GDHS Guidance Department

Welcome to the GDHS Guidance Department! We are here to help!

Guidance Counsellor:
Chris Taylor
(519)287-3310 ext 67695
christopher.taylor@tvdsb.ca

Guidance Secretary:
Tracy Harvie
(519)287-3310 ext 67696
t.harvie@tvdsb.ca

2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

2022-2023 GDHS Course Calendar (Grades 9-12)

2022-2023 GDHS Course Calendar Wrap (outlines graduation requirements - My Blueprint, What You Need to Graduate, Pathway Steps for All, Stay Informed, Experiential Learning, Student Success, Parent Tips for Planning Post-secondary Pathways, Everyone Belongs Here, Virtual Library Learning Commons, Parent Portal, Online Payment System)

Specialist High Skills Major Options at GDHS

Dual Credit Options at GDHS

myBlueprint

APPLYING FOR POST-SECONDARY

Grade 12 students looking to attend College or University next year should register with the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) and/or Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Virtual University Fairs and College Monday Fairs are available to attend. Students can also research the different schools they are interested in and check out their Programs and Admission Requirement pages. There are many programs that you may not know even exist. So, take some time to surf the school websites you are interested in.

When you are ready to apply please schedule a meeting with Ms. Kading. The OCAS/OUAC application fees are as follows:

Applying for college: $95 (five programs with a maximum of three programs at one college) OCAS does not require PIN numbers.
Applying for university: $150 (to apply to three universities plus $50 for each additional university application). OUAC PIN numbers have arrived, please see Ms. Kading for yours!

***Fees subject to change by OCAS and OUAC.

Apprenticeship or Workplace - please schedule a meeting with Ms. Kading for more information about apprenticeship opportunities or to confirm that you have secured employment after graduation.

APPRENTICESHIP OR WORKPLACE

Please schedule a meeting with your Guidance Counsellor for more information about apprenticeship opportunities or to confirm that you have secured employment after graduation.

Ms. Kading will make announcements for any other virtual opportunities that may become available.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Please click here for current Graduation Requirements.

Brochure for Community Involvement Hours

Community Involvement Tracking Sheet

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The following are three major areas of services provided by your Guidance Counsellor:

Education and Career Planning - your counsellor can help you in developing plans to meet personal, educational and career goals.
Personal Counselling - your counsellor can assist in developing your ability to communicate, solve problems, make decisions and relate to others.
Referrals - your counsellor can assist in referring you to an outside agency for specialized help, if required.

EDUCATION AND CAREER PLANNING

The aim of the Guidance Program is to assist students with their personal, educational and career decisions. The program includes: instruction, consultation and counselling relative to educational and career planning, and support for students to develop personal decision making skills. All students are introduced to on-line career and post-secondary information. Students research career choices, complete their IPP (Individual Pathway Plan), and make Course Selections through MyBlueprint.

PERSONAL COUNSELLING/PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

A Board Psychological Associate is available for consultation at GDHS with students and/or parents. Appointments can be made through the Guidance Counsellor. Listed below are added resources:

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please visit your local Hospital Emergency Department or call 911. 
Kids Help Phone: 24/7 crisis support: 1-800-668-6868, text 686868, www.kidshelpphone.ca for web chat access.
Reach Out Crisis Support: (519)433-2023 or 1-866-933-2023,  www.reachout247.ca for web chat access.

REFERRALS/INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE AND SHORT-TERM COUNSELLING

Individual assistance and short-term counselling is available for students who require additional help in achieving their educational/career goals or who are experiencing personal difficulties. Students may be referred by a teacher, parent or an administrator or may request their own appointment. Following an appointment with the student, consultation with parents, administration, teachers and others may occur as required. An attendance counsellor, school psychologist, and public health nurse are available for referral if necessary. Parents are encouraged to contact the Guidance office with their questions or concerns.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

The Public Health nurse can provide free individual and confidential health advice on various health topics including Sexual Health, Relationships, Substance Use, Healthy Eating, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion. Contact our Guidance Department to meet with our Public Health Nurse.

ORIENTATION PROGRAMS

Our Orientation Programs consist of a Grade 8 Information Night and Open House, an Experience GDHS Day, Guidance and peer visits to our feeder schools, the High School Here I Come Program and Grade 9 Pizza Party in August for all incoming Grade 9's. Any student who is new to GDHS will receive a guided in-person tour when they register.

EXIT PROGRAMS

Individuals from universities, colleges, Canadian Forces, apprenticeship programs and private post-secondary institutions present information sessions regarding post-secondary destinations; on-line tutorials for the completion of college and university applications; Ontario Student Assistance - Student Loan (OSAP) presentations; review of plans for post-secondary education/employment; information on procedures for applying for employment/resume writing, job applications, mock interviews; and information about evening courses, correspondence, distance education and virtual school.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

OCAS (Ontario College Application Service)
Explore by College (direct links to all Ontario Colleges)
OUAC (Ontario University Application Centre)
Explore by University (direct links to all Ontario Universities)
OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)

AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES, INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AWARDS

Click here for more information on how to apply for:

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our Guidance Counsellor, please contact our Guidance Secretary, Mrs. Tracy Harvie at (519)287-3301 ext. 67696 or by emailing t.harvie@tvdsb.ca.