One of the goals of the B.O.S.S. Guidance Department is to prepare our students for life beyond high school. To accomplish this we provide a wide range of support, information, guidance, and referrals that are tailored and specific to each student and their academic year. For example, during the fall, much of the work we do with grade 12 students is focused on the preparation and completion of college and university applications; with grade 10 students we concentrate on informing them about career realities and pathway choices.
We are available to support Bur Oak students with any academic, social, or emotional concerns they may have. The guidance office is open all day and is located beside the main office; students are welcome to come in at any time to make an appointment with a counselor. We are always happy to help - helping our students is our number one priority.
Meet your Guidance Department
| Counsellor | Specialty | Dedicated to | Phone extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| G. Andersen | Special Education Grade 10 and 12, Dual Credits | Last name A-Chen | 1191 |
| M. Vittore | Returning Visa students Grade 10 and 12 | Last names Cheng to Ki | 1192 |
| R. MacSween | Special Education Grades 9 and 11, Returning Visa students Grades 9 and 11 | Last names Ko to Mak | 1194 |
| J. Wong | New Visa students | Last names Mal to Sum | 1195 |
| K. Doganoglu | Department Head, e-learning courses | Last names Sun to Z | 1193 |
| P. Pileggi | Administrative Assistant | 1003 |
How to book an appointment
- Students must select a time that you will be available
- Be sure to be logged into your YRDSB Gapps Account to make your booking
- Appointments will take place in the Guidance Office for our students - but can be by phone for parents/guardians.
- Be sure not to write anything in the description box. We respect your privacy and this information could be visible to others.
- Click the Appointment Link for the appropriate counsellor for your assigned group.
- Please ensure you are prepared to attend your scheduled meetings.
Appointment Calendars:
Contact the guidance counsellor directly to arrange for a date and time for an appointment.
What we do
Our guidance department serves the school community in a variety of ways:
- Supports students in academic planning and course selection.
- Helps students to seek out special pathways programs in secondary school that support their learning styles, interests and needs.
- Helps individual students to envision a plan for post-secondary and target some short and long term goals.
- Provides information around all post-secondary pathways (workplace, college, apprenticeship, university) and career pathways.
- Supports students in establishing effective study habits and exam preparation.
- Coaches in the scholarship application process.
- Supports students in such life skills as decision-making, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, stress and time management and relationship awareness.
- Provides personal counselling and referrals to community resources.
- Provides crisis counselling and referrals to community resources.
Experience secondary school.
Explore My Options
There are many opportunities beyond the regular classroom to explore your education and career choices. Your first step in trying a new opportunity is being aware of those options.
- Secondary School Programs. There are many different programs available in secondary school that let you explore your interests and build your skills and experience. Learn more about secondary school programs. Know what interests you? Search for programs by sector.
- Alternate Ways of Learning. There are many different ways to access learning beyond the regular school day and classroom. This includes summer learning programs, night school, adult learning and more. Learn more about our continuing education programs.
- Opportunities Outside of School. How you choose to use your time outside of school can also have an effect on your personal growth and future planning. There are many possible ways to explore your initial post-secondary destination outside of school. Learn more about opportunities outside of school.
- Post-Secondary Options. There are many post-secondary education options and opportunities available after secondary school, including apprenticeship, college, university and private career colleges. Learn more about these options and how to plan for them. earn more about post-secondary options.
- Explore Careers. There are many online resources that can help you learn more about yourself and your employability skills, and explore jobs and careers. Learn more about career options.