NGRHS Grad Information Night 2019

Welcome

Jen McMullen- Principal

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Evan Monahan- Vice Principal

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Chris Wentzell- School Counsellor

As a potential grad you must:

• Meet the NS graduation requirements
• Decide what to do after high school
• Get accepted into a college, university, other program or find employment
• Study hard, meet deadlines, develop independence
• Enjoy your final year and make lasting memories

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Graduation Requirements

• 3 English Language Arts (one from 10, 11 and 12)
• 3 Mathematics (one from 10, 11 and 12)
• 2 Sciences (at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Science 10, or Physics and one other approved science)
• 1 other credit from Technology, Math, or Science
• 1 Canadian History 11 or Mi’kmaw Studies 11
• 1 Global Studies
• 1 Physical Education
• 1 Fine Arts
• 5 Electives

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*At least five courses must be at the grade 12 level and no more than 7 from the grade 10 level.

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Graduation Requirements Cont.

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• A total of 18 credits are required to graduate
• Only seven of these can be from the grade 10 level
• A minimum of five must be from the grade 12 level

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Ultimate responsibility for selecting the correct number and type of courses to ensure that the correct requirements for graduation and post-secondary programs lies with the student, but we are here to help.

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You can use your in progress transcript and credit check sheet provided to make sure you have what you need.

Career Planning: Deciding Your Path(s)

• Work/Apprenticeship

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• Travel/Work/Gap Year/Study and Go Abroad

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• College-NSCC or Private Colleges (Eastern College, Maritime Business College, DaVinci College, etc.)

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• University

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What if I’m unsure of what path to take?

• Make an appointment with the school counsellor
• Do a co-op in something you think you’re interested in
• Take Aptitude/Interest Inventory Quizzes: like myblueprint.ca
• Visit workplaces or talk to students in different programs (university, college, apprenticeships)
• Explore, research, ask questions!
• Check out: www.careers.novascotia.ca and https://www.mynsfuture.ca/

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When do I apply?

NSCC

• Anytime during grade 11 or 12 – best if prior to November of grade 12 year in case there are waitlists

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University

• Early acceptance: Fall, if grade 11 marks are strong
• January – March for regular application (check deadlines for each school you’re applying to)

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*Both have the option to apply online

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How do I connect with post-secondary institutions?

• Register and attend Open Houses (see dates on Google Classroom or the Guidance page on the NGRHS website) or check university/college websites
• Information and resources in Student Services
• Take advantage of the AARAO tour (9:30 November 21st)

Who will be here? (30-40 institutions), Universities in Atlantic Canada, NSCC, Private Colleges, Military

• Attend visits by representatives to NGRHS throughout the year (listen to announcements)
• Visit websites of schools that interest you

Websites: What to Look For

• Prospective or Future Students
• Programs of Study/Academic Programs
• Admission Requirements
• Fees/Tuition, Money Matters
• Apply
• Undergraduate Study

Open Houses

**Open houses allow an opportunity for you to have a campus tour, meet current students and professors, see what residence life is like and often apply for early admission. Some universities even waive the application fee. If you are interested in an open house that is not listed below, you can find dates on university websites or make an appointment and I'll help you find what you need.**

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Saint Mary's Open House: October 25th (register online)

Dalhousie Open House: October 19th (register online)​

Acadia Open House: October 18th or November 8th (register online)

St. Francis Xavier University Open House: October 19th (register online)

King's College Open Houses: Oct. 25, 2019 & March 20, 2020 (register online)

UNB Fredericton Open House: October 19^th 10am (register)

UNB Saint John Open House: October 26^th 10 am (register)

Mount Allison Open House: October 18^th (register)

NSCC (all campuses): October 17th

Transcripts

• Includes all marks from gr. 10-12
• Required when you apply to a post-secondary institution
• Usually required for scholarships/bursaries
• Signed, has a school seal and is in an envelope that must not be opened
• All grade 12s received a Transcript Request form in their grad package. Additional Transcript Request Forms can be found in the main office. Return to Mrs. Slauenwhite when completed.
• Some institutions no longer require paper transcripts. If a college/university asks for your PROVINCIAL STUDENT NUMBER they may access your transcripts from PowerSchool electronically.

Other Options After Grade 12

Work/Apprenticeship

Paid training with an employer in a specific designated skilled trade plus theoretical education offered online or in the classroom

Provides a great training opportunity costs significantly less than any other post-secondary option and means your child is already employed in his or her field of work.

https://nsapprenticeship.ca/

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Other Options After Grade 12 Cont.

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• Work force
• Gap year
• Travelling
• Military
• Part-time study
• Upgrading

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Study and/or Work/Volunteer Locally or Abroad

FRENCH Summer Language Bursary Programs

Canada World Youth – international education programs (17-24) who want to take a gap year to do volunteer work in Canada and abroad

Study and Go Abroad: the Go Beyond Borders Fair is usually held in October at Dalhousie University

Youth Path – Government of Canada site that connects youth to information. Designed for youth by youth

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NSCC Test Drive

Meet the instructors and other students who share your program interests.

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Learn about the program – Ask questions and find out about workload, projects and program specific equipment and tools.

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Tour the classrooms, labs and shop areas

used by your program. Sign up online.

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Letters of Reference

When requesting a letter of reference from a staff member, please keep the following in mind:

• Choose a person who can respond to the criteria (knows you well)
• Ask early - - several weeks ahead of the required date
• Provide a copy of the scholarship criteria
• Advise them that your Graduate Portfolio is on file
• Ask them to keep a copy on file (for future use)

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Financing Your Education

• Bursaries – apply in the late winter/spring
• University Entrance Scholarships (some have separate applications, some are automatic, check their websites)
• Student Loans – in the late spring (upcoming information session: October 24th, 10:30am) novascotia.ca/studentassistance/
• Savings
• Co-op programs
• Work
• Bank Lines of Credit

Important Dates

• Grad Fees of $130 due by February 3rd (includes everything needed for graduation and grad reception including fireworks, gown rentals, grad caps, flowers, diploma covers, etc.)
• Grad Hoodies-accepting designs on 11X17 paper until October 24th, voting on the winning design and hoping to put in orders by November 6th. *Grad fees do not include payment for your grad hoodie.
• Grad Pictures November 12th and 13th (make appointments in the office) Please have them taken even if you do not plan on buying them as these are the pictures used for the grad composite.
• Grad Reception June 3rd
• Prom June 26th
• Graduation June 29th

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Grad Appointments

• Please make a grad appointment with Ms. Wentzell personally or in the office by the end of November. Bring your completed Graduate Portfolio and Post Secondary Plan with you to the appointment.
• If you haven’t already, check your gnspes email and join the Graduates 2020 Google Classroom
• Bookmark the Guidance tab on the NGRHS website and check often
• Listen to announcements for important grad information