Choosing the right high school courses can be overwhelming for youth. Knowing what is required, the different options they have, and what they’re interested in can help alleviate some of that stress. Encourage your teen to take courses that will help them on their career path, challenge them, or are an opportunity to explore something new.
Calendars
Transition Guide To High School
Moving from elementary school to high school both an exciting and stressful time. Being prepared and informed can help make this change as smooth as possible. The guide below provides some useful information that can help elementary students and families prepare for the transition to high school.
Online Learning Resources
HWDSB continues to review many additional online resources that support families. Below is a list of resources that cover a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents. It is important to note that these online resources are not mandatory or graded and are meant for families to use as resources to support independent learning. Learn more.
Co-operative (Co-op) Education
Cooperative education extends learning beyond the classroom and allows high school students to earn credits while completing a work placement. Students gain valuable hands-on experience and are able to explore the world of work through a variety of career options available to them. It is an excellent opportunity to clarify career goals, develop skills desirable by employers, and enhance their résumé/portfolio.
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a specialized program within co-operative education. It is a school-to-work program where students can become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified in a skilled trade, while completing their secondary school diplomas. Students can contact their co-op teacher or guidance counsellor for more information.
Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM)
Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) program allows students to focus on a particular career sector and complete specialized training/certifications important to careers in that sector. High schools vary in the focus of their SHSM programs. Students can contact their guidance counsellor to see what their high school has to offer.
The Native Youth With Education Hamilton (NYA WEH)
- They are dedicated to the progressive development of Hamilton’s Aboriginal community through educational success. NYA WEH is responsible for providing a culturally-based educational and personal support program for Aboriginal youth in the Hamilton’s Secondary School System.
Advocating for your child’s education
- School Advocacy Hamilton’s website is to empower parents and students so that your ideas and wishes are considered in the decisions made about your child’s education.
- School Boards have a number of advisory committees that you can join, or reach out to, to ensure your voice is heard.
- NowWhat? is based in Ancaster, Ontario. They are a multi-disciplinary therapeutic clinic providing clinical, community-based & in-home services in Greater Hamilton, Halton, Brant, Niagara, Haldimand and the GTA. They are also available for remote consultation and support across North America. Their clinic specializes in wraparound family support with expertise in managing ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Emotional Regulation, Behaviour Therapy and DBT courses for all ages.
- The Hamilton Education Law Program (HELP) was a campaign run by Empowerment Squared in 2020 to empower students and families to meet challenges that one may encounter in the school system. HELP provided information and resources for navigating issues related to student discipline, special education, bullying & harassment, and the right to attend school.
People for Education provides parents with news, information and resources.
Parent Tool Kit: Teen Edition
The Council of Ontario Directors of Education has developed this Parent Tool Kit: Teen Edition to help parents support and encourage teens.
