2012 Spring Newsletter - Scwigrandriver.ca
2012 Spring Newsletter - Scwigrandriver.ca
2012 Spring Newsletter - Scwigrandriver.ca
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SCHOOL COLLEGE WORK INITIATIVE<br />
GRAND RIVER REGION 5 NEWSLETTER<br />
Grand River Region<br />
See SWAC’s Dual Credit<br />
Program in action...<br />
SWAC student Leroy Charles<br />
(pictured)<br />
Introduction to Trades (SWAC) was “Awesome!”<br />
“I’ve enjoyed the sort of ‘freedom’ this program<br />
offers. The freedom to work at your own pace<br />
is awesome, though it allows the possibility<br />
to procrastinate. Of course, that is only in the<br />
independent learning portion.<br />
As for the Trade-based college courses... they<br />
were great fun, as well as an awesome hands<br />
on learning experience. It would have been<br />
better if the college courses went on longer.<br />
Blake the college instructor was awesome yet<br />
diligent when it <strong>ca</strong>me to getting work done.<br />
Welding was an awesome experience. This<br />
program gave me my first taste of welding and<br />
it is something I would like to better myself in.<br />
The automotive course helped me touch up<br />
on my skills as well as further them. Greg is<br />
an awesome teacher and he helps inspire us<br />
instead of ‘riding’ us to get our work done and that<br />
is what I think all teachers should aim for.<br />
The SWAC program is awesome, but it’s best<br />
part might also be a flaw for some – the freedom.<br />
I procrastinated a little too much. It would have<br />
been better if I’d started working earlier and had<br />
more done before the due date. This has been a<br />
real learning experience for me.”<br />
~ SWAC student Levi M.<br />
Read the full story about the Trades program<br />
at Ohsweken on page 9...<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
SCWI: Grand River Region<br />
Contacts<br />
SCWI Steering Committee<br />
Rob Campbell<br />
Principal, St. John’s College<br />
BHNCDSB, 519-759-2318 Ext. 213<br />
r<strong>ca</strong>mpbell@bhncdsb.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Kathleen Evans<br />
Principal, Holy Trinity<br />
BHNCDSB, 519-429-3600 Ext. 305<br />
kevans@bhncdsb.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Mary Gallo<br />
SCWI Dual Credit Program Coordinator<br />
519-756-5466<br />
mgallo@scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong> NEW<br />
Paul Kostelny<br />
Principal Leader<br />
GEDSB<br />
519-754-1606<br />
paul.kostelny@granderie.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Leanne Majerovich<br />
Principal - Hagersville Secondary<br />
905-768-3318<br />
leanne.majerovichy@granderie.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Deb McEwan<br />
Fanshawe-Simcoe, 519-426-8260 Ext. 225<br />
dmcewan@fanshawec.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Dr. Maria Cantalini-Williams<br />
Director-Concurrent Edu<strong>ca</strong>tion<br />
Nipissing-Brant, 519-752-1524 Ext. 7501<br />
mariac@nipissingu.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Mary Gallo<br />
SCWI Dual Credit Program Coordinator<br />
519-756-5466<br />
mgallo@scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong> NEW<br />
Cathy Horgan (SCWI Chair)<br />
Director of Edu<strong>ca</strong>tion<br />
BHNCDSB, 519-756-6505 Ext. 223<br />
chorgan@bhncdsb.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Jill Halyk<br />
Director, Workforce Planning Board<br />
of Grand Erie, 519-756-1116<br />
jhalyk@workforceplanningboard.org<br />
Marilyn Kaus<br />
Director: Employment Services<br />
St. Leonard’s-YAC, 519-756-7665<br />
mkaus@st-leonards.com<br />
Paul Kostelny<br />
Principal Leader<br />
GEDSB, 519-754-1606<br />
paul.kostelny@granderie.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Deb McEwan<br />
Fanshawe-Simcoe,<br />
519-426-8260 Ext. 225<br />
dmcewan@fanshawec.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Andy Nesbitt<br />
Superintendent<br />
GEDSB, 519-756-6306<br />
andy.nesbitt@granderie.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Joanne Procter<br />
Associate Dean<br />
Mohawk-Brant, 519-758-6012<br />
joanne.procter@mohawkcollege.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Chris N. Roehrig<br />
Superintendent<br />
BHNCDSB, 519-756-6505 Ext. 232<br />
croehrig@bhncdsb.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Jan Tyrrell<br />
Coordinator-SCWI , SWAC<br />
519-756-5000<br />
jtyrrell@scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong><br />
NEW<br />
Joanne Procter<br />
Associate Dean<br />
Mohawk-Brant, 519-758-6012<br />
joanne.procter@mohawkcollege.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Brian Quistberg<br />
Principal, WDHS<br />
GEDSB, 519-443-8657<br />
brian.quistberg@granderie.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Jan Tyrrell<br />
SCWI Coordinator<br />
519-756-5000<br />
jtyrrell@scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong><br />
NEW<br />
Lindsay Williams<br />
Principal, GELA<br />
519-753-6079<br />
lindsay.williams@granderie.<strong>ca</strong><br />
The Grand River Region Planning Team is a partnership of:<br />
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board<br />
Cathy Horgan, Director of Edu<strong>ca</strong>tion<br />
Fanshawe College (Simcoe)<br />
Donna Gates, Campus Chair<br />
Grand Erie District School Board<br />
John Forbeck, Director of Edu<strong>ca</strong>tion<br />
Mohawk College (Brantford)<br />
Paul Armstrong, Dean<br />
Nipissing University (Brantford)<br />
Dr. Maria Cantalini-Williams,<br />
Director of Concurrent Edu<strong>ca</strong>tion<br />
2
Coordinator’s Message...<br />
Our year started on a positive<br />
note. In November the School<br />
College Work Initiative team<br />
attended a provincial meeting in<br />
Toronto to receive an update<br />
on the SCWI programs across<br />
the province. We learned there<br />
were 311 activities and forums in<br />
2010-11 involving over 84,000<br />
participants the majority of whom were students and<br />
parents. Student participation in Dual credit programs<br />
increased by 63% over 2009-10 and in 2011 the<br />
number of Dual Credit students reached 15,000 in 455<br />
programs, 23 of which are School Within A College<br />
(SWAC) programs.<br />
Under the direction of the SCWI, the Grand River<br />
Region Planning team provides opportunities for<br />
district school boards and colleges to bring together<br />
faculty, teachers and administrators to work together<br />
to increase opportunities for Student Success. The<br />
two lo<strong>ca</strong>l school boards and the two community<br />
college <strong>ca</strong>mpuses, which lie in this area, are the core<br />
partners of the team with supports from several other<br />
agencies and institutions including the Workforce<br />
Planning Board of Grand Erie.<br />
The Grand River Region Planning Team has 11<br />
forums and activities this year including some new<br />
ones. In late November the Brant Haldimand Norfolk<br />
Catholic and Grand Erie District school boards<br />
worked together to put on a forum entitled “Value All<br />
Destinations” which you will read about in this issue.<br />
Our focus activity this year “Picture Yourself @ College”<br />
is on Aboriginal Edu<strong>ca</strong>tion Awareness/ Community<br />
Engagement and we have been working closely with<br />
the Roadmap Committee to produce an edu<strong>ca</strong>tional<br />
information package entitled ”Lighting Your Journey<br />
to Success” for distribution later in the year.<br />
There are currently five SWAC programs operating in<br />
partnership with Mohawk, Brantford and Fanshawe,<br />
Simcoe <strong>ca</strong>mpuses. Our newest addition is a program<br />
lo<strong>ca</strong>ted on the Six Nations Reserve and the students<br />
take their Introduction to Trades courses through<br />
Mohawk College at the Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades<br />
Training Centre.(OSTTC)<br />
Our newest addition to<br />
the team is Mary Gallo,<br />
previously the Principal<br />
Leader of Program for<br />
the Brant Haldimand<br />
Norfolk Catholic District<br />
School Board. Mary<br />
has been a member<br />
of the Steering Committee<br />
since its inception<br />
in 2005 – she will<br />
now take on the role of<br />
Dual Credit Coordinator and I will remain as the School<br />
College Work Initiative Coordinator. We are employed<br />
by the Grand River planning team to assist members<br />
of the partner organizations in implementing all<br />
of the SCWI funded activities under the leadership of<br />
Cathy Horgan, chair of the SCWI Grand River Region<br />
Steering Committee.<br />
Coming together is a beginning<br />
Keeping together is progress<br />
Working together is success<br />
-Henry Ford<br />
~ Jan Tyrrell, SCWI Coordinator<br />
3
SCWI: Grand River Region<br />
View All Destinations<br />
On November 22, 2011 guidance counselors, guidance secretaries, Student Success teachers and<br />
Coop teachers from the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board and the Grand Erie<br />
District School Board gathered at Mohawk College for the “Value All Destinations” forum.<br />
In the morning session Phil Hedges was the<br />
keynote speaker providing updates from the<br />
Ministry of Edu<strong>ca</strong>tion regarding Dual Credit<br />
programs across the province and the new<br />
course codes, Specialist High Skills Major<br />
programs and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship<br />
information. The participants formed into<br />
discussion groups and held Question and<br />
Answer sessions on the topics including OnSIS<br />
recording and reporting and the 12+12 Initiative.<br />
The afternoon session included Labour Market<br />
Information, an overview of pathways resources<br />
and occupational information for classroom and<br />
school use. The resources profiled included<br />
several different <strong>ca</strong>reers, all with varying<br />
edu<strong>ca</strong>tion requirements (workplace, college,<br />
apprenticeship, and university). This workshop<br />
was facilitated by Jaymie Nelson, Project<br />
Coordinator and Jill Halyk, Director of the<br />
Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie.<br />
The forum “Value All Destinations” was well<br />
attended by 50 edu<strong>ca</strong>tors and gave some<br />
insight into the increasing opportunities for<br />
Student Success. The feedback from the day<br />
was positive and the edu<strong>ca</strong>tors appreciated the<br />
resources provided by the Workforce<br />
Planning Board which were distributed to the 20<br />
secondary schools across the region.<br />
Jaymie Nelson, Workforce Planning Board<br />
of Grand Erie<br />
4
Grades 7 & 8 Boys learn about –<br />
‘Careers in Human Services’<br />
About 130 Grade 7 and 8 boys from both<br />
lo<strong>ca</strong>l school boards had a glimpse of <strong>ca</strong>reer<br />
opportunities at Males in Human Services held<br />
Feb. 29, <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
The one-day <strong>ca</strong>reer fair was designed to open<br />
the eyes of boys to what are considered to be<br />
non-traditional <strong>ca</strong>reers for men, particularly in<br />
human services and helping professions.<br />
“We want students to think about <strong>ca</strong>reers that<br />
they may not know much about,” said organizer<br />
Jaymie Nelson, Passport to Prosperity coordinator<br />
with the Workforce Planning Board.<br />
“Males in Human Services is meant to give<br />
students an opportunity to explore <strong>ca</strong>reers that<br />
are not traditionally filled by males.”<br />
Those <strong>ca</strong>reers including behaviour consultant,<br />
child and youth worker, brain injury <strong>ca</strong>se worker,<br />
employment counsellor, social worker and<br />
paramedic. Students also participated in<br />
team-building activities, wheelchair basketball<br />
and learned what it’s like to have dementia.<br />
“The event is deliberately aimed at students<br />
in senior elementary school, before they start<br />
choosing courses in high school for future<br />
<strong>ca</strong>reers,” Nelson said.<br />
The event was done in partnership with<br />
School College Work Initiative, with help from<br />
the Grand Erie District School Board, Brant<br />
Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School<br />
Board and Mohawk College Brantford.<br />
Participation House and the Alzheimer<br />
Society of Brant provided activities.<br />
5
SCWI: Grand River Region<br />
Encourage and support<br />
their vision...<br />
Encourage and support<br />
Trades and Technology...<br />
Encourage and support<br />
Arts and Culture...<br />
Encourage and support<br />
Sports and Traditions...<br />
It takes your<br />
support<br />
for their<br />
success.<br />
scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong><br />
6
SCWI Dual Credit Project - School Within a College<br />
School Within a College (SWAC) is an incredible opportunity for senior students who wish<br />
to explore a college courses and complete their high school diploma in an alternative way.<br />
The grand River Region SWAC is a partnership among Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic<br />
District School Board, Grand Erie District School Board, Fanshawe College, Simcoe and Mohawk<br />
College, Brantford. Programs are offered as full days in the college setting. Students engage in a<br />
dual credit program based on their pathway choice. They attend a congregated class and take the<br />
entire program as a group with one secondary teacher as their primary contact. Secondary staffing<br />
is provided by both school boards.<br />
There are two components to SWAC programs. Dual Credits are taught by college instructors.<br />
Students receive up to 4 college credits in each program and these go toward the high school<br />
diploma. Additional secondary credits are taught by the secondary school teacher and include<br />
experiences which enhance the program chosen by the students. This is accomplished by a combination of<br />
direct teaching (usually English and/or Math), credit recovery and Independent Learning modules. This<br />
combination of approaches allows students to focus on the compulsory English and Math<br />
needed to accomplish their OSSD and qualify for the next step programs they want to<br />
enter, as well as to complete other courses they may need to graduate.<br />
Currently the secondary teaching staff includes Greg Davis, Gregory Henhawk, Stephanie<br />
Gemmill, Marianne Helgers and Ed House. They are extraordinary teachers who work closely with<br />
a variety of college instructors to make the program a Success.<br />
Program Options<br />
SWAC programs are evolving based on identified need and the availability of the college to offer<br />
the program focus. Currently we run the following programs each semester:<br />
• Introduction to Trades ( Mohawk, Brantford)<br />
• Introduction to Trades (Mohawk, Ohsweken)<br />
• Business & Graphic Design (Mohawk, Brantford)<br />
• Human Services (Mohawk, Brantford)<br />
• Human Relations (Fanshawe, Simcoe)<br />
Target Group<br />
The target group for SWAC includes students who are:<br />
• 17-20 years of age who have not completed the OSSD<br />
• Have an interest in exploring college/preapprenticeship<br />
pathways<br />
• May be considering or have already dropped out of school<br />
• Are motivated to improve work skills and build self<br />
confidence<br />
• Are <strong>ca</strong>pable of working at the College or Apprenticeship level<br />
7
school within a college<br />
School Within A College<br />
(SWAC) Program: Ohsweken<br />
September 2011 marked the inaugural semester<br />
for a new alternative learning program on Six<br />
Nations of the Grand River. It is based out of<br />
the G.R.E.A.T. (Grand River Employment and<br />
Training) Building in Ohsweken and is partnered<br />
with the Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training<br />
Centre (OSTTC), Mohawk College-Brantford;<br />
and is attached to Hagersville Secondary School<br />
(Grand Erie District School Board).<br />
Students earn dual credits (College level credits<br />
that also count as Secondary School credits)<br />
and regular Secondary School credits through<br />
independent learning courses (ILC’s) in order<br />
to complete their Ontario Secondary School<br />
Diploma (OSSD).<br />
The initial college offerings have focused upon<br />
general training in Trade skills. All students take<br />
4 courses in the following Trades: Automotive<br />
Repair; Welding; Construction; Engineering<br />
Graphics and Blueprint Reading. In the future, it is<br />
hoped there <strong>ca</strong>n be additional College offerings<br />
similar to Ohsweken’s sister programs in Simcoe<br />
and Brantford. These SWAC lo<strong>ca</strong>tions offer<br />
courses in Human Relations, Human Services,<br />
as well as, Business and Graphic Design.<br />
Having such a program in Ohsweken is a success<br />
in itself; however, the benefits of the program<br />
have already paid dividends for a number of<br />
Six Nations, New Credit and surrounding area<br />
students.<br />
Shawn Sault from New Credit of the Mississauga’s<br />
earned 7 credits (3 dual college credits and 4<br />
Independent learning credits) (ILC’s) to complete<br />
the required credits for his Ontario Secondary<br />
School Diploma (OSSD).<br />
8
school within a college<br />
Shawn was able to complete all his credits in one<br />
semester, an accomplishment that seemed more<br />
than a year away when he entered his 5th year of<br />
secondary edu<strong>ca</strong>tion this past September.<br />
“Shawn be<strong>ca</strong>me very motivated to complete his<br />
courses when he realized he could work at his own<br />
accelerated pace on ILC’s, and he also enjoyed<br />
the practi<strong>ca</strong>lity of the Trade courses versus regular<br />
a<strong>ca</strong>demic (classroom based) courses.”(Henhawk)<br />
Leroy Charles (pictured) from Six Nations of the<br />
Grand River shared a similar story to Shawn back<br />
in September. Entering his 5th year of Secondary<br />
School he needed additional credits to complete his<br />
OSSD. He not only achieved his required credits but<br />
he surpassed the minimum number of 30 credits for<br />
an OSSD. Leroy completed 7 credits (4 dual credits<br />
and 3 ILC’s) for a total of 34 Secondary credits and<br />
the maximum number of 4 College credits. He is<br />
now in the process of completing additional Welding<br />
training with the prospect of two potential jobs, as<br />
soon as he completes his training and testing at the<br />
end of March.<br />
“Leroy thrived in the mature learning environment<br />
at SWAC. In regular high school he struggled with<br />
attendance and assignment completion. At SWAC,<br />
he lived within walking distance of the school and<br />
he could complete assignments at his own pace.<br />
Not only did his attendance improve, his assignment<br />
completion rate increased and the quality of his<br />
work improved exponentially over the semester”.<br />
(Henhawk)<br />
in July. Syd entered SWAC Ohsweken with his OSSD<br />
already completed. However, he needed course<br />
upgrading and additional Trade training, in order to<br />
qualify for an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship<br />
program. His successful appli<strong>ca</strong>tion to the Brantford<br />
Trades A<strong>ca</strong>demy was no doubt enhanced by the<br />
courses he completed at SWAC – Ohsweken.<br />
“Syd is a very conscientious person. I have no doubt<br />
he will have great success in the Trades A<strong>ca</strong>demy<br />
with a class size of only 15 students. A regular<br />
‘classroom’ setting is not the best for Syd; he thrives<br />
with more individual assistance in a smaller class<br />
size environment and the practi<strong>ca</strong>l/ ‘hands-on’ work<br />
in the shops is an area that he has always excelled<br />
at.” (Henhawk).<br />
These initial successes are a solid start for the SWAC<br />
program in Ohsweken but it is the potential for the<br />
growth of the program that really bodes well for<br />
future students.<br />
“A long journey always starts with just one step”<br />
(Hopi saying)<br />
~ By Greg Henhawk - Teacher<br />
“At SWAC, students must take greater responsibility<br />
for their edu<strong>ca</strong>tion by increasing the discipline it<br />
takes to stay in the program. Students must be 18<br />
years to enter the program. This means they <strong>ca</strong>n<br />
write their own notes but it also means they <strong>ca</strong>n be<br />
completely dropped from the program if they have<br />
poor attendance or behaviour”. (Henhawk)<br />
Finally, Syd Carson, from Caledonia has been<br />
accepted into a pre-apprenticeship program in<br />
Brantford for Welding and Steam fitting, which starts<br />
9
school within a college<br />
What SWAC students say....<br />
Patrick M - Dual Credit<br />
Testimonials<br />
“Through the School Within a College program (SWAC)<br />
at Mohawk College I have finally found all the elements<br />
necessary to make me not merely successful, but have allowed<br />
me to flourish within a classroom environment which<br />
has never happened before.<br />
I initially chose to attend the dual credit program simply<br />
due to the fact that there were no alternative options for<br />
me within this city. When I arrived I was content achieving<br />
50%and simply skating through the courses so I could get<br />
my high school diploma and finally get into the workforce.<br />
I had no intentions of ever furthering my edu<strong>ca</strong>tion past a<br />
high school level.<br />
Upon my arrival into the program; however, I was informed<br />
that my teacher would accept no less than 70% from me<br />
and pushed me to do better. Thanks to the encouragement<br />
of my teacher and professors I decided to push myself<br />
to achieve higher marks and become a better student.<br />
Throughout both terms I maintained an above 90% average<br />
and a perfect attendance record. Being in a positive<br />
edu<strong>ca</strong>tional environment that I could thrive in, along with<br />
interacting with my peers, was a new thing for me and participating<br />
in college courses that were relevant to my fields<br />
of interest forced me to revaluate my position that upon<br />
graduation, I would not further my edu<strong>ca</strong>tion.<br />
Now, upon graduating from SWAC as an Ontario Scholar I will be flying out to Vancouver, British Columbia to have my<br />
induction meeting with The Vancouver Institute of Media Arts where I will be taking their intensive University “Business of<br />
Photography” program which happens to be regarded as one of the best photography programs in the country.”<br />
Brian W - Trades<br />
“I found the SWAC Program to be a relieving experience mostly due to the change from a busy high school environment<br />
to a simple room were work <strong>ca</strong>n be done quietly and efficiently. I believe this environment is useful be<strong>ca</strong>use it gives<br />
students who have no place to go for their credits. SWAC helps by providing a path for students to walk on. It gets them<br />
back on their feet in order to <strong>ca</strong>tch up with everyone else. I think without the SWAC program to back up students that<br />
weren’t able to keep up in school, there would be a lot more unemployed people due to the lack of knowledge and skill<br />
that they would now not possess without the help of SWAC.”<br />
10
school within a college<br />
Scott M - Human Relations<br />
“Taking part in the SWAC program was a life changing experience that I will truly never forget. Some wonderful people<br />
have crossed my path in these last five months. I’ve had a blast, and even learned a bit about myself too.<br />
I owe it all to Lisa Dove and Stephanie Gemmill. They give their students freedom, treated them with respect, and only<br />
want what’s best for the class. They’re most definitely two of the kindest people I’ve ever encountered.<br />
The SWAC program was perfect for a kid like me. You get to complete four college credits, a grade 12 English credit, and<br />
other courses that you need to graduate. The college program ran in the morning and we would learn about how to cope<br />
in the workplace, management skills, and much more, taught by Lisa Dove. In the afternoon we had our grade 12 English<br />
class with Stephanie Gemmill, The last hour of the day, you work independently on courses you need to finish in order to<br />
earn your diploma. I really like the independent learning courses (ILC) booklets be<strong>ca</strong>use you’re able to work at your own<br />
pace and obtain a credit.<br />
If the student is committed to attendance, then success will be achieved. I was pretty bad with my attendance, but<br />
Stephanie and Lisa understood and encouraged me to be there the next day.<br />
I really enjoyed the SWAC program. I honestly didn’t think I would like it at all, but I earned four college credits, met some<br />
good friends, and had lots of fun. It’s great for kids like me, who just don’t fit in with the regular high school scene. If<br />
you told me five months ago that I would graduate and be ready to start a new life, I wouldn’t have believed it one bit...<br />
but here I am.”<br />
Emily T. - Human Relations<br />
“I strongly believe that the SWAC program is an extremely good program for teenagers who need to get those last few<br />
credits to graduate or just wanted to bring some marks up and keep in the “school routine” . This program gives kids a<br />
chance to experience how college is without being on a large college <strong>ca</strong>mpus.<br />
The program helps to develop the way you learn, and helps you to figure out how you learn best. I liked the program<br />
be<strong>ca</strong>use of the small class that you wouldn’t get in a normal high school. This means that the teacher is more one-on-one<br />
with everyone and I feel like that helps kids learn a lot better. SWAC is an easier way to finish school for those who haven’t<br />
yet, and I feel that this option should be more open to any and every student. I found out about the program through my<br />
friends, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. The program gives kids who have maybe had a rough life or didn’t exactly make the<br />
right choices, the opportunity to graduate and I think that’s amazing.<br />
Everyone I’ve met or been taught by during my short time in the SWAC program has helped to shape my life in an amazing<br />
way and I am thankful and happy that I took this program. It gave me a lot of things to think about. SWAC has helped<br />
me to discover what I am <strong>ca</strong>pable of and what I really want to do with my life. Thank you!”<br />
11
school within a college<br />
Michael X - Trades<br />
“I really enjoy being in the “School Within a<br />
College” program. It was interesting and I learned<br />
so much. I met a lot of good people in my class<br />
in SWAC, and I am going to miss them. My<br />
experience in SWAC included a challenging<br />
construction class. It was fun and I learned a lot from<br />
Terry. Welding class was the hardest for me... to weld<br />
arc and mag, but I made it through. I love using the<br />
torch in welding class, to cut metal, and now I fully<br />
understand how to use the tools. I liked our teacher<br />
Greg. He is an interesting and cool person. I learn a<br />
lot from the Trades class. The things I experienced I<br />
will use in the future, and for my <strong>ca</strong>reer.”<br />
Joe S - Trades<br />
“I thought that SWAC was a very good way to<br />
get credits that I needed and wanted to get.<br />
It was also very easy to do it compared to<br />
doing it at high school. I feel it was a much<br />
better environment, easier to focus, and I got along<br />
with all my class mates which never usually happened<br />
in high school. I think any student who is able<br />
to go to SWAC should definitely go be<strong>ca</strong>use it is a very<br />
interesting experience. I hope SWAC continues to stay<br />
as a program for a long time so other students <strong>ca</strong>n get<br />
the help they need, and have fun doing it, rather then<br />
feeling they have to do it.”<br />
12
Is regular h<br />
school not for you<br />
school within a college<br />
S.W.A.C<br />
SCHOOL WITHIN<br />
A COLLEGE<br />
by: Allysha Bertrand<br />
“I originally <strong>ca</strong>me to SWAC in order to graduate earlier<br />
be<strong>ca</strong>use I was planning on moving out and wanted the<br />
opportunity to work full time for the extra semester. I heard about<br />
SWAC from a friend who is a previous student at SWAC and about her<br />
success. I just recently switched high schools be<strong>ca</strong>use I didn’t like the<br />
environment. That it didn’t solve the issue.<br />
I dropped out be<strong>ca</strong>use I felt I hated high school. I went to my<br />
guidance counsellor and talked to her about how I felt I didn’t<br />
belong with the kids at high school. I wanted to have more freedom and<br />
independence when it <strong>ca</strong>me to school. When I heard more<br />
about the program and how there was a human services department,<br />
I jumped to the opportunity and set up my interview. After a<br />
semester at SWAC I earned seven credits and graduated a semester early.<br />
I learned a lot and I feel that I’ve grown over the year. I was happy to be<br />
able to work at my own speed. Joining SWAC was the best decision for me.”<br />
What does SWAC have to<br />
offer<br />
SWAC has three different subjects to<br />
match students individual needs. If you are<br />
interested in a <strong>ca</strong>reer directed towards<br />
working with people, the Human<br />
Services sector is for you. If you are<br />
more interested in the a <strong>ca</strong>reer that is<br />
ofÞce-based and technologi<strong>ca</strong>l, the<br />
Business sector is for you. The Trades<br />
sector is more for people who want hands<br />
on work to earn hard skills.<br />
WhatÕs different about<br />
SWAC<br />
SWAC teaches students to be independent<br />
be<strong>ca</strong>use you work on your own, you don’t<br />
get told what to do. Your success at SWAC<br />
determines on the effort you put in. You<br />
work at your own pace; whether its fast or<br />
slow. You are able to earn dual-credits<br />
which are equivalent to college credits.<br />
GENERATION Y + SWAC =<br />
SUCCESS<br />
SWAC is good for Generation Y be<strong>ca</strong>use<br />
our generation is known to be techsavvy<br />
and impatient due to the fast<br />
paced lives we live. In our generation we<br />
<strong>ca</strong>n retain information within the matter<br />
of seconds and communi<strong>ca</strong>te with any<br />
one around the world; these norms<br />
were only imagination as the baby<br />
boomers grew up. SWAC allows us to<br />
have technology at our Þngertips (MAC<br />
laptops) and allows us to work at our<br />
own pace.<br />
It is also good for Generation Y be<strong>ca</strong>use<br />
it is a new way of teaching, rather than<br />
the old-fashioned ways of high school. It<br />
allows students to do many different<br />
options rather than the cookie-cutter<br />
teaching styles in the school<br />
BENEFITS OF SWAC<br />
¥ Free Þrst aid certiÞ<strong>ca</strong>tion<br />
¥ Free bus pass<br />
¥ Free parking pass<br />
¥ Free School trips<br />
¥ Free school/project supplies<br />
SWAC SUCCESS<br />
“Without SWAC it would<br />
be impossible for me to<br />
graduate on time...”<br />
- SWAC student of 2011<br />
“I was never able to<br />
get along with<br />
teachers, until I<br />
<strong>ca</strong>me to SWAC.”<br />
“ I was able to earn 9 credits,<br />
in one semester; something<br />
that would be impossible at a<br />
regular high school.”<br />
-SWAC student 2011<br />
-SWAC student of<br />
2011<br />
“I <strong>ca</strong>me to SWAC<br />
be<strong>ca</strong>use i didn’t feel I<br />
belonged in the<br />
regular high school...it<br />
is a much more<br />
mature environment.<br />
-SWAC student of<br />
2011<br />
13
school within a college<br />
SWAC Fall Semester - Fanshawe College...<br />
This semester we had a great group of students who excelled at classroom discussion. Students enrolled in<br />
four college courses consisting of Human Relations, Communi<strong>ca</strong>tions, Dealing with Difficult People and<br />
Personal Success. On a daily basis, students participated in group work, classroom presentations, and<br />
blogging. One of the most challenging college assignments that students had to complete was an independent<br />
presentation on the topic of their choice where they had to incorporate a power point show into their speeches.<br />
The majority of students also enjoyed working with a new computer program <strong>ca</strong>lled Glogster. Using this<br />
program, students had to create a visual representation of their speeches. This program provided visual<br />
learners with a chance to really demonstrate what they learned through research their topics.<br />
During the grade 12 English program, students read a variety of short stories and other short texts. Students<br />
also read “The Freedom Writers” which is a collection of journals written by high school students struggling<br />
with issues ranging from racism, drug abuse, physi<strong>ca</strong>l abuse and gang warfare. Students reacted well to the<br />
collection of journals as many of them could identify with at least one of the topics in the book. Students<br />
further explored some of the topics in the book by writing various journals, answering questions and writing<br />
an essay at the end of the unit.<br />
Overall, it was a successful semester. Over half of the students in the program are continuing their edu<strong>ca</strong>tion<br />
at a college program in the fall. Other students are taking some time to figure out what direction they want to<br />
pursue. Ultimately, most of the students have learned that a little hard work and determination goes a long<br />
way, and if they set their minds to it, they <strong>ca</strong>n accomplish anything they want.<br />
~by Stephanie Dunham<br />
14
school within a college<br />
SWAC Program Options <strong>2012</strong>-13<br />
HOW DO MY<br />
OPTIONS WORK<br />
SWAC Programs are<br />
delivered full-time at<br />
Fanshawe, Simcoe,<br />
Mohawk, Ohsweken and<br />
Mohawk, Brantford.<br />
Each College Credit<br />
component successfully<br />
completed also<br />
generates one<br />
secondary credit<br />
towards your OSSD.<br />
You have the<br />
opportunity to earn<br />
more secondary credits<br />
if you need them.<br />
1/2 of your time is<br />
dedi<strong>ca</strong>ted to the<br />
college component;<br />
the other half is your<br />
secondary component.<br />
Fanshawe College, Simcoe<br />
Human Relations, College Component<br />
▪ Human Relations<br />
▪ Personal Success<br />
▪ Communi<strong>ca</strong>tions<br />
▪ Dealing with Difficult People<br />
Mohawk College.. Ohsweken<br />
Introduction to Trades and Technology,<br />
College Component<br />
▪ Introduction to Construction<br />
▪ Introduction to Welding<br />
▪ Blueprint Reading / Engineering Graphics<br />
▪ Automotive<br />
Mohawk College, Brantford<br />
Introduction to Trades and Technology<br />
College Component<br />
▪ Introduction to Construction<br />
▪ Introduction to Welding<br />
▪ Blueprint Reading / Engineering Graphics<br />
▪ Introduction to Green Industry<br />
Human Services, College Component<br />
▪ Interpersonal and Group Dynamics<br />
▪ Crime and the Media<br />
▪ Sociology<br />
▪ Popular Culture and Social Influence<br />
+<br />
Secondary Component<br />
Teacher taught credit (English)<br />
and teacher supported credit<br />
recovery or modified<br />
independent learning courses.<br />
+<br />
Secondary Component<br />
Teacher taught credit (English)<br />
and teacher supported credit<br />
recovery or modified<br />
independent learning courses.<br />
+ Secondary Component<br />
Teacher taught credit (English)<br />
and teacher supported credit<br />
recovery or modified<br />
independent learning courses.<br />
+ Secondary Component<br />
Teacher taught credit (English)<br />
and teacher supported credit<br />
recovery or modified<br />
independent learning courses.<br />
Business and Graphic Design<br />
College Component<br />
▪ Introduction to Design Appli<strong>ca</strong>tions<br />
▪ Graphics Marketing<br />
▪ Computer Appli<strong>ca</strong>tions<br />
▪ Human Relations<br />
+<br />
Secondary Component<br />
Teacher taught credit (English) and<br />
teacher supported credit<br />
recovery or modified<br />
independent learning courses.<br />
For more information contact a guidance counsellor at your lo<strong>ca</strong>l high school.<br />
Visit www.scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong> for more information.<br />
15
Media Blitz! - See SWAC’s newspaper<br />
ads, posters, post<strong>ca</strong>rds, flyers, billboards,<br />
bus sign, etc.<br />
I got my high school diploma<br />
with help from SWAC.<br />
I started to earn College credits<br />
with help from SWAC.<br />
DO YOU KNOW SWAC <br />
www.scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Contact your high school guidance department to find out more<br />
about School Within a College (SWAC) and to register.<br />
Want to graduate high school and start college Need a little help<br />
“I got my high school diploma<br />
with help from SWAC.”<br />
“I started to earn College<br />
credits with help from SWAC.”<br />
DO YOU KNOW SWAC <br />
Contact a BHNCDSB or GEDSB<br />
high school guidance department<br />
to find out more about<br />
School Within a College (SWAC)<br />
DO YOU KNOW SWAC <br />
and to register.<br />
Earn college and high school credits at the same time.<br />
“I just want to start college, but I haven’t finished all of my high school credits. Can SWAC help me”<br />
Express<br />
www.scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Fanshawe College, Simcoe<br />
Mohawk College, Ohsweken<br />
Mohawk College, Brantford<br />
How Does SWAC Work<br />
SWAC Programs are delivered full-time at<br />
Fanshawe, Simcoe, Mohawk, Ohsweken and<br />
Mohawk, Brantford.<br />
Each College Credit component<br />
successfully completed also generates one<br />
secondary credit towards your OSSD.<br />
You have the opportunity to earn more<br />
secondary credits if you need them.<br />
1/2 of your time is dedi<strong>ca</strong>ted to the<br />
college component; the other half is your<br />
secondary component.<br />
Programs include: Human Relations, Human<br />
Services, Trades and Technology, Business<br />
and Graphic Design.<br />
Who <strong>ca</strong>n apply<br />
To apply to a SWAC program, you must be registered at a secondary<br />
school of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board or<br />
the Grand Erie District School Board. Out of school, but still need credits<br />
Go to or <strong>ca</strong>ll your home high school to register.<br />
3 Easy Steps<br />
1 Talk to a guidance counsellor to see if SWAC is right for you.<br />
2 Complete an appli<strong>ca</strong>tion form with help from your guidance counsellor.<br />
3 Attend an intake interview with a college professor and teacher to<br />
review your plans.<br />
Want to graduate high school and start college<br />
Need a little help<br />
“I got my high school diploma www.scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong><br />
with help from SWAC.”<br />
“I started to earn College<br />
credits with help from SWAC.”<br />
DO YOU KNOW SWAC <br />
Contact a BHNCDSB or GEDSB<br />
high school guidance department<br />
to find out more about<br />
School Within a College (SWAC)<br />
and to register.<br />
DO YOU KNOW SWAC <br />
Earn college and high school credits at the same time.<br />
“I just want to start college, but I haven’t finished all of my high school credits. Can SWAC help me”<br />
Fanshawe College, Simcoe Mohawk College, Ohsweken Mohawk College, Brantford<br />
How Does SWAC Work<br />
Who <strong>ca</strong>n apply<br />
SWAC Programs are delivered full-time at To apply to a SWAC program, you must be registered at a secondary<br />
Fanshawe, Simcoe, Mohawk, Ohsweken and school of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board or<br />
Mohawk, Brantford.<br />
the Grand Erie District School Board. Out of school, but still need credits<br />
Go to or <strong>ca</strong>ll your home high school to register.<br />
Each College Credit component<br />
successfully completed also generates one<br />
3 Easy Steps<br />
secondary credit towards your OSSD.<br />
1 Talk to a guidance counsellor to see if SWAC is right for you.<br />
You have the opportunity to earn more<br />
2 Complete an appli<strong>ca</strong>tion form with help from your guidance counsellor.<br />
secondary credits if you need them.<br />
3 Attend an intake interview with a college professor and teacher to<br />
1/2 of your time is dedi<strong>ca</strong>ted to the<br />
review your plans.<br />
college component; the other half is your<br />
secondary component.<br />
Programs include: Human Relations, Human<br />
Services, Trades and Technology, Business<br />
and Graphic Design.<br />
www.scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Contact your high school guidance department to find out more about<br />
School Within a College (SWAC) and to register.<br />
www.scwigrandriver.<strong>ca</strong><br />
Contact your high school guidance department to find out more about<br />
School Within a College (SWAC) and to register.<br />
Stay tuned for ...<br />
Destination College - May 22 - 25th, <strong>2012</strong><br />
SWAC Media Blitz - Week of May 28th, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Way to Work (Earn to Learn) - May, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Your Future in Skilled Trades - May, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Getting the Word Out - June, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Picture Yourself @ College - Aboriginal Roadmap Launch - June 12, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Career Pathways Symposium - September, <strong>2012</strong>