Guidance

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  1. How to Register for Grade 9
  2. Important Dates
  3. Graduation Requirements
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Tips from Senior Wolverines

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How to Register for Grade 9

Wolverines from Arthur or Mount Forest 

Just complete MyBlueprint course selection and you’re done!

Video : How to enter courses into myBlueprint

Wolverines from Egremont, Normanby, St. Mary, St. John

  1. Complete these forms: 
    1. Online Course Selection form by January 13
    2. Student Registration Form
  2. Check the map below to see if you live in the WHSS  boundary area:
    https://www.ugdsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/SEC_Wellington_Heights_SS_RT.pdf
    Students who live outside of the green or grey shaded area may not have access to bus  transportation. If you have any questions, please call the school (519) 323-3430
  3. Call (519) 323-3430 to book a registration time or email [email protected]
  4. Please bring/scan:
    1. student’s Birth Certificate or Passport
    2. proof of address such as a property tax bill or hydro bill

Important Dates

Early Dec

  • WHSS Guidance share Grade 9 course & pathway info to Grade 8 classes
  • Grade 8 teachers, parents and students plan courses for high school 

Dec 7  6pm

  • Grade 8 Family Information Night
  • presentation followed by interactive self-tour

Jan 13

  • Purple Course Selection Sheets due (APS, VCPS)
  • Registration to attend Grade 9 at WHSS for for Grade 8s  attending Egremont, Normanby, St. Mary, St. John, home-school, etc..

Aug 30

  • Grade 9 Orientation
  • 9:00 Assembly followed by small Group activities to meet some leaders and other grade 9 students

Graduation Requirements

In order earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma, you must:

  1. Complete 30 credits composed of
    1. 18 mandatory courses
    2. 12 elective courses
  2. Pass the OSSLT
    One of our teachers has created a website to help students practice for the OSSLT if you would like to see what types of questions appear on the test
  3. Complete 40 hours of volunteering

What courses are required to graduate?

  • 4 credits in English (1/year)
  • 3 credits in Math (1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
  • 2 credits in Science
  • 1 credit in Canadian History
  • 1 credit in Canadian Geography
  • 1 credit in the arts
  • 1 credit in health and physical education
  • 1 credit in French as a second language
  • 0.5 credit in career studies
  • 0.5 credit in civics

Plus

  • 1 additional credit in one of:
    • A Language (French/Native/International/Classical)
    • Co-operative education
  • 1 additional credit in one of:
    • Health and Physical Education
    • The arts
    • Business studies
    • Co-operative education
    • French as a second language
  • 1 additional credit in one of:
    • Science (Grade 11 or 12)
    • Technological education
    • Co-operative education

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: My child picked his courses for grade 9, when will timetables/ schedules be available?
A: Typically, grade 9 course schedules are sent home at the end of June. Official timetables will be available for Orientation Day (Wednesday Sept 1)

Q: If my son/daughter takes Essential level classes, do they get a different diploma?
A: All students in either the Academic, Applied or Essential pathway (or any combination of courses) will graduate with the EXACT SAME DIPLOMA. 

Q: How do I count volunteer hours?
A:

  • Starting in July (after you graduate Grade 8), any volunteer hours you complete, get your supervisor to sign the paper form (available on the WHSS website under GUIDANCE).
  • Hand in your completed paper form to the WHSS main office as soon as you complete a job, even if you don’t have all 40 hours.
  • Don’t stop volunteering at the mandatory 40 hours; there are scholarship opportunities; experience building skills for resumes and of course the benefits of volunteering service in your community.

Q: How many students attend WHSS?
A: Approximately 450 students

Q: How many grade 9s go to WHSS?
A: Approximately 115 grade 9s

Q: Is there Auto-shop class?
A: Although there is not an auto shop, WHSS has excellent partnerships with the Auto shops/Garages in our communities to offer 2-credit and all-day co-op work experiences in grades 11 and 12. 
We also offer Dual-credit opportunities where students can attend Conestoga in their grade 12 year to earn both high school & college credit in various Auto programs such as Automotive Service Technician(Mechanic) or Truck & Coach.

Q: What is grade 9 camp?
A: For more than a decade (in non-pandemic times) WHSS has taken all grade 9s along with Link Crew Leaders (gr 11 & 12) and teachers to overnight camp for 3 days to allow all new wolverines to trust, get to know each other and build relationships with peers and teachers outside of the school

Q: What is the WHSS Mascot?
A:    WHSS’s mascot is named Marty. Marty’s name is derived from a combination of letters for Mount Forest and Arthur.

Tips From Senior Wolverines

  1. Talk about courses with friends, older friends/siblings in high school, family, grade 8 teachers.
    You will pick your courses for grade 9 in DECEMBER of your grade 8 year.
  2. Visit the high school… attend games, plays, grade 8 family night, grade 9 orientation days, call the high school and inquire about tours.
    If you are within walking distance, walk from your house to the high school and time how long it takes and familiarize yourself with your walking route.
    When you are in town, walk around the school to become familiar.
  3. Visit the high school website and the guidance website to understand what events occur and become familiar with how high school works.

 

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