Experience Bur Oak S.S. - Welcome to Grade 9

Welcome to Bur Oak S.S. We look forward to welcoming our new Grade 9 students and families. 

Learn more about Bur Oak S.S. and what we have to offer.

We also invite you to attend our Grade 8 Open House. Check the calendar for event details. This event allows prospective parents and students the opportunity to attend an informational session (6:30 pm - 7:15 pm), then connect with the many different departments and their teachers as well as have access to student-led school tours from 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm.

We will be welcoming students to attend Take our Grade 8s to High School Day in November. Students from our feeder schools will join us to participate in transition activities and presentations. 

 

School Year and School Day


  • Two Semesters: September-January, February-June
  • Exams in the last two weeks of January and June
  • Four courses per semester, eight per year
  • School day: 8:15 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.
  • Lunch periods for Grade 9 is period 3. Grade 10 lunch is period 4. Grade 11s and 12s can have period 2, 3 or 4. 

 

Bring your own device to BOSS


Bur Oak SS is a 1:1 school where all students are required to bring their own technological device to support their learning. Students’ own chromebooks and laptops are both appropriate choices for school use.  More information will be sent to elementary schools in the spring.  For families who need support, there will be an option to borrow a school chromebook for the school year.

 

Getting Involved at BOSS


Events

Students can expect lots of great events throughout the year, including:

  • Bossilicious
  • semi-formal
  • world fest
  • bake sales
  • spirit days
  • winter assembly
  • and more!

 

Biggies Rentals 

During lunch, students can rent out volleyballs, basketballs, soccer balls, badminton rackets and frisbees from the SAC Office. 

 

Extra-Curriculars and Athletics

Learn more about how you can get involved in clubs and councils and athletics at BOSS. 

 

Guidance is here to help

Visit the Guidance Department page for information on graduation requirements, wellness supports and much more.

Planning Ahead 


  • Most courses in grade 11 and 12 have prerequisites in grade 9 and 10
  • Consider and plan for experiential learning opportunities in grades 11 and 12
    • Cooperative Education
    • Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
    • Dual Credits
    • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in business, energy, and health and wellness
    • Grade 12 Advanced Placement Calculus
  • Consider admission requirements for post-secondary opportunities (apprenticeship, college, university, workplace)
  • Preparing for school-work transition 

Visit Experience YRDSB to learn more about the opportunities available to secondary school students. Explore YRDSB pathway programs and opportunities by sector that align with your interests, strengths, and skills.

 

Choosing Courses for Grade 9


Families and students will select courses and are encouraged to seek support from elementary school teachers, guidance counselors, student success/support teachers and administrators. 

Remember that initial decisions made in grade 8 are not “final” decisions. Pathways are changeable and flexible! 

Although we do our best to schedule students into their chosen elective courses, this is not always possible. Please choose alternate courses wisely as we will use these if there is a conflict!

Learn more about how to select courses.