des gens, nous ne ménageons aucun effort pour former la main-d’œuvre qualifiée qui bâtira l’Ontario de demain. »
En savoir plus...

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Next session: April 3 to June 2, 2023

Registration: Now open!

• Taught virtually by a current Ontario Guidance Counsellor.
• Participants sign up for Part 1 or Part 2 or the Specialist.

For further information, please visit www.osca.ca and go to the AQ section at the top of the main webpage.

Cost: $650
No textbook

Includes a one year OSCA-ACOSO: AQ subscription, if one does not have an active subscription and one link for a copy of Ethical Guidelines.

Registration closes March 27 or sooner when session capacity is reached.

Apply early to avoid disappointment!

> Summer Session will be July 3 to July 31 with registration opening up later in the spring <