Guidance Info is your page to check for information from guidance specifically for students in your grade.
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Amazing Grade 8 Night
Hi to all future eagles! Thank you for attending last Thursday evening’s grade 8 night here at St. Mary’s. It was great to see so many of you and we know you enjoyed the opportunity to tour the school and see lots of what we have to offer here.
Please click the link below to see our presentation from the evening. Also don’t forget to visit our Future Eagles webpage.
We look forward to seeing you next September and don’t forget, course selections for grade 9 are due March 1st 2023.
All the best!
Grade 8 Night Presentation December 8 2022
Grade 8 Visits
Hi Future Eagles, we are off to a great start. Today Monsignor Haller visited St. Mary’s, had an awesome tour, met Jerome the Eagle and learned about course selection for next year. We’re looking forward to seeing all of the 12 elementary schools in the coming weeks of December and January.
Upcoming visits:
St. Timothy’s – December 1
Blessed Sacrament – December 7
St. Bernadette – December 9
Our Lady of Grace – December 12
Canadian Martyrs – December 14
St. Aloysius – December 20
St. Daniel – December 22
John Sweeney – January 10
St. Anne – January 12
Saint John Paul II – January 17
St. Kateri – January 19
Don’t forget about grade 8 night, coming up December 8th 6:30-8:30 here at St. Mary’s.
Grade 8 Parent and Student Information Night
Are you in grade 8 and thinking about making St. Mary’s your high school of choice?
Come on out to Grade 8 Student and Parent Information Night – December 8, 6:30-8:30pm.
6:30 – welcome presentation in gym
7-8:30 – tour the school, learn about grade 9 courses, course selection, clubs and teams.
Grade 8 Visits Are Coming
Throughout December and January grade eight students from our associate schools (Blessed Sacrament, Canadian Martyrs, John Sweeney, Monsignor Haller, Our Lady of Grace, St. Aloysius, St. Anne, St. Bernadette, St. Daniel, St. John Paul II, St. Kateri and St. Timothy) will have a chance to visit St. Mary’s, find out more about the transition to secondary school, and tour our facilities led by senior Leadership students! Your grade eight teacher will have more information for you soon!
Future Eagles Guidance Info
Hi Future Eagles, this is your place to get updates about St. Mary’s High School. Remember to check the Future Eagles webpage as well to learn more about our school and have some of your FAQs about grade 9 and high school life answered.
Sharing our Voices – Volunteer Opportunity
Hi Eagles, volunteer opportunity here:
Sharing Our Voices_Winter 2023
Students who are interested in the program can reach out to: khaas@alzheimerww.ca directly or can register for the program through the following JotForm link: https://forms.office.com/r/LyeDBA87m6
Explore Your Future: Careers in Skilled Trades December 7, 2022 at 6:30pm via Zoom
Eagles!!! Check out the info at this link from The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region
Explore Careers in Skilled Trades
Community Service Opportuniy
Eagles!! 3 Holiday season volunteer opportunities below!! Get your hours and have some festive fun!
Schneider Haus National Historic Site location is looking for volunteers to help with Wintry Candlelit Strolls on December 10 and 17, 5:00 – 9:15 pm. This opportunity would suitable for individual students or a group. Volunteers will assist with guiding guests through the candlelit property. There will be activities, games and crafts which all need volunteers to run smoothly.
Winter Break Camp at Schneider Haus is looking for students to assist as camp leaders for children 5 -10 years of age. The camps run December 28 – January 6. Volunteers are welcome for one or multiple days. Campers will enjoy fun winter holiday crafts and outdoor snowy activities. They will make and take home festive creations, delicious baked goods and spend most of the day outdoors creating snow art and sculptures.
Doon Heritage Village site is looking for volunteers to assist with multiple holiday events in the historic village. On December 10, 5:00-9:30 pm they are looking for volunteers who will wear a costume (provided) from the 1914 time period. Volunteers will help to lead the way through the village by oil lamp light. The Lantern-Lit Strolls are a family tradition for many community members. December 16 and 17 are the annual Starry Nights. This is the opportunity to see the historic village in its full Christmas glory. The village will be fully lit by lantern light and visitors will visit the buildings to learn about Christmas in 1914. Costumed volunteers will help guide visitors and assist with activities and handing out food samples from the time period. Volunteers who would be interested in caroling in a group are also needed. No need for extraordinary musical talent, just a group of enthusiastic people who enjoy Christmas.
If you are interested please email dmoxam@regionofwaterloo.ca
Volunteer Opportunity – Waterloo Ravens
Hey Eagles…need volunteer hours? Like Hockey??
The Waterloo Ravens is hosting a tournament December 2nd to 4th – US Canada Cup (U15AA, U18AA, U22
Student Volunteers Needed – desk job duties (setting up tablets with gamesheets, handing out dressing room keys, etc.), and/or playing music at the games
If you’re interested email: Carolyn Ropp carolyn@waterlooravens.com
Eagles explore careers in skilled trades – December 7 @ 6:30pm
Check out the info at this link from The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region
Guidance appointments during school closure
Eagles, if the school is closed you are still able to book a guidance appointment as you normally would through our online booking system. During school closure, guidance appointments will still occur virtually or over the phone.
Email your guidance counsellor with any questions.
Take our Kids to Work Day Reminder
Hi Grade 9s!
Just a friendly reminder that consent forms for Take Our Kids To Work Day were due earlier this week. Please hand yours in on Monday to your period 1 teacher, if you haven’t already done so.
Take Our Kids to Work Day, Wednesday November 2nd
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 is Take Our Kids to Work Day!
Take Our Kids to Work Day is an experiential learning opportunity for Grade 9 students across Canada offering them the chance to see the world of work firsthand, explore a variety of careers and sectors, and look at what skills are important to thrive in the world of work.
Period one teachers have distributed the attached information and consent forms, which must be returned to your period one teacher.
Community Service Hours
Have you completed the 40 hours of community service that are required to graduate high school? If not, now is a good time to start thinking about them and getting the hours done.
Here are a couple of helpful links:
– Looking for volunteer opportunities? https://www.volunteerwr.ca/
– Unsure of the guidelines around community service hours? https://stmary.wcdsb.ca/student-supports/guidance/community-service/
– Need to submit your completed hours? https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/APO015-01F
Go ENG Girl – November 12th Event
Saturday, November 12, 2022
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join Conestoga College for a free event to explore the exciting world of
engineering through fun, hands-on workshops and opportunities to connect with amazing female
engineering students, faculty & professionals!
Register Online @ https://conestoga.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8uYyMYXkUGuAU3s
School of Engineering & Technology, Conestoga College
850 Fountain Street South, Cambridge
More info here:
Braiding Diversity into Justice
Braiding Diversity into Justice is an annual event first offered in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in 2018. Its goal is to connect marginalized and/or racialized young women (cis and trans) between the ages of 16 and 20 with women working in the legal sector. Gender fluid and non-binary youth are also welcome. There is a place for everyone in the legal profession regardless of socio-economic status, disability, migration, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, or religion. Find inspiration from diverse women who are successful legal/justice sector professionals.
Braiding Diversity into Justice 2023 will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The event will take place in person, at the Kitchener courthouse.
Click here for more information and to register for this event.
Youth Job Connection program
YJC Summer @ CONESTOGA CAREER CENTRE
Get paid to job search and build employment skills.
If you’re between 15 – 18 years old, in school, and want assistance finding part-time or full-time work over the summer, this program is for you!
Spaces are limited. Click here for more information, program dates, and how to register.
Sharing our Voices – Volunteer Opportunity
Hi Eagles, volunteer opportunity here:
Sharing Our Voices_Winter 2023
Students who are interested in the program can reach out to: khaas@alzheimerww.ca directly or can register for the program through the following JotForm link: https://forms.office.com/r/LyeDBA87m6
Explore Your Future: Careers in Skilled Trades December 7, 2022 at 6:30pm via Zoom
Eagles!!! Check out the info at this link from The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region
Explore Careers in Skilled Trades
Community Service Opportuniy
Eagles!! 3 Holiday season volunteer opportunities below!! Get your hours and have some festive fun!
Schneider Haus National Historic Site location is looking for volunteers to help with Wintry Candlelit Strolls on December 10 and 17, 5:00 – 9:15 pm. This opportunity would suitable for individual students or a group. Volunteers will assist with guiding guests through the candlelit property. There will be activities, games and crafts which all need volunteers to run smoothly.
Winter Break Camp at Schneider Haus is looking for students to assist as camp leaders for children 5 -10 years of age. The camps run December 28 – January 6. Volunteers are welcome for one or multiple days. Campers will enjoy fun winter holiday crafts and outdoor snowy activities. They will make and take home festive creations, delicious baked goods and spend most of the day outdoors creating snow art and sculptures.
Doon Heritage Village site is looking for volunteers to assist with multiple holiday events in the historic village. On December 10, 5:00-9:30 pm they are looking for volunteers who will wear a costume (provided) from the 1914 time period. Volunteers will help to lead the way through the village by oil lamp light. The Lantern-Lit Strolls are a family tradition for many community members. December 16 and 17 are the annual Starry Nights. This is the opportunity to see the historic village in its full Christmas glory. The village will be fully lit by lantern light and visitors will visit the buildings to learn about Christmas in 1914. Costumed volunteers will help guide visitors and assist with activities and handing out food samples from the time period. Volunteers who would be interested in caroling in a group are also needed. No need for extraordinary musical talent, just a group of enthusiastic people who enjoy Christmas.
If you are interested please email dmoxam@regionofwaterloo.ca
Volunteer Opportunity – Waterloo Ravens
Hey Eagles…need volunteer hours? Like Hockey??
The Waterloo Ravens is hosting a tournament December 2nd to 4th – US Canada Cup (U15AA, U18AA, U22
Student Volunteers Needed – desk job duties (setting up tablets with gamesheets, handing out dressing room keys, etc.), and/or playing music at the games
If you’re interested email: Carolyn Ropp carolyn@waterlooravens.com
Eagles explore careers in skilled trades – December 7 @ 6:30pm
Check out the info at this link from The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region
Guidance appointments during school closure
Eagles, if the school is closed you are still able to book a guidance appointment as you normally would through our online booking system. During school closure, guidance appointments will still occur virtually or over the phone.
Email your guidance counsellor with any questions.
Community Service Hours
Have you completed the 40 hours of community service that are required to graduate high school? If not, now is a good time to start thinking about them and getting the hours done.
Here are a couple of helpful links:
– Looking for volunteer opportunities? https://www.volunteerwr.ca/
– Unsure of the guidelines around community service hours? https://stmary.wcdsb.ca/student-supports/guidance/community-service/
– Need to submit your completed hours? https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/APO015-01F
Go ENG Girl – November 12th Event
Saturday, November 12, 2022
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join Conestoga College for a free event to explore the exciting world of
engineering through fun, hands-on workshops and opportunities to connect with amazing female
engineering students, faculty & professionals!
Register Online @ https://conestoga.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8uYyMYXkUGuAU3s
School of Engineering & Technology, Conestoga College
850 Fountain Street South, Cambridge
More info here:
Braiding Diversity into Justice
Braiding Diversity into Justice is an annual event first offered in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in 2018. Its goal is to connect marginalized and/or racialized young women (cis and trans) between the ages of 16 and 20 with women working in the legal sector. Gender fluid and non-binary youth are also welcome. There is a place for everyone in the legal profession regardless of socio-economic status, disability, migration, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, or religion. Find inspiration from diverse women who are successful legal/justice sector professionals.
Braiding Diversity into Justice 2023 will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The event will take place in person, at the Kitchener courthouse.
Click here for more information and to register for this event.
US College Expo
US College Expo: SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT
Toronto – Roy Thomson Hall
- A one day event.
- Connect in person with US college representatives.
- Explore US college options!
- Listen and learn from guest speakers.
- Understand all aspects of the US admissions process, from selection, application, financing and student athlete considerations!
Click here for more information and to register for this in-person event.
Youth Job Connection program
YJC Summer @ CONESTOGA CAREER CENTRE
Get paid to job search and build employment skills.
If you’re between 15 – 18 years old, in school, and want assistance finding part-time or full-time work over the summer, this program is for you!
Spaces are limited. Click here for more information, program dates, and how to register.
Conestoga College Winter Open House January 21
Come out and explore Conestoga
Open House is ideal for Conestoga applicants and those considering their post-secondary options. It’s an opportunity to meet faculty, talk to current students, and tour the campuses to see for yourself why Conestoga’s career-focused education helps make it one of the fastest-growing colleges in Ontario.
EducationUSA Canada Virtual Showcase: Northeast
Explore your U.S. university options with EducationUSA!
Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 7:00-9:00 pm ET / 4:00-6:00 pm PT
You will get to speak one-on-one with admissions representatives from 7 northeastern United States, representing diverse higher education institutions including research universities, liberal arts colleges, performing arts conservatories, tech institutes, and more! You will also be able to attend webinars on various admissions and academic topics. This event is open to all students and educators in Canada and is free to attend.
Attending higher education institutions:
- Albertus Magnus College (CT)
- Bates College (ME)
- Bentley University (MA)
- Binghamton University (SUNY)
- Bridgewater State University (MA)
- Franklin & Marshall College (PA)
- New York Film Academy
- New York University
- Penn State University (PA)
- Plymouth State University (NH)
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
- Sacred Heart University (CT)
- State University of New York Potsdam
- Suffolk University (MA)
- The City University of New York, Brooklyn College
- The Julliard School (NY)
- Trinity College (CT)
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
- University of Maine
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Vermont
Webinar Schedule:
7:30 pm EDT / 4:30 pm PDT:
- “RegionTalk: Study in the Northeast,” Suffolk University; The City University of New York, Brooklyn College; and University of Maine
- “AdmissionsTalk: Applying to Performing Arts Majors,” The Julliard School
- “AdmissionsTalk: Why study at a Liberal Arts college?,” Bates College and Trinity College
8:30 pm EDT / 5:30 PDT
- “AdmissionsTalk: Writing your Common App and Supplemental Essays,” University of Pennsylvania
- “StudentTalk: Creating school/work balance (on-campus work, OPT, and CPT/internships),” Bridgewater State University
- “FacultyTalk: The benefits of undergraduate research,” Binghamton University
Register today!
Sharing our Voices – Volunteer Opportunity
Hi Eagles, volunteer opportunity here:
Sharing Our Voices_Winter 2023
Students who are interested in the program can reach out to: khaas@alzheimerww.ca directly or can register for the program through the following JotForm link: https://forms.office.com/r/LyeDBA87m6
EducationUSA Canada Virtual Showcase – Midwest
Explore your U.S. undergraduate and graduate options with EducationUSA!
You will get to speak one-on-one with admissions representatives from 12 midwestern United States, representing diverse higher education institutions including research universities, liberal arts colleges, art and tech institutes, and more! You will also be able to attend webinars on various admissions and academic topics. This event is open to all students and educators in Canada and is free to attend.
Explore Your Future: Careers in Skilled Trades December 7, 2022 at 6:30pm via Zoom
Eagles!!! Check out the info at this link from The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region
Explore Careers in Skilled Trades
Community Service Opportuniy
Eagles!! 3 Holiday season volunteer opportunities below!! Get your hours and have some festive fun!
Schneider Haus National Historic Site location is looking for volunteers to help with Wintry Candlelit Strolls on December 10 and 17, 5:00 – 9:15 pm. This opportunity would suitable for individual students or a group. Volunteers will assist with guiding guests through the candlelit property. There will be activities, games and crafts which all need volunteers to run smoothly.
Winter Break Camp at Schneider Haus is looking for students to assist as camp leaders for children 5 -10 years of age. The camps run December 28 – January 6. Volunteers are welcome for one or multiple days. Campers will enjoy fun winter holiday crafts and outdoor snowy activities. They will make and take home festive creations, delicious baked goods and spend most of the day outdoors creating snow art and sculptures.
Doon Heritage Village site is looking for volunteers to assist with multiple holiday events in the historic village. On December 10, 5:00-9:30 pm they are looking for volunteers who will wear a costume (provided) from the 1914 time period. Volunteers will help to lead the way through the village by oil lamp light. The Lantern-Lit Strolls are a family tradition for many community members. December 16 and 17 are the annual Starry Nights. This is the opportunity to see the historic village in its full Christmas glory. The village will be fully lit by lantern light and visitors will visit the buildings to learn about Christmas in 1914. Costumed volunteers will help guide visitors and assist with activities and handing out food samples from the time period. Volunteers who would be interested in caroling in a group are also needed. No need for extraordinary musical talent, just a group of enthusiastic people who enjoy Christmas.
If you are interested please email dmoxam@regionofwaterloo.ca
Last Minute Conestoga College Virtual Presentation
Trades:
November 22nd 6:00pm https://conestogac.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7PcN8FbjSTWMH_YkiUxdrQ
In this live informal session you will hear about all the programs in our Trades & Apprenticeships clusters and how they can benefit you to help you be more employable. Have you wondered about an apprenticeship? Don’t know where to start or how they work? This will be discussed during the session. You will have an opportunity to ask Conestoga representatives your questions. If you are unable to make the session please email trades@conestogac.on.ca for information.
General:
November 24th 6:30pm https://conestogac.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oLlUB02ESEaDDIGSae_1-w
This live informal session is an opportunity to ask Conestoga representatives your questions. There will be a formal presentation, to let you learn about financial aid, services, programs, degrees, trades, apprenticeships and much more. This session is open to Domestic (Canadian) students, parents, counselors and educators.
Please note this session is for Domestic (Canadian) Students. If you are an International student, please visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/international/apply-to-conestoga/choose-conestoga/ to find an International event or contact our International Admissions office at InternationalAdmissions@conestogac.on.ca.
Braiding Diversity into Justice
Braiding Diversity into Justice is an annual event first offered in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in 2018. Its goal is to connect marginalized and/or racialized young women (cis and trans) between the ages of 16 and 20 with women working in the legal sector. Gender fluid and non-binary youth are also welcome. There is a place for everyone in the legal profession regardless of socio-economic status, disability, migration, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, or religion. Find inspiration from diverse women who are successful legal/justice sector professionals.
Braiding Diversity into Justice 2023 will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The event will take place in person, at the Kitchener courthouse.
Click here for more information and to register for this event.
US College Expo
US College Expo: SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT
Toronto – Roy Thomson Hall
- A one day event.
- Connect in person with US college representatives.
- Explore US college options!
- Listen and learn from guest speakers.
- Understand all aspects of the US admissions process, from selection, application, financing and student athlete considerations!
Click here for more information and to register for this in-person event.
KW Legacy Scholarships
Hello, Class of 2023!
We are looking for nominees for the KW Legacy scholarships. Criteria are listed in the Google Form. Please self-nominate by February 3.
Youth Job Connection program
YJC Summer @ CONESTOGA CAREER CENTRE
Get paid to job search and build employment skills.
If you’re between 15 – 18 years old, in school, and want assistance finding part-time or full-time work over the summer, this program is for you!
Spaces are limited. Click here for more information, program dates, and how to register.
Conestoga College Winter Open House January 21
Come out and explore Conestoga
Open House is ideal for Conestoga applicants and those considering their post-secondary options. It’s an opportunity to meet faculty, talk to current students, and tour the campuses to see for yourself why Conestoga’s career-focused education helps make it one of the fastest-growing colleges in Ontario.
Today’s course selection and convocation presentation
Hi grade 12s, good to see you all this morning for the presentation in the cafe.
Here is a copy of the guidance presentation from this morning: Grade 12 guidance presentation
Some take-aways:
- Community service hours due April 30th – Community Service Hours Input Form
- Not returning or additional year submitted by March 1st on myBlueprint
Here is the convocation presentation from this morning: Convocation Presentation January 2023
University Application Deadline Thursday January 12
A reminder that Thursday January 12, 2023 is the equal consideration deadline for Ontario high school students to submit their completed applications to the OUAC for admission to programs starting in the fall of 2o23. See: https://www.ouac.on.ca/guide/101-dates/
The OUAC will continue to process applications received after this date and distribute them to the Ontario universities; however, specific university deadlines will apply.
Some degree programs offered through Ontario colleges require application through OUAC. Check application requirements carefully.
The deadline for application to programs through www.OntarioColleges.ca is February 1, 2023
EducationUSA Canada Virtual Showcase: Northeast
Explore your U.S. university options with EducationUSA!
Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 7:00-9:00 pm ET / 4:00-6:00 pm PT
You will get to speak one-on-one with admissions representatives from 7 northeastern United States, representing diverse higher education institutions including research universities, liberal arts colleges, performing arts conservatories, tech institutes, and more! You will also be able to attend webinars on various admissions and academic topics. This event is open to all students and educators in Canada and is free to attend.
Attending higher education institutions:
- Albertus Magnus College (CT)
- Bates College (ME)
- Bentley University (MA)
- Binghamton University (SUNY)
- Bridgewater State University (MA)
- Franklin & Marshall College (PA)
- New York Film Academy
- New York University
- Penn State University (PA)
- Plymouth State University (NH)
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
- Sacred Heart University (CT)
- State University of New York Potsdam
- Suffolk University (MA)
- The City University of New York, Brooklyn College
- The Julliard School (NY)
- Trinity College (CT)
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
- University of Maine
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Vermont
Webinar Schedule:
7:30 pm EDT / 4:30 pm PDT:
- “RegionTalk: Study in the Northeast,” Suffolk University; The City University of New York, Brooklyn College; and University of Maine
- “AdmissionsTalk: Applying to Performing Arts Majors,” The Julliard School
- “AdmissionsTalk: Why study at a Liberal Arts college?,” Bates College and Trinity College
8:30 pm EDT / 5:30 PDT
- “AdmissionsTalk: Writing your Common App and Supplemental Essays,” University of Pennsylvania
- “StudentTalk: Creating school/work balance (on-campus work, OPT, and CPT/internships),” Bridgewater State University
- “FacultyTalk: The benefits of undergraduate research,” Binghamton University
Register today!
Sharing our Voices – Volunteer Opportunity
Hi Eagles, volunteer opportunity here:
Sharing Our Voices_Winter 2023
Students who are interested in the program can reach out to: khaas@alzheimerww.ca directly or can register for the program through the following JotForm link: https://forms.office.com/r/LyeDBA87m6
Schulich Leader Scholarship Program
Wanted: Potential nominees for Schulich Leader Scholarship Program
The Schulich Leader Scholarships are valued at $100 000 and SMH can nominate 1 student for consideration. See https://schulichleaders.com/faq/ for eligibility criteria.
If you would like to be considered, please fill out the Google Form before December 23, 2022. Interviews to follow in January 2023. Please contact Mrs Coates (Valerie.coates@wcdsb.ca) if you have questions.
