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Explore Your Future Career Expo – May 17 at the Aud
Explore Your Future brings together local grade 7-12 students and their parents/guardians to explore opportunities for work and learning.
Parents and guardians are invited to attend this FREE community EVENT with their children, but all are welcome. Please help us share this opportunity with other youth in your life who will benefit from this great experience. Representatives from over 75 regional organizations will showcase careers in their industry and answer your questions PLUS attend interactive presentations on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, experiential programs such as Specialist High Skills Major and Co-operative Education.
Youth Creativity Fund
Calling all Waterloo Region youth!
See a problem? Are you ready to apply your creativity towards solving it? We want to help by giving you up to $1000 to try out your idea.
Your effort towards solving it could change the world, solve a personal problem or simply satisfy your curiosity. We don’t care. What we care about is giving you the chance to apply your creativity towards solving whatever problem you choose. We’re here to help (thanks to the donations of people who are cheering you on).
All Waterloo Region youth in grades 5 through 12 qualify to apply.
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.
Explore Your Future Career Expo – May 17 at the Aud
Explore Your Future brings together local grade 7-12 students and their parents/guardians to explore opportunities for work and learning.
Parents and guardians are invited to attend this FREE community EVENT with their children, but all are welcome. Please help us share this opportunity with other youth in your life who will benefit from this great experience. Representatives from over 75 regional organizations will showcase careers in their industry and answer your questions PLUS attend interactive presentations on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, experiential programs such as Specialist High Skills Major and Co-operative Education.
In-person and online STEAM volunteer opportunities
Youth Creativity Fund
Calling all Waterloo Region youth!
See a problem? Are you ready to apply your creativity towards solving it? We want to help by giving you up to $1000 to try out your idea.
Your effort towards solving it could change the world, solve a personal problem or simply satisfy your curiosity. We don’t care. What we care about is giving you the chance to apply your creativity towards solving whatever problem you choose. We’re here to help (thanks to the donations of people who are cheering you on).
All Waterloo Region youth in grades 5 through 12 qualify to apply.
SPARCS Virtual Workshop for Gr. 9’s and 10’s from groups who are under-represented in computer science
Seeing Possibilities and Rewards in Computer Science (SPARCS) brings together grade 9 and 10 students from across Canada who have little to no exposure to computer science. Participants learn that computer science is about much more than using and programming computers.
We welcome people with gender identities under-represented in computer science including women, non-binary and trans folk to apply. Applicants must be in Grade 9 or 10, have an interest in mathematics, and must currently attend a Canadian high school or middle school. Participants should not have attended a similar workshop.
A virtual version of this workshop will be held on Zoom from Sunday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Each day will consist of two, hour-long sessions. Participants are expected to attend all session and event times listed for the workshop.
Summer opportunity – Hidden Acres Camp
Hidden Acres Camp located between New Hamburg and Stratford is currently looking for high school students to fill their staff team for the summer of 2023.
See poster linked here for more info:
Explore Your Future – Career Expos
Grade 9-12 students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend “Explore Your Future” career expos being hosted on April 13 (Tapestry Hall in Cambridge) and May 17 (the Aud in Kitchener) from 5 – 8PM. These FREE drop-in style events are an excellent opportunity to learn about career options, volunteer opportunities and educational programs from 50+ local businesses, post-secondary institutions and community organizations. The list of attending exhibitors, scheduled info sessions, and link to free registration is at www.bepwr.ca/eyf
Qualia Global Scholars – mentorship opportunity
Hey Eagles, consider this opportunity:
Qualia Global Scholars is a selective pre-collegiate virtual summer mentorship program matching talented students in grades 6-12 with Stanford mentors.
- features personalized mentorship, interdisciplinary research, project-based learning, and guidance on college applications
- aims to empower students to become future global leaders by teaching them about leadership & problem solving, emerging areas in STEM & liberal arts, critical thinking & communication skills, and real-world impact through research & innovation.
- applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Need-based financial aid is available for the program.
CHECK OUT THE FLYER BELOW FOR MORE INFO
Flyer student mentors
Math – Extra Help Semester 2
Math – extra help – lunches – Mondays and Wednesdays – C1 and C4
Grade 9 and 10 math
Teachers: Ms. Winnett & Ms. Muscat
Course Selection Lunch Drop-In Help
Hey Eagles!
Lunchtime drop-in help for course selections will continue today and all next week. Drop in to room 134 during your lunch, log in to a computer and get help from a guidance counsellor with any questions you might have. Course selections must be submitted and approved by parents by March 1st.
- Lots of information and links to guide your choices on the Academic Planning and Course Selection page on our website
- Considering co-op or a dual-credit program? Add the course to your plan and be sure to complete the co-op application form using the link in the course description.
- Considering a summer school course? Add “SUMMER” to your course selections in myBlueprint and be sure to complete the summer school registration form (link is in the “SUMMER” course description). Summer courses are online (eLearning) and count toward the two required eLearning courses.
- Considering an eLearning course? eLearning is online and asynchronous, so requires excellent independent work skills. You’ll have an open period in your schedule next year during which you can work on your eLearning course. Look under Online Learning in myBlueprint for available eLearning courses.
- Is eLearning not the best way for you to learn? Parents/guardians can complete an eLearning Opt-Out form (found on the Academic Planning and Course Selection page on our website). This removes the requirement to complete eLearning courses but doesn’t prevent you from choosing eLearning in the future.
- Interested in a Specialist High Skills Major in grade 11 & 12? Check out the SHSM Fact Sheet on our website and visit www.highskills.ca to sign up
- Already submitted your courses, but now would like to make a change? Drop in to room 134 at lunch and a guidance counsellor can re-allow submission so you can make changes and re-submit.
Course Selection Time!
Hey Eagles!
Hope you’ll have a good Family Day weekend! Consider taking some time over the next few days to complete your course selections in myBlueprint. Course selections must be submitted and approved by parents by March 1st.
- Lots of information and links to guide your choices on the Academic Planning and Course Selection page on our website
- Considering co-op or a dual-credit program? Add the course to your plan and be sure to complete the co-op application form using the link in the course description.
- Considering a summer school course? Add “SUMMER” to your course selections in myBlueprint and be sure to complete the summer school registration form (link is in the “SUMMER” course description). Summer courses are online (eLearning) and count toward the two required eLearning courses.
- Considering an eLearning course? eLearning is online and asynchronous, so requires excellent independent work skills. You’ll have an open period in your schedule next year during which you can work on your eLearning course. Look under Online Learning in myBlueprint for available eLearning courses.
- Is eLearning not the best way for you to learn? Parents/guardians can complete an eLearning Opt-Out form (found on the Academic Planning and Course Selection page on our website). This removes the requirement to complete eLearning courses but doesn’t prevent you from choosing eLearning in the future.
- Interested in a Specialist High Skills Major in grade 11 & 12? Check out the SHSM Fact Sheet on our website and visit www.highskills.ca to sign up
Guidance counsellors will be on hand for drop-in course selection help every day next week (February 21-24) during both lunches in room 134.
2023-24 Link Crew applications open Monday
Current Grade 10 and 11 students,
Applications for Link Crew will open on Monday, May 29th and close at 3:00 on Friday, June 2nd.
Late applications will not be accepted!
This will be your only chance to join a great group of students who will be a great, welcoming force at SMH.
Here is the link: https://forms.gle/yi8mRjVutyxomHNS9
Explore Your Future Career Expo – May 17 at the Aud
Explore Your Future brings together local grade 7-12 students and their parents/guardians to explore opportunities for work and learning.
Parents and guardians are invited to attend this FREE community EVENT with their children, but all are welcome. Please help us share this opportunity with other youth in your life who will benefit from this great experience. Representatives from over 75 regional organizations will showcase careers in their industry and answer your questions PLUS attend interactive presentations on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, experiential programs such as Specialist High Skills Major and Co-operative Education.
In-person and online STEAM volunteer opportunities
Youth Creativity Fund
Calling all Waterloo Region youth!
See a problem? Are you ready to apply your creativity towards solving it? We want to help by giving you up to $1000 to try out your idea.
Your effort towards solving it could change the world, solve a personal problem or simply satisfy your curiosity. We don’t care. What we care about is giving you the chance to apply your creativity towards solving whatever problem you choose. We’re here to help (thanks to the donations of people who are cheering you on).
All Waterloo Region youth in grades 5 through 12 qualify to apply.
SPARCS Virtual Workshop for Gr. 9’s and 10’s from groups who are under-represented in computer science
Seeing Possibilities and Rewards in Computer Science (SPARCS) brings together grade 9 and 10 students from across Canada who have little to no exposure to computer science. Participants learn that computer science is about much more than using and programming computers.
We welcome people with gender identities under-represented in computer science including women, non-binary and trans folk to apply. Applicants must be in Grade 9 or 10, have an interest in mathematics, and must currently attend a Canadian high school or middle school. Participants should not have attended a similar workshop.
A virtual version of this workshop will be held on Zoom from Sunday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Each day will consist of two, hour-long sessions. Participants are expected to attend all session and event times listed for the workshop.
Summer opportunity – Hidden Acres Camp
Hidden Acres Camp located between New Hamburg and Stratford is currently looking for high school students to fill their staff team for the summer of 2023.
See poster linked here for more info:
Explore Your Future – Career Expos
Grade 9-12 students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend “Explore Your Future” career expos being hosted on April 13 (Tapestry Hall in Cambridge) and May 17 (the Aud in Kitchener) from 5 – 8PM. These FREE drop-in style events are an excellent opportunity to learn about career options, volunteer opportunities and educational programs from 50+ local businesses, post-secondary institutions and community organizations. The list of attending exhibitors, scheduled info sessions, and link to free registration is at www.bepwr.ca/eyf
Ridgetown Campus Open House
The University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus is focused on improving the world growing around us for plants, animals and the environment. We offer diplomas with coop experience in sectors with great job prospects. Our small campus provides exceptional support for students in their academic pursuits and personal growth through our unique programming, scholarships and industry opportunities.
On Friday March 17 Ridgetown Campus is hosting an Open House for students, families and educators. The Open House is a great way to:
- learn about our programs
- participate in experiential learning demonstrations
- meet our academic and student support teams
- tour our campus
Students who are interested in our equine program are also able to attend an Open House at our location in Clinton (also on March 17).
If you have any questions, please reach out to rcampus@uoguelph.ca
Qualia Global Scholars – mentorship opportunity
Hey Eagles, consider this opportunity:
Qualia Global Scholars is a selective pre-collegiate virtual summer mentorship program matching talented students in grades 6-12 with Stanford mentors.
- features personalized mentorship, interdisciplinary research, project-based learning, and guidance on college applications
- aims to empower students to become future global leaders by teaching them about leadership & problem solving, emerging areas in STEM & liberal arts, critical thinking & communication skills, and real-world impact through research & innovation.
- applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Need-based financial aid is available for the program.
CHECK OUT THE FLYER BELOW FOR MORE INFO
Flyer student mentors
Math – Extra Help Semester 2
Math – extra help – lunches – Mondays and Wednesdays – C1 and C4
Grade 9 and 10 math
Teachers: Ms. Winnett & Ms. Muscat
2023-24 Link Crew applications open Monday
Current Grade 10 and 11 students,
Applications for Link Crew will open on Monday, May 29th and close at 3:00 on Friday, June 2nd.
Late applications will not be accepted!
This will be your only chance to join a great group of students who will be a great, welcoming force at SMH.
Here is the link: https://forms.gle/yi8mRjVutyxomHNS9
Black Foundation of Community Networks Scholarship Program
This site offers information and support to Black students in 3 areas:
- A directory of scholarships outside their organization
- A workshop to support students in applying for scholarships,
- And scholarships offered by their organization.
Please visit https://bfcn.ca/scholarships/ for more information.
Grade 11 opportunity – France-Anne Sweeny Making a Difference Award
Please consider applying for this award if you meet the following criteria:
1. making positive differences in the lives of others
2. empathy, compassion and respect for the needs and feelings of others
3. openness to the perspectives, values and traditions of others
4. commitment to service
5. commitment to learning
St Mary’s will select one award winner ($200 will be donated to the charity of the winner’s choice). The grade 11 award recipient will then have the opportunity to apply for the France-Anne Sweeny Graduate Award next year (and be considered to receive one of ten $1000 awards).
Please fill in the attached application form, print, and drop off in Guidance. The application can also be emailed to Mrs Coates (Valerie.coates@wcdsb.ca). Deadline for self-nomination is May 12, 2023
Explore Your Future Career Expo – May 17 at the Aud
Explore Your Future brings together local grade 7-12 students and their parents/guardians to explore opportunities for work and learning.
Parents and guardians are invited to attend this FREE community EVENT with their children, but all are welcome. Please help us share this opportunity with other youth in your life who will benefit from this great experience. Representatives from over 75 regional organizations will showcase careers in their industry and answer your questions PLUS attend interactive presentations on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, experiential programs such as Specialist High Skills Major and Co-operative Education.
In-person and online STEAM volunteer opportunities
Youth Creativity Fund
Calling all Waterloo Region youth!
See a problem? Are you ready to apply your creativity towards solving it? We want to help by giving you up to $1000 to try out your idea.
Your effort towards solving it could change the world, solve a personal problem or simply satisfy your curiosity. We don’t care. What we care about is giving you the chance to apply your creativity towards solving whatever problem you choose. We’re here to help (thanks to the donations of people who are cheering you on).
All Waterloo Region youth in grades 5 through 12 qualify to apply.
Summer opportunity – Hidden Acres Camp
Hidden Acres Camp located between New Hamburg and Stratford is currently looking for high school students to fill their staff team for the summer of 2023.
See poster linked here for more info:
Explore Your Future – Career Expos
Grade 9-12 students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend “Explore Your Future” career expos being hosted on April 13 (Tapestry Hall in Cambridge) and May 17 (the Aud in Kitchener) from 5 – 8PM. These FREE drop-in style events are an excellent opportunity to learn about career options, volunteer opportunities and educational programs from 50+ local businesses, post-secondary institutions and community organizations. The list of attending exhibitors, scheduled info sessions, and link to free registration is at www.bepwr.ca/eyf
US College Expo Event
On April 22, the US College Expo is hosting an in-person event at Roy Thomson Hall for high school students to meet with representatives, current students or alumni from various universities across the United States including Harvard, Princeton, Duke, UC Berkeley, NYU, UMich and many more! We are pleased to announce that we have an incredible lineup of guest speakers, top attending colleges, and even esports!
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Roy Thomson Hall 60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5
Free admission: https://uscollegeexpo.com/register
Conestoga College Spring Open House – March 25
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, tour the campuses, visit programs that interest you, explore the campus, and learn about available student services.
Visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/visit-us/open-house-events for more information and a schedule of events at each campus.
Conestoga College FREE Pre-Apprenticeship training opportunities for this year’s graduates
Please see the attached flyers and information below.
General Carpenter Pre-Apprenticeship
New Skilled Trades Campus (Cambridge Reuter Drive)
Starting July 24, 2023
Program Website: https://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/pre-apprenticeship-general-carpenter
Flyer – PreApp-GenCarpenter-Flyer-2023_WEB
This full-time program will offer a blend of theory delivery with shop classes at Conestoga’s New Skilled Trades campus (Cambridge Reuter Drive) over the course of 21 weeks. The General Carpenter Pre-Apprenticeship program includes Level 1 apprenticeship in-class training, trade exposure in Cabinetmaking, and an additional eight-week practical work placement experience. Applications from candidates under 30 will be given first consideration, although all applications will be considered.
Enrolment is limited to 20 spaces. Interested candidates are required to attend a virtual information session; please click https://forms.office.com/r/8xHQjhHz8h for dates and times and to register.
For more information, contact Eva Opitz-Black at eopitzblack@conestogac.on.ca or (437) 224-3436
Introduction to Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship (Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing and Welding) Brantford Aviation Campus
Starting July 3, 2023
Program Website: https://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/pre-apprenticeship-introduction-to-construction-trades
Flyer – IntroConstructionTrades-Flyer-2023_WEB
This full-time program will offer a blend of theory delivery with shop classes at Conestoga’s Brantford Aviation campus over the course of 28 weeks. The Introduction to Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program includes theory and shop exposure to four trades: Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing and Welding, and features an additional eight-week practical work placement experience.
Enrolment is limited to 18 spaces. Interested candidates are required to attend a virtual information session; please click https://forms.office.com/r/JakkgBkd1H for dates and times and to register.
For more information, contact Kristen Goetz at kgoetz@conestogac.on.ca or (519) 574-6900
Welder/ Metal Fabricator Pre-Apprenticeship
New Skilled Trades Campus (Cambridge Reuter Drive)
Starting July 3, 2023
Program Website: https://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/pre-apprenticeship-welder
Flyer – PreApp-Welder-MetalFab-Flyer-2023_WEB
This full-time program will offer a blend of theory delivery with shop classes at Conestoga’s New Skilled Trades campus (Cambridge Reuter Drive) over the course of 25 weeks. The Welder/ Metal Fabricator Pre-Apprenticeship program includes multiple trade exposure with Welder and Metal Fabricator, common core Level 1 apprenticeship in-class training, and an additional eight-week practical work placement experience. Applications from female candidates will be given first consideration, although all applications will be considered.
Enrolment is limited to 24 spaces. Interested candidates are required to attend a virtual information session; please click https://forms.office.com/r/vK9NJeGZ1D for dates and times and to register.
For more information, contact Michelle Ruston at mruston@conestogac.on.ca or (226) 898-3852
Black Foundation of Community Networks Scholarship Program
This site offers information and support to Black students in 3 areas:
- A directory of scholarships outside their organization
- A workshop to support students in applying for scholarships,
- And scholarships offered by their organization.
Please visit https://bfcn.ca/scholarships/ for more information.
Explore Your Future Career Expo – May 17 at the Aud
Explore Your Future brings together local grade 7-12 students and their parents/guardians to explore opportunities for work and learning.
Parents and guardians are invited to attend this FREE community EVENT with their children, but all are welcome. Please help us share this opportunity with other youth in your life who will benefit from this great experience. Representatives from over 75 regional organizations will showcase careers in their industry and answer your questions PLUS attend interactive presentations on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, experiential programs such as Specialist High Skills Major and Co-operative Education.
OSAP Financial Aid Presentation
Have you applied to a diploma or degree program for fall of 2023?
Plan to attend the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) presentation on Wednesday April 26 in the Library Seminar Room.
Sign up using this link. You must sign up to attend!
Youth Creativity Fund
Calling all Waterloo Region youth!
See a problem? Are you ready to apply your creativity towards solving it? We want to help by giving you up to $1000 to try out your idea.
Your effort towards solving it could change the world, solve a personal problem or simply satisfy your curiosity. We don’t care. What we care about is giving you the chance to apply your creativity towards solving whatever problem you choose. We’re here to help (thanks to the donations of people who are cheering you on).
All Waterloo Region youth in grades 5 through 12 qualify to apply.
Summer opportunity – Hidden Acres Camp
Hidden Acres Camp located between New Hamburg and Stratford is currently looking for high school students to fill their staff team for the summer of 2023.
See poster linked here for more info:
Meridian’s Commitment to Communities Sean Jackson Scholarship
Grade 12s – Are you:
planning to enter your first year of study in the fall academic term at a recognized, publicly funded Canadian college or university?
Have you:
demonstrated an outstanding commitment to your community? This can be achieved through volunteerism that demonstrates leadership, initiative and innovation.
Then the Meridian’s Commitment to Communities Sean Jackson Scholarship for 2023 might be for you!!
It is a $10,000 scholarship awarded to one Ontario student. Deadline for applying is April 30, 2023.
For details, instructions and to apply please visit:
Schulich Builder Scholarship – Deadline April 11, 2023
Have you applied to a college program in the trades?
We have the opportunity to nominate 5 St Mary’s students that are applying to eligible programs.
Please check that the programs you have applied to are listed as eligible for the Schulich Builder scholarship.
Eligible Conestoga programs are here – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PyKJfgTrz0TTVIFbCOfTi-cNLBPDO-vm/view.
Other colleges have lists on their sites (participating colleges are Algonquin, Centennial, Conestoga, Durham, Fanshawe, George Brown, Humber, Loyalist, Mohawk, and Sheridan).
To be considered as one of our nominees, please fill out the Google Form here – https://forms.gle/WFZDtYkmu3KK4C5a6 no later than 3:00pm on Tuesday April 11, 2023.
Please contact Mrs Coates if you have questions (valerie.coates@wcdsb.ca)
MacDonald Family Post-Secondary Education Scholarship for students with a parent on the autism spectrum
This annual award is in recognition of the achievements of students who are children of a person on the autism spectrum. Each award is for a total of $500. To qualify, the candidate must currently live in Ontario and be accepted in first year in any level of a post-secondary institution (e.g. college program including apprenticeships, university, post-graduate) in Canada. The successful candidate will receive their award after Autism Ontario receives proof of registration in first year of a post-secondary institution.
