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.
Open House
We also invite you to attend our Open House. Check the open house 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.
Missed the open house? Explore our website to learn more about the school and visit Preparing for the Transition to High School on the Board website to learn more about what to expect in Grade 8 and how you can start preparing now.
What Can You Expect at BOSS.?
Bur Oak Secondary School is a welcoming, community‑focused school where strong relationships support student success. Staff are passionate about their subjects and work closely with students to create engaging, inclusive learning environments. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, build confidence, and excel academically, creatively and athletically in a safe and supportive setting.
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.
Lots of Opportunities to Get Involved
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.
Extracurriculars and Athletics
Learn more about how you can get involved in clubs and councils and athletics at BOSS.
Programs For All Pathways
We offer a range of courses programs that let students gain practical experience and skills while working towards their secondary school diplomas or certificates, including:
- Advanced Placement
- Dual Credits
- High Performance Athlete
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Specialist High Skills Majors in business, energy or health and wellness
- Outdoor Education
- STEAM Programming
Learn more about our departments and programs.
Guidance is here to help
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.
Planning for Secondary School
Access resources and checklists to help you start planning for secondary school, and information about opportunities and what to expect.
