About Guidance

The Guidance Department has counsellors assigned to each grade level. These counsellors follow a cohort of students from Grade 9 through to graduation. Guidance counsellors provide programming specific to the needs of each grade. Counsellors are teachers with additional training who work with students individually and in groups providing educational planning, career planning, academic counselling and personal counselling. Students will have many opportunities to meet counsellors in group and individual sessions.

Course Selection and Changes

It is very important that students select their subjects and course streams wisely during the option selection process in February. Guidance Counsellors are available to assist students in making sound educational decisions. Opportunities to make timetable changes once the school year begins will be limited and will occur during the first week. Students requesting a course change must have parental permission and complete a “Course Change Request Form” and return this form to the guidance office with a parent/guardian signature. Guidelines and specific dates for timetable changes are available on the Donald A Wilson website, and in the Guidance Office.

Academic and Career Counselling

Guidance counsellors are available to assist students with career explorations and course selection. Counsellors work one-on-one with students and offer numerous academic and career programs including college and university application seminars, college and university fairs, scholarship assemblies, and tutoring information. Students access these programs through voluntary sign-up, classroom presentations and grade level assemblies. In addition, information about learn-at-home courses, summer school, night school, tutoring and extra help programs is available in the Guidance Office.

Personal Counselling

Counsellors are available to meet with students who are dealing with personal issues. Counsellors will recommend whether the student should be referred to a DDSB social worker or psychologist (parental permission is required for students who are under 18 years of age). Counsellors will inform students about community agencies who could also assist them with their personal problems.