Information for Grade 12 Students | York Region District School Board

Preparing for Graduation

Make sure you meet all of the requirements for graduation.

If you obtained a private school credit, you must meet with your guidance counsellor to discuss and complete the necessary forms.
If you are dropping a course, remember full disclosure dates (the last day to drop a grade 11 or 12 course without the mark appearing on your permanent transcript)
Meet with a counsellor if you are considering night school or day school online learning.
If you have not already completed the opt out form, and are not intending on doing two online courses, the form must be completed and handed in.
Taking an SHSM? Remember to keep track of your certifications, reach-aheads. Check with your progress by booking an appointment with your counsellor.

Planning for Post-Secondary

Do your research and explore your options. Learn more about post-secondary options and how to apply.

Graduation Awards

There will be many awards for our graduates at our Graduation Ceremony to recognize the achievement and contributions of the Grade 12 class. The recipients of these awards will be determined by a panel of teachers and school staff. As part of our selection process we invite graduating students to self-nominate for up to 3 Graduation Awards. All self-nominations must be received by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 to be considered. Please note, self-nominations are only part of the selection process. Staff nominations will also be considered.

Award Name	Award Criteria	Nominator
Director's Achievement Award	Awarded to three students who have made significant accomplishments within the school community have assisted in the planning and implementation of school events for the purpose of engaging student participation contributions to the development and/or improvement of the quality of student experience at Bur Oak have shown exceptional character and acts as a positive role model to others in the school and/or community	Students may self-nominate.
Student Trustee Award for Character	Awarded to one student in every secondary school who has exemplified the character values of the York Region District School Board and who is a role model to their peers.	Students may self-nominate.
Ontario Principals’ Council Award for Student Leadership	Awarded to one student who displays exemplary leadership and has made a specific and significant contribution to the school community has been involved in a variety of activities in student life during his or her time at Bur Oak has shown cooperation and respect for students, staff and members of the school community	Students may self-nominate.
K. Mereweather Award of Excellence	Awarded to one student who is graduating with an 80%+ average attended BOSS for a minimum of 3 years plans to pursue education in a post-secondary setting is a self-directed, responsible, and lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates his or her potential	Students may self-nominate.
Bur Oak Community Involvement Award	Awarded to one student who has completed more than 100 community involvement hours demonstrates extensive volunteering in the community and/or school shows a deep commitment to a number of community organizations or extensive leadership in a specific organization viewed as a role model who inspires others to be involved	Students may self-nominate.
Bur Oak Character Award	Awarded to two students who Demonstrate “standing up for personal beliefs and values” for the well being of others show integrity in decision making demonstrate the qualities of friendship and inclusiveness with all students in the school community (empathy)	Students may self-nominate.
Bur Oak Staff Awards	Awarded to three students who have demonstrated perseverance--student who has shown continued determination to reach his/her personal goals for success while overcoming significant transitions, personal or family challenges have demonstrated resiliency, courage and optimism have achieved acceptable grades in line with personal abilities	Students may self-nominate.
School Council Award for Leadership	Awarded to one student who demonstrates leadership in planning events and/or awareness campaigns for Bur Oak student body (clubs, teams, councils) to effect change beyond the walls of our school motivated and encouraged other students to be active and contributing members of the larger society	Students may self-nominate.
OSSTF Commencement Award	Awarded to one student who demonstrates strong and consistent learning skills shows perseverance in school and/or life possesses a desire to learn and to improve will be attending college, an apprenticeship program or entering the workplace	Students may self-nominate.
Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award	Awarded to one student who not only completed the required number of community hours to graduate, but goes above and beyond in the service to their community	Students may self-nominate.
Markham Unionville Rotary Award	Awarded to one student who Is in good academic standing Demonstrates strong community service, with an emphasis on non-school related volunteering Demonstrates leadership in sports, clubs, church or community Is continuing their post-secondary education	Students may self-nominate.
Niles Family Award	Self-identify as Black Minimum 3.0 (75%) GPA over the previous two years of study at BOSS; (11&12) A written statement (250-500 words) from the applicant outlining their academic focus and graduate academic or career goals Two letters of reference with at least one being from an academic familiar with the student's extracurricular activities at BOSS CV that outlines relevant experience and academic achievements, including extracurricular activities, coaching, community outreach, volunteer work, and civic engagement.	Students may self-nominate.
BOSS Leadership Award	This award recognizes a student leader who quietly makes a difference. The graduating student demonstrates many of the following attributes: works hard behind the scenes helps to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for others stays positive when faced with challenges inspires others to become better leaders sets example for others to follow holds themselves to the higher standard than they hold for others	Staff select (no student self-nominations required)
Alex McCombes Healthy Active Living Award	Alex was a teacher at Bur Oak S.S. for over 10 years and was instrumental in shaping and developing the Healthy Active Living course and the athletic program. Alex has always believed in the importance of an active lifestyle and would guide his students not only through his lessons but also by his individual commitment to fitness. Alex strived to get students to believe in themselves and to not measure themselves against others but to take pride and ownership of their own accomplishments. Graduating student who has shown a strong commitment and dedication to healthy active living Shown perseverance to achieve their personal best in their academic studies and athletic endeavors Exhibits an exceptional work ethic each day Treats all with kindness and respect	Staff select (no student self-nominations required)
Mohammed Family Award	Student of Caribbean descent Minimum 85% average in grade 12 courses Demonstrates good character and is a positive role model Post-secondary program in public service is preferred	Staff select (no student self-nominations required)
MacSween Family Award	Minimum 80% average in grade 12 courses Demonstrates good character and is a positive role model Post-secondary program in social work or psychology required	Staff select (no student self-nominations required)
The Jim Rueckert Citizenship Award	The "Jim Rueckert Citizenship Award" is presented annually to honour the memory of Jim Rueckert, who taught Music and Career Studies at Bur Oak SS from 2010 to 2023. His family, friends, and colleagues established this award, following his passing, to recognize a graduating student who demonstrated the traits that Mr. Rueckert lived by: generosity, kindness.	Staff select (no student self-nominations required)

Scholarships

For General Information About Ontario Scholarships, please visit OUAC's Online Site.
For General Information About Canadian Scholarships, please visit Scholarships Canada.
Scholarships and Financial Aid at Ontario Colleges - Most college websites have a section on scholarships and financial aid that is available at their college. The link to scholarships and financial aid is usually visible on the homepage or is listed in the prospective students section.
Scholarships and Financial Aid at Ontario Universities - The Ontario Universities' Application Centre eINFO website has a scholarship search tool to help you find the internal scholarships, unique to a specific university and available to first-year students. Once you have located a scholarship of interest, visit the Financial Aid section of the university's website for additional information.
Canadian and International Scholarship Programs - The Government of Canada maintains a database for Canadian students wishing to study abroad and Foreign students wishing to study in Canada.
Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) has links to a number of other non-OSAP scholarships and bursaries.
Athletic Financial Awards in Ontario - All athletic financial awards offered by Canadian universities must follow the criteria established by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), the national governing body of university sport in Canada.