Please note that we are only able to accept applications for our Visual Arts Program starting in Grade 9 if you will already be attending OCVI in your grade 9 year. 

This means that you are currently attending one of our feeder schools and live in the O'Neill catchment area. Our Family of Schools includes: Beau Valley, Coronation, Dr. S.J. Phillips, Sunset Heights, Hillsdale, Kedron, Northern Dancer, Mary Street and Queen Elizabeth Public School. 

Please note that students attending these schools may be attending a high school other than O'Neill in their grade 9 year in 2026 as there is a current boundary review being conducted. Please use the Find My School tool below to confirm your ability to enroll in grade 9 at O'Neill and know that the boundaries may change for the 2026-27 school year.  

Please use the "Find My School" tool found on the DDSB website to confirm O'Neill as your home school before applying for your grade 9 year: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/our-schools/find-a-school.aspx 

The Proposed Boundary Map for 2026-27 can be found at the link below. With these new boundaries students from Kedron and Northern Dancer will be attending the new school in North Oshawa and will therefore be unable to apply in grade 9: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/about-ddsb/resources/Documents/Boundary-and-Program-Reviews/Unnamed-North-Oshawa-SS/Unnamed-North-Oshawa-SS-Boundary-Consultation-Proposed-Map.pdf

If you are moving into the O'Neill area for your grade 9 year and will be registered at our school you may also apply, but you will need to provide proof of address for registration. 

Application and Portfolios are due Friday February 2nd, 2026. 

APPLICATION FORM:

To apply for the 2026-27 Visual Arts Program at O'Neill please complete this form: https://forms.gle/Xu3qqo9z4XV3aKJU7 

PORTFOLIO:

You will submit your portfolio electronically through Google Classroom. You will receive the Google Classroom code at the end of your application. 

You may use Google Slides, PowerPoint or create a short video of your work. 

Be sure to include the following:

PORTFOLIO CONTENTS:

Your portfolio should include the following:

• One (1) observational drawing of an object in your home (mug, teapot, toaster, plant, etc.) An observational drawing is a drawing of what you see in front of you. You will draw this as realistically as possible. Please include a photograph of the object you have chosen to draw.

• Five (5) of the your most recent art works. Choose work that you are both proud of and show us a range of media or techniques.

• A short description for each artwork that tells us why you are proud of it, why you made it, etc. 

• Sketchbook studies may be included as one or more of your artworks.

• A neat, professional presentation.

In addition to your artwork, please answer the following questions for us. Submit your answers in separate a document with your portfolio:

• Why are you interested in being a part of the Enriched Visual Arts program at O'Neill CVI?

• What is your favourite type of art to make? Why?

• Do you have a favourite artist? Who is it, and why do you like their art the most?

• Is there anything else that you would like to share with us regarding why you want to be a part of this program?