Grade12ExitPlanning

HowWillIFinanceMyPost-SecondaryEducation?Thereare5mainareasyouneedtoconsiderwhenthinkingaboutfinancingyoureducation.Theyareasfollows:

1. College,UniversityorApprenticeshipgrants,loans,scholarshipsandbursaries.Grantisnotrepayable.Scholarshipsarebasedonacademicperformanceand/orfinancialneedandmayhaveanapplicationprocessorbeautomaticbasedonperformance.Loansarerepayable6monthsafteryougraduateorleaveschoolandarenolongerastudent.Bursariesarebasedonfinancialneedandnon-repayable.

2. GovernmentFunding-applyingforOSAP(OntarioStudentAssistanceProgram)Youwillapplyon-linewhentheapplicationisavailable.AsaruleofthumbnolatertheendofJuneshouldbeusedasyourdeadline.Disbursementsusuallyaregivenouteachtermandnotallatonce.

3. Other-includesbankloans(negotiatealowerinterestrateusually¼to½percentifpossible)4. Part-timeemploymentonoroffcampus5. Familysupport

WhatWillItCost?

Ifyouareplanningonattendinguniversityorcollegeyoumustconsiderthefollowingfees.1. Applicationfees-oncepaiditisnon-refundableifyoucancelyourapplication.2. Tuition–forCollegeusually$2000fortheyear;forUniversityitisapproximately$6000-7000a

year3. Extra-campusservicesand/orCo-operativeeducationfees4. BooksandSupplies-onaverage$1000peryear;itwillbehigherinspecializedprogramssuchas

photography,architecture,graphicdesign,etc.5. LivingCosts-privateroom,sharedroom,offcampushousingand/ormandatorymealplan,

$4,500-6,000onaveragefortwoterms6. Transportation-$100permonthforpublictransportation;ifdrivingacaryouneedtoconsider

parkingoncampusplusgasandinsurance

7. Other-personalneeds(trytobudgetandestimateperweekormonth)

OSAPEstimatesGrossParentalIncome OSAP(Home) OSAP(Away)$50,000 9,000 12,300$70,000 8,900 12,300$90,000 5,300 10,200$110,000 4,300 6,900$130,000 2,200 5,100$150,000 0 3,000

BudgetBuilder

EstimatedExpenses EstimatedResources

Tuition AssetsBooks&Supplies CurrentSavingsResidence/Rent GrossIncomeGroceries/MealPlan ParentalSupportPhone/Cable/Interest BankLoanCellPhone ScholarshipsUtilities BursariesClothing GovernmentIncomeEntertainment OSAPTransportation GrantsCreditCardPayment TOTALEXPENSES= TOTALRESOURCES=

Students – High School Monthly Planner September-December Review your courses for the year, and plan for your grade 12 year and/or possible 5th year. Be sure you select the high school courses required for college/university or apprenticeship admission. Prepare a list of colleges/universities you’re considering. Check with your guidance counselor and/or websites for books and computer materials on the colleges/universities you’re interested in attending. Browse the OUAC and/or OCAS sites for more in-depth information www.ouac.on.ca and www.ontariocolleges.ca Attend liaison visits at the school for schools you are interested in. Prepare questions for the ones in which you are thinking about. Sign up in the Guidance office for these visits. Attend any assemblies for grade 12 students on general information about post secondary institutions/graduation and the application process. When available pick up OCAS/OUAC numbers in the guidance office Only for students who are applying to the United States, sign up and prepare for the SAT, ACT, or both, depending on which test is accepted at the colleges you want to attend. NOTE: It’s important to take this test now. If you don’t score as high as you’d like, you can retake the test again. By December students should have applied on-line to their respective schools and paid the necessary non-refundable application fee. ESL students need to inquire about necessary documentation and the TOEFL test Make your counselor aware of any on-line courses you may be registered in. Make an appointment with your counselor to complete an EXIT PLAN to double check graduation requirements. See a counselor if you want some assistance on your college or university application on-line January – February If you haven’t applied narrow your college/university list, and contact the remaining schools for literature and apply before the deadline date. READ all material sent by your particular school

Attend liaison visits for schools you are interested in. Prepare questions for the ones in which you think you may attend. Sign up in the Guidance office for these visits. Complete an option sheet for the upcoming year if you are returning Research grants, bursaries, loans and scholarships at your potential schools, and see if you can increase activities or volunteering to qualify or enhance your chances. Start a binder to hold all of your documentation. Include the following sections: calendar of deadlines, applications and contact details, high school transcript, recommendation letters, test scores, budget, and miscellaneous. Check out financial aid/scholarship information on the OSAP website https://osap.gov.on.ca Browse the OUAC and/or OCAS sites for more in-depth information on school preparation timelines, student loans, and financial aid. Check them out, and be sure to consult with a guidance counsellor if you have any questions. Decide whom you will ask to write recommendation letters if necessary. Listen for announcements on scholarships with applications in your Guidance office. Check the Guidance office to declare your attendance at the Grad ceremony and other information needed. Fill out FINANCIAL FORM in Guidance for scholarship purposes March – May Attend mandatory Board wide Grad mass and school mass for graduates You may need to take admission tests and/or provide additional admission requirements such as portfolios for selected programs. Prepare early on! Check your grades on-line and report to your counselor and discrepancies. Plan for college/university visits/tours so you can speak with students and observe classes. Grades aren’t the only thing schools evaluate; how’s your community service involvement, make sure all community service is completed and more! When the on-line OSAP application is ready apply on-line with relevant parental income tax information. Attend the OSAP assembly at the school by signing up in the Guidance office. Read up on your potential Valedictorian candidates and vote. Verify your Grad destination in the Guidance office for ceremony purposes Go on-line to verify your acceptance. Keep your grades up! June – July If taking a summer school course that will be needed for admission purposes YOU are required to submit that grade on your own to both OUAC/OCAS and the respective school. Add money from your summer job to your savings account. Please note these dates are meant to be general guidelines. They vary from year to year and from school to school. For specific information, contact your high school guidance office or college/university financial aid office.

EXIT PLANS Thegoal of an exit programistohelpstudentsmakeasuccessfultransitionto

thenextstageoftheirlives.Allstudentsleavingschoolareencouragedto

participateinanexitprogram.

Theexitprogramsforgraduatesshouldincludethefollowing:

• Areviewofeachstudent'splansforpostsecondaryeducation,training,apprenticeship,• Independentliving,orwork• Informationonuniversityandcollegeprograms,applicationandadmissionproceduresetc.• Informationonapprenticeshipprograms• Informationonproceduresforapplyingforemployment• Financialplanninginformation

Aspartoftheirexitprogramstudentsareencouragedtocompleteandreviewanelectroniccopy

oftheirannualeducationplaninordertoreviewfutureplansandgoals.

Whenyouleavehighschoolitisatimemanyimportantdecisionsaremade.

Thegoalofthispackageistogiveyouasmuchinformationaspossibletostartthisnewpath.

TheStudentServicesDepartmentisanofficededicatedtostudentsuccess.Ourgoalistohelp

youtakeresponsibilityforyourfutureandbecomecontributingmembersofsociety.

Beforeyouleavehighschool,pleasemakesuretomakeanappointmentwith

Acounseloranddiscussyourfutureplans.

Goodluckandallthebest!

Checklist for students leaving High School Students leaving high school should take a few pieces of important information with them. Make photocopies of all the documents you take with you so that you don’t give your only copy to a potential employer, or school. It is also useful to have several copies of important documents in case the original gets lost. Checklist for Exiting Students GRADUATES: -an official transcript ($10.00) - any certificates of achievements. Letters of recommendation

-a review of colleges, universities WOW, or apprenticeship training

-information on college admissions and university admissions

-information on applying for a job

-financial planning

-participation in school exit program

NON-GRADUATES

-review credit counseling and get a copy of your transcript

-certificates of skills, letters of recommendation

-discuss immediate future plans

-examine eventual post secondary options

-information on applying for a job

-financial planning

-participation in school exit program

Directory of Social Services

Continuing Education: Welland 905 734- 4495, Fort Erie 905 991- 8951,

Niagara Falls 905 354- 3531, St. Catharines (3 centres) 905 682- 3360

Independent Learning Centre (ILC’s-T.V. Ontario) www.ilc.org This centre offers on-line and text based Ontario Secondary School Credits. You must not be registered in a secondary school to sign up. Virtual Learning Centre- Ontario www.virtualhighschool.com 1 416 800 1186 Any adult in Ontario who needs to take a few credit courses to finish their requirements for their high school diploma and cannot attend Adult Learning Centre during the day.

HEALTH SERVICES

Health Card (Ontario Ministry of Health)

The Health card offers a health insurance for Ontario residents.

You must own your own card.

TELE-HEALTH Ontario

1 866 797 0000

Telehealth Ontario is FREE, confidential telephone service to get health advice or general information from a Registered Nurse who can assess symptoms and help decide the best first step to take. Nurses can provide phone numbers of community resource nearest to you. Callers can also talk to a pharmacist. Ontario Poison Centre 1-800-268-9017 Trained nurses offer 24 hour emergency first-aid information to the public in case of suspected poisoning. Public Health 905 734-1014 A confidential information line available to the public. Public Health Nurses are available to answer questions about health concerns and community resources.

Sexual Health Centre www.niagararegion.on.ca Free and confidential sexual health services for teens and adults including birth- control options and pregnancy management, counseling, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment. Walk-in clinics available.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE 905 684- 1183 (St. Catharines) or 905 -0666 (Niagara Falls) Professional client centered day and evening programs for women and men who have addiction problems, teens with substance abuse, adults and youth with problems gambling and for family members.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE Financial Assistance Ontario Works www.mcss.gov.on.ca Port Colborne 905 834 3629 or Fort Erie 905 641- 8230 Provides employment and financial assistance to Ottawa residents who need temporary help with funds for food, shelter, clothing, medical and other basic needs. Employment Insurance, Service Canada

Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary financial help to unemployed

Canadians while they look for work, are pregnant or caring for a child, or while

they are sick.Financial assistance and other benefits to people with disabilities. Ontario Disability Support Program 301 St. Paul’s Street Mezzanine Floor Garden City Tower St. Catharines ON L2R 7R4 905 688- 3022 Resumes This section will help you create a good resume. Samples have been provided. Resumes Do’s and Don’ts _ Keep the resume brief, clear and concise. _ Include a header on each page. This should include your name and contact information. _ Always put work history and education in chronological order, starting with the most recent. _ Be sure there are absolutely no spelling or grammar mistakes. _ Try to limit your resume to two pages. _ Tailor the resume to suit the position you are applying for. _ Include a section on relevant skills. This may include computer and typing skills, as well as the languages you speak. _ Be honest. Don’t lie about your past experiences or exaggerate about your involvement. _ Do not state your reasons for leaving another position. _ Do not include personal information such as age, weight, social insurance number or religion. _ Where possible, use exact dates. Simply saying that you worked for a company in a certain year is not enough; it could mean that you worked there for the entire year or that you worked there for only a day in that year. _ Always save your resume for future use. _ Be formal. Use formal language and avoid contractions (can’t, doesn’t, it’s) and abbreviations. Do not use slang. 12 _ Pick out key words from the job description and repeat them in your resume. _ Use your own words. Do not try to sound smarter or older than you are; this will be immediately obvious to the person reading the resume. It is better to use simple and plain language. *See appendix forexamplesofResumesandCoverLetter

WaystoFindaplace…..

1. Checktheclassifiedsectioninthenewspaper.Startearlyandbewellorganized

2. Chooseanareaoftownwhereyouwouldliketolive.Walkorbikeordrive

aroundtolookfor“forrent”signs.Writedownthetelephonenumbersandaddresses.

3. Whenyouseeaplaceyoulikecontactthelandlord.Askmanyquestions.Suchas

Istheplacefurnished,DoIsharethebathroom,Whatcostsbesiderent,DoIneeda

depositforlastmonth’srent,fordamagesorkeys.

General Tips _ The room or apartment should be clean and in good shape. _ Are there any repairs the landlord says will be done? When will they be done? _ Find out if there is a washer and a dryer in the building and how much they cost. _ Is there a good lock on the door? _ What kind of closet, storage and/or shelf space is there? _ Are there any holes in the walls, windows or floors? _ Is there any furniture? _ Is it clean and in good repair? _ Any water stains? _ Any bugs? If you decide you want to rent this place…. Ask the landlord when it is available. He/she may want you to fill out an application to rent. This means that he/she may want to check your references or credit or confirm your income.

You may be asked to sign a lease or you may even want one. If you co-sign a lease, this means that any one person who signs can be held totally responsible. If you have an apartment of your own, what do you do if something goes wrong? Call the landlord or superintendent first! Step#1 If you are a student and need money to meet basic needs, call 905 682 -9201 nrh.ca between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. You can get information and speak with someone who will help you get an appointment to see if you qualify for social assistance. At the appointment, you will be required to fill out some forms. It is best to call first and make an appointment instead of going to the Social Services Office. Note to Myself: My appointment is on:____________________________________________________ My appointment is at: ____________________________________ am/pm The address of the Social Services Office is:____________________________________ To confirm, or change my appointment I call: __________________________________

Step#2 When you go to the appointment, you must bring the following documents: · Your birth certificate, immigration documents, and/or citizenship card. · Your social insurance card. · Your health card. · Proof of where you live and how much it costs you, such as a lease agreement. · Proof you are in school full time (the registration confirmation you got from your school in September, your report card, or letter of standing from you guidance counselor). If you qualify for assistance, the Social Services Office will need all of the above information. If you are 16 or 17 years old, a special assessment of your family situation will be done. This means your family will be called or an appointment will be made with them to confirm that you cannot live at home. If you cannot make it to the appointment at the Social Services Office, please let them know so your appointment can be re-scheduled. If you don’t show up for appointment, you may have to go back to Step #1. Note to Myself: My case coordinator is:____________________________________________________ The phone number is:__________________________________ My next Appointment is:_______________________________ I need to bring the following with me:_________________________________________ Step #3 If you qualify for assistance, your file will be assigned to a case coordinator in the office nearest to where you live. This case coordinator will need to know how you are doing at school on a regular basis. You will need to provide all of your report cards. If you are at school part-time, have left school or are on summer break and can work, you must look for a job as quickly as possible. If you do not look for work you must be doing something to help you become more “job ready”. Your case coordinator will work with you to plan your next steps and help you learn how to look for work. It is your responsibility to make sure you provide the right information to our worker to avoid delays in your assistance. Financial Planning *See notes in appendix Certifications *See appendix Apprenticeship EXIT Plan NCDSBTechnologyConsultant:MarcoMagazzini905735-0240ext.132orvisitourCo-opofficeatLakeshoreCatholicMrs.Benko905835-2451WebsitePreparations:VisitthefollowingwebsitesinordertobeinformedofallaspectsOYAP.COMOntarioSillsPassportwww.apprenticetrades.cawww.apprenticeshipsearch.comwww.careersintrades.cahttp://www.WorkSmartOntario.gov.on.ca

*Seeappendixformoreinformation

Workplace EXIT Plan Employment & Community Present JOB FAIR

How to Prepare for a Job

• Résumé Writing Being able to write a good résumé is a skill you will be able to use over and over again, whether you are applying for your first part-time, after-school job, your first summer job, or your first "real" job.

• The Interview Learning to do well in job interviews can help you get the job you want. Here are some resources that can help.

• Cover Letters An impressive cover letter can be as important as an impressive résumé. Follow these links to some sound advice.

• Job Search Tips If you are ready to enter the world of work, here are some sites that will help you.

• Employability Skills Ideas on how to strengthen your employability skills – the set of abilities that allow you to be an effective worker, no matter what job you're doing.

• Entrepreneurship Does the idea of being your own boss appeal to you? Do you think you could create your own career? Entrepreneurship is an option you should at least consider

• Ontario Summer Jobs: A guide to summer employment opportunities prepared by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

EARLY EXIT PLAN FollowingtheChoicesIntoAction(1999)documentLCHS’sexitprogramforsecondarystudentsleavingschoolbeforegraduationincludesthefollowing:AreviewoftheirachievementstodateandtheissuingofacopyoftheOntarioStudentTranscriptaswellasanOntarioSecondarySchoolCertificateoraCertificateofAccomplishmentwhereappropriate.Informationabouteducationandtrainingopportunities(e.g.,eveningcourses,correspondencecourses,readmissiontosecondaryschool)ContinuingEducationContactinformation:Information on procedures for applying for employment Job Connect 1 800 387- 5656 Ontario Works 905 834-3629 or 905 641- 9230 YMCA Employment and Community Services Jobs, Workers, Training and Careers - 1-800-387-5656 – www.careers.ca and www.niagara.cioc.ca Social Insurance Number (SIN) - www.hrsdc.gc.ca

COLLEGE EXIT PLAN Can I go to college? -ifyouhave30creditsandanOSSDwithatleastagrade12EnglishatthecollegelevelThe application centre receives and records applications, as well as student responses to college offers of admission. A $95 fee (changes yearly- this is the 2018 fee) must accompany the application form.

In general, applicants received on or before February 1 for programs starting in September are considered on an equal basis. After February 1 applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

60 Corporate Court, Guelph, Ontario Canada N1G 5J3,Telephone: (519) 763-4725 / 1-888-892-2228 Fax: (519) 763-4866What is college all about? -ithas2or3yearsdiplomaprogramsandlesslengthycertificateprograms(oftenlessthanayear)-ithas4-yeargeneralareasofstudy:appliedarts,business,technology,andhealthscience-natureofstudies:workandjobfocusedonapplicationandskills,30-50%practical,handsonwork,oftenleadstospecificoccupations-costperyear(8months)variesgreatlybetweenprogramsandinstitutions.Checkcoursecalendars.GotoOPENhouseandinformationsessionsatthecolleges.Checkwebsitesforthemostcurrentinformation.Thereare23collegesinOntario.Toobtainaddressesandwebsiteinformationvisit:www.ontariocolleges.caUNIVERSITY EXIT PLAN -thisisanon-lineprocess,youmusthaveatleast64Uor4Mcreditstoapply(withrequiredcourses)-Programrequirementsvisitindividualwebsitesandreviewfirstyearuniversitycalendars-attendOUACpresentationsandliaisonvisitsattheschoolCHECKLIST OF INFORMATION TO HAVE:

• Your personal PIN number • LCHS’ School Mident Number: 726087 • Your student number • A list of your researched choices TO START:

STEP #1: Go to www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101/

STEP #2: Click on 101 Online Application

STEP #3: Choose Login

STEP #4: Enter the following:

School Number: 726087 Your Student Number: _____ Your Personal PIN#: _____ STEP #5: Click on Log in Now...you're in!

INFORMATION:

• Make sure you READ ALL THE INFORMATION CLOSELY and • FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.

• The right hand margin has important information under • Quick Reference. Choose the Tutorials link to watch the • instructional help videos or click this link. • (http://www.ouac.on.ca/ugrad-tutorials/). • Please remember: All fees submitted to OUAC • are non-refundable. Be sure before you pay! • You can make changes to your application after you pay!

VERY IMPORTANT DATE:

Application Deadline: January 16, 2019

Smart Deadline: Before December 23, 2018 (don’t get caught

up in the January rush) Last date for changes to application for equal

consideration is February 5th. Fee for 2018 was $150 for three choices and

every additional choice was $55. May incur charges for switching schools later on.

Websites you might find useful *seeappendix

Appendix

PartsofaResumeExampleofaResume

CoverLettersInterviews

HousingandFoodSocialAssistanceFinancialPlanningCertifications/OSSD

ApprenticeshipTraining

Resumes Parts of a Resume

Full Name – first and last Address- home address

Phone Number – one where you are easily reached Email Address – professional and appropriate

Objective: This statement should fit the position you are applying for. This statement changes and helps to focus information on the resume Skills Summary: Here is where you focus on the skills you have that MATCH the position you are applying for. This will change – it is closely linked with your objective. There are 2 main categories of skills: Soft Skills – communication, creativity, professionalism, problem solving, leadership, listening skills etc. Hard Skills – things you can do, such as, speak a language, computer software experience, CPR certificate, do an oil change or cut hair. Employment History: Your work experience is shown here. Put your information in order (most recent first). Include dates, company/employer name, with the city and province. Include a brief description of your duties and the position. You may include your Volunteer experience here- it is work experience too! If you have a lot of volunteer experience, put it under a separate heading. Education and Training: List all completed diplomas, degrees, and certificates in order (most recent first). Include any training courses or seminars, IF they relate to the position you are applying for. If you have not completed a diploma, degree, or certificate – list only the courses you have taken that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Interests: This is a chance to show other areas where you have skills that are transferable (helpful to the job). References: Your references should be placed on a separate piece of paper that may be given to the employer upon request. 3 references with their title and contact information. A teacher, work colleague or character references are the best examples. You need permission from your reference to use them! Employers do check them out!

Jane Doe 1234 First Avenue, Ottawa, ON

K2S M6N (613) 555-1234

janedoe@hotmail.org OBJECTIVE To gain full time employment in the field of ____________________________. EMPLOYMENT Quintara Cleaning Company, Ottawa, ON March 2003- Present Position: Cleaner Duties: Sweep and mop floors, clean washrooms, and dispose of garbage. Unicoo, Ottawa, ON May 2000 –March 2003 Position: Weekend Supervisor Duties: Coordinate the cleaning responsibilities of The Bay, St. Laurent Shopping Centre. WORK EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEER WORK Jim Keay Motors November 24-28, 2003 Position: Auto Body Helper (Work Experience Placement) Canadian Tire (Heron Road) May 19-22, 2003 Position: Auto Service Assistant (Work Experience Placement) EDUCATION Lakeshore Catholic High School- Currently enrolled in grade 12 SKILLS Good Interpersonal Skills Organized and dependable Creative independent worker Friendly and honest OTHER INTERESTS Cooking, hairdressing, sewing, tailoring and working with children. REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Cover Letters What is the purpose of the cover letter? A cover letter is as important to your job as your resume. The point of a cover letter is to introduce the reader to your resume and to convince them that you should be interviewed for the job. Cover Letter DO’s! _ Do word process your cover letter. _ Do space the letter appropriately _ Do select an easy to read font (Times Roman or Arial, 12 point) _ Do include your address, the date, the complete address and position and name of the receiver _ Do state the position you are applying for _ Do let your enthusiasm and interest show _ Do refer to your enclosed resume in the letter _ Do list the related experience that you have to the position _ Do indicate your desire for an interview _ Do proofread the letter to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes _ Do send an original letter, never a photocopy _ Do sign the letter _ Do describe how you may be reached and give a telephone number or email address

Cover Letter Sample: Responding to a Newspaper Ad Jane Morriseau 78-A Pine Street East Cooksville, Ontario P7A 5X3 jene@school.ca June 12, 2007 Ms. Holly Peters Manager Cool Threads Clothing Store 25 Main St. Cooksville, Ontario A1B 2C3 Re: APPLICATION FOR SALESPERSON Dear Ms. Peters: I am interested in applying for the position of salesperson at the Cool Threads Store, which was advertised in the June 10 edition of the Cooksville News. As a high school student, I have developed organizational and communication skills through my involvement in school sports and by coaching junior soccer. I also understand how business operates through my specialization in economics and accounting. I have enclosed my résumé with further details. I would enjoy being a part of your company and am available for an interview at your convenience. You can contact me at 555-1212 or leave a message at 555-1234. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, (sign your name) Jane Morriseau Enclosure (your résumé) The Interview Once you have been contacted and told that you have an interview it is VERY important that you prepare for this meeting. Here are some hints to get you ready. _ Arrive 10 minutes early. _ Be dressed respectfully in clean clothes (no jeans!). _ Turn off your cell phone. _ Greet each person with respect and professionalism. _ When you shake hands, make eye contact and smile. _ It is good manners to wait to sit down until the interviewer invites you to do so. S A M P L E I N T E R V I EW Q U E S T I O N S Here are some sample interview questions. Preparing answers to these questions will ensure that you have immediate and well thought out answers. 1) Tell me about yourself 2) What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses? 3) Why did you leave your last job? 4) Why do you want to work for us? 5) How did you like your last job? 6) What kind of salary are you looking for? 7) What do you know about our company? 8) Why should we hire you? 9) What did you think of your previous boss? 10) What are your long-term career goals? 11) Do you like to work overtime?

HOUSING and FOOD What types of housing do you want? What can you afford? 1. Figure out what you need · Would you share a bathroom and a kitchen with people you don’t know? · Do you need a place that is furnished? · Do you want to live downtown? · Do you need to be near a bus route? · Could you live in a single room? · Are you willing to share an apartment or a house? 2. Decide what you can afford · How much rent can you afford to pay each month? · If you don’t have an income, how will you pay the rent? · Could you afford first and last month’s rent if the landlord wants this kind of security deposit? · Do you have any money to make a deposit on a place if you find one you? like? How to Apply for Social Assistance Step#1 If you are a student and need money to meet basic needs, call 613-560-6000 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. You can get information and speak with someone who will help you get an appointment to see if you qualify for social assistance. At the appointment, you will be required to fill out some forms. It is best to call first and make an appointment instead of going to the Social Services Office. Note to Myself: My appointment is on:____________________________________________________ My appointment is at: ____________________________________ am/pm The address of the Social Services Office is:____________________________________ To confirm, or change my appointment I call: __________________________________ Step#2 When you go to the appointment, you must bring the following documents: · Your birth certificate, immigration documents, and/or citizenship card. · Your social insurance card. · Your health card. · Proof of where you live and how much it costs you, such as a lease agreement. · Proof you are in school full time (the registration confirmation you got from your school in September, your report card, or letter of standing from you guidance counselor). If you qualify for assistance, the Social Services Office will need all of the above information. If you are 16 or 17 years old, a special assessment of your family situation will be done. This means your family will be called or an appointment will be made with them to confirm that you cannot live at home. If you cannot make it to the appointment at the Social Services Office, please let them know so your appointment can be re-scheduled. If you don’t show up for appointment, you may have to go back to Step #1. Note to Myself: My case coordinator is:____________________________________________________ The phone number is:__________________________________ My next Appointment is:_______________________________ I need to bring the following with me:_________________________________________

Financial Planning Looking at Your Financial Picture Before you can begin managing your money better, it helps to know how you are managing your money now. You may not even think about where your money goes or how much money you have or how much money you have for spending and saving. One way to understand is to keep a simple list of how much you spend each day for a few weeks and then compare them. To start a weekly list: · Write down our income (the amount of money you have coming in. It may be pay from babysitting a part-time job or social assistance.) · Keep track of your expenses (a list of what you spend each day) As you compare your weekly lists · Compare the totals of your income and your expenses o Do you spend all the money you get or do you have some left over? o Are you spending too much on a particular thing? o Are you wasting money on things you don’t need? o Are you happy with your spending habits? Planning for Better Money Management: A Budget A good way to manage your money is to create a budget. A budget is a plan for using the money you have available. When you make a budget, you are setting up money rules. By following these rules, you can reach your personal money management goal and live within your income. Here are some tips for reading a budget: · Record the income you have for one month. · Write down what you plan to spend on fixed and flexible expenses. On what will you spend your money? How much will you spend? Be as realistic as you can. This will help you make a budget with which you can live. · Review your budget often to see how it is working. If you have allowed too much or too little for some items, change your budget accordingly. If you have forgotten one or more expenses, include these as you update your budget. By working with your budget, you learn to manage your money through practice. As time passes, your money management skills will improve. Making Your Budget Take a few moments to fill in the worksheet on the next page and find out where all you money goes. Make copies of the worksheet, save and update them so you can track your actual expenses through the month and the year. Compare your income to your expenses and see where you are spending more (or less) than you have planned. Monthly Net Income Job(s) $ Awards/Scholarships $ Loans $ Parents $ Social Assistance $ Other $ Total Income (A) $ Fixed Expenses and Debt Rent $ Car/Transportation Expenses $ Credit Card Payment $ Loan Payment $ Tuition $ Other $ Total Fixed Expenses (B) $ Flexible Expenses

Planned Actual Savings $ $ Phone/Utilities $ $ Groceries $ $ Eating Out $ $ Clothing $ $ Entertaining $ $ Books/Supplies $ $ Other $ $ Total Flexible Expenses (C)$ $ Total Expenses (Fixed and Actual) (B + C) Difference From Total Income $ (A) - (B + C) $ Note: Once you have entered all your income and expenses on the worksheet, look at the “difference from Total Income” line found at the bottom of the page. A negative number means you’re in the red – as in danger – you have run out of money before you have run out of expenses. Try to cut optional (things you do not REALLY need) spending will get your budget back into the black. Understanding and Using Financial Services (Banks) Financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, can help you manage your money. These businesses offer services to assist you, both as you spend and as you save. You may use some of these services now. Others will be part of your future. By learning how the main financial services work, you will be better able to use them when you need to. Contact your local bank for information on the services they can offer you. Certifications for Leaving High School Certificate of Accomplishment Students who leave high school before fulfilling the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Certificate or the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, may be granted a Certificate of Accomplishment. The Certificate of Accomplishment is a useful means of recognizing achievement for students who plan to take certain vocational programs or other kinds of training, or who plan to find employment after leaving school. Students who return to school to complete additional credit and non-credit courses will have their transcript updated accordingly, but will not be issued a new Certificate of Accomplishment. If a student is working towards the Certificate of Accomplishment, it is not necessary for the student to complete 40 hours of Community Service or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) The Ontario Secondary School Certificate will be granted on request to students who leave school before earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, provided that they have earned a minimum of 14 credits distributed as follows: Compulsory Credits (total of 7) · 2 credits in English · 1 credit in Canadian Geography or Canadian History · 1 credit in Mathematics · 1 credit in Science · 1 credit in Health and Physical Education · 1 credit in Arts or Technological Education Plus: · 7 other credits selected by the students from the available courses If a student is working towards the OSSC, it is not necessary for the student to complete 40 hours of Community Service or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.

OntarioSecondarySchoolDiploma(OSSD)-Compulsory Credits Students must earn the following compulsory credits in order to obtain the OSSD:

• 4 credits in English-1 per grade. A maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English course.)

• 3 credits in mathematics (at least one senior credit) • 2 credits in science • 1 credit in Canadian history • 1 credit in Canadian geography • 1 credit in the arts (visual, drama, film or music) • 1 credit in health and physical education • 1 credit in French as a second language • .5 credit in civics • .5 credit in career studies • 4 credits in religion (1 per grade) Plus one credit from each of the following groups:

1 additional credit in English, or French as a second language, or a Native language, or a classical or an international language, or social sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance and career education, or cooperative education*. 1 additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business studies, or cooperative

education*. 1 additional credit in science, or technological education, or cooperative education*. Optional Credits In addition to the 22 compulsory credits, students must complete 8 optional credits (which may include up to four credits achieved through approved Dual Credit Courses).

Community Involvement Requirements and Procedures Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities during their years in the secondary school program. This requirement is to be completed outside the students’ normal instructional hours and in a variety of settings. Students may not complete the requirement through activities that are counted towards a credit, through paid work or by assuming duties normally performed by a paid employee. Parents and students play a major role in this initiative. Completion of the 40 hours must be confirmed by the non- profit organization(s) or person(s) supervising the activities. Documentation attesting to the completion of each activity must be submitted. This documentation must include for each activity, the name of the person or non-profit organization receiving the service, the activity performed, the dates and hours, signatures of the student and his or her parents and a signed acknowledgment by the person (or representative of the organization) involved. Forms are available for this purpose from Student Services. Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test All students must successfully complete the provincial secondary school literacy test in order to earn a secondary school diploma. Students will normally be administered the literacy test when they are in Grade 10. The test is based on Ontario curriculum expectations for language and communication, particularly reading and writing, up to and including Grade 9. The test will identify areas for remediation for students who are unsuccessful in completing the test. Students who write the test but do not succeed must re-take the test and complete it successfully in order to qualify for a secondary school diploma. There is no limit to the number of times the test may be re-taken. Accommodations Students who are receiving special education programs and services and who have an Individual Education Plan may receive the accommodations that are set out in the students’ IEP. Deferrals Only students who might benefit from a deferral of the test will be considered. This may include students

who have been identified as exceptional and students registered in English as a second language/English literacy development courses who have not yet acquired the level of proficiency in English required for successfully completing the test. The principal determines if a deferral should be granted and the time period for the deferral. Exemptions Students whose IEP indicates that the student is not working towards the attainment of a secondary school diploma may, with parental consent and approval of the principal, be exempted from participating in the literacy test. Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course The standard method for assessing the literacy skills of students in Ontario for the purpose of meeting the literacy requirement for graduation is the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) has been developed to provide students who have been unsuccessful on the test with intensive support in achieving the required reading and writing competencies, and with an alternative means of demonstrating their literacy skills. In addition, the comprehensive, full credit literacy course will provide intensive literacy instruction and reassess the skills of students in Grade 12 who have failed the test. For diploma purposes, passing the course is equivalent to passing the Grade 10 Literacy test. Policy on Substitutions for Compulsory Courses Substitutions may be made for a limited number of compulsory credit courses using courses from the remaining courses offered by the school that meet the requirements for compulsory credits. To meet individual students’ needs, principals may replace up to three compulsory courses (or the equivalent in half courses). Ontario Scholars The designation of a student as an Ontario Scholar is outlined in the memorandum applied in the 2008-09 school year and in subsequent years. Requirements A student may be designated an Ontario Scholar if he or she satisfies both of the following requirements: He or she obtains an aggregate of at least 480 marks in any combination of ministry-approved courses listed below that provide a total of six credits, as defined by Ontario Secondary Schools, Grades 9 to 12: Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999 (OSS) and/or Ontario Schools, Intermediate and Senior Divisions (Grades 7–12/OACs): Program and Diploma Requirements, rev. ed., 1989 (OSIS). He or she has been recommended by the school principal for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in either the current school year or the previous school year. Ministry-approved courses are the following: any Grade 12 university preparation, university/college preparation, college preparation, workplace preparation, and/or open courses authorized under OSS, including locally developed courses approved by the ministry cooperative education courses related to any of the above courses dual credit courses in college-delivered dual credit programs approved by the ministry any Ontario Academic Courses (OACs) authorized under OSIS.

Apprenticeship Training Apprenticeship is an on-the-job training program for people who want to work in a skilled trade or occupation and includes learning new skills from skilled journeypersons. Apprenticeship training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skill, judgment and creativity. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience, and their wages increase with their level of skill. There are currently over 140 apprenticeable trades in Ontario in four sectors: construction, industrial/manufacturing, motive power and service. Go to the following web site for all the information you will need to get you started on your pathway to apprenticeship.http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/appren.html Or call the toll-free Employment Ontario Hotline at 1-866-768-1157 for the phone number and location of the apprenticeship office in your area. Newcomers to Ontario can ask for this information in the language of their choice.