Bur Oak S.S.

(905) 202-1234 bur.oak.ss@yrdsb.ca
YRDSB Board Logo YRDSB Board Logo

A Parent’s Guide to Navigating High School

Welcome to Bur Oak Secondary School.

We are here to help. Learn how to contact the Guidance Department and more about the supports we offer. 

Helpful Links:

 

Planning for the Future: Help your child "Get in the Driver's Seat"

Encourage your child to:

  • Reflect on their interests and strengths
  • Participate in volunteer, extra-curricular and/or co-op opportunities to discover what they like and don’t like
  • Begin researching post-secondary destinations via: ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca or ontariocolleges.ca. This will give them current and factual information and will help them choose their grade 11 and 12 courses
  • Visit with a guidance counsellor to discuss appropriate pathways.
  • Attend post-secondary fairs and presentations, and visit college/university campuses - it’s never too early!
  • Think creatively about their pathway. Remember, course and post-secondary pathways are changeable and flexible. 

 

Mental Health and Well-Being

We are here to help. School supports include:

  • administration
  • classroom teachers
  • Student Success teachers
  • Guidance
  • Student Support Services
  • Cooperative Education
  • Personalized Alternative Education
  • MLL Support Teacher

Way you can help:

  • Observing behaviours.
  • Being active in your child's life.
  • Ask questions and listen to your children.
  • Model wellness techniques that you use to reduce stress. Practice and encourage coping strategies at home (exercise, listening or playing music, family time, board games, cooking, etc.).
  • Celebrate all success and aspects of your child.
  • Encourage involvement in school and community.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Learn more about how you can support your child's mental health and well-being. 

 

Communication with the School

Each Teacher will have their own preferred method of communication. These may include the following: 

  • Email (firstname.lastname@yrdsb.ca)
  • Phone calls
  • Meetings
  • Google Classroom
  • Teach Assist (parent/teacher interview sign up only) 

Remember, if you are concerned, please contact your child’s teacher or guidance counsellor

Life at BOSS!

Encourage your children to get involved! 

Getting involved in clubs, teams and councils: 

  • Helps students meet new friends who have similar interests and skills
  • Helps them to explore and discover new things
  • Allows them to develop skills while doing something they enjoy
  • Provides valuable experiences that students can use on their resume, and on post-secondary and scholarship applications 

The list of clubs and councils at Bur Oak S.S. is posted on the Guidance Google Classrooms for each grade.

Hand-drawn image of bulldog face with studded collar. Underneath in yellow letters, are B.O.S.S.

Issues Affecting Graduation

  • Realistic choices
  • Don’t just think about marks
  • Make several plans
  • Manage family pressure
  • Don’t always take the easy way
  • Find a school-life balance
  • Focus on personal wellness
  • Dropping Classes (for Grade 12 students). Full-time status is three courses/semester. Remember full disclosure date.
  • Private School.
    • Students meet with your guidance counsellor to discuss and complete necessary forms.
    • Students must make sure the private school sends us marks before graduation
    • We cannot submit midterm and final marks for private school to OUAC and OCAS
    • Students are encouraged to check policies at each university/college they are applying to about if/how taking private school courses (or any courses outside of day school) will impact admissions decisions.
  • Additional YRDSB Credits
    • Meet with counsellor if considering night school or day school online learning
    • Cannot sign up for a course you already have scheduled at BOSS
  • Finding the Funds
    • Start the conversation at home.
    • Part-time/summer jobs
    • Entrance scholarships - grades count.
    • As information comes in about scholarships, Guidance will let students know via the Grade 12 Guidance classroom
  • Volunteer Hours, OSSLT and Online Learning Graduation Requirements. All students are required to complete:
    • 40 hours of Community Involvement
    • Literacy Requirement - pass the OSSLT or the OLC
    • 2 Online Learning credits OR complete Opt-out - forms available in the Guidance Office
  • Specialist High Skills Major
    • Students should check with their counsellor about their progress by booking an appointment. Remember to check GAPPS email regularly for upcoming events/certifications.
    • Students should keep track of certifications, reach aheads, etc and check to see their SHSM courses are planned for this year.

Post-Secondary Planning

Learn more about life after high school, what your options are, how to plan and how to apply.
Learn more