Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

On Monday November 21, 2022 Bur Oak S.S will be holding our Gr. 8 Open House from 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm.

This event allows prospective parents and students the opportunity to attend an informational session (6:30 pm - 7:15 pm), then connect with the many different departments and their teachers as well as have access to student-led school tours from 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm.

Some of the information that will be covered:

• Diploma Requirements/Grad Requirements

• Gr. 10 Literacy Test

• Community Involvement

• Course Types and Pathways

• Opportunities outside of the classroom

• Experiential Learning

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

OUAC/OCAS

November 18, 2022 - mid-terms marks uploaded to OUAC and OCAS

November 29, 2022 - Full Disclosure

Between November 18 and November 29, any approved dropped courses will be removed from student timetable, transcript AND OUAC and OCAS by the Guidance Department.  While November 29 is the deadline, it is critical that any drop requests take place the week prior to ensure appointments can be taken and all sign-offs are completed properly.

Course Change Requests For Semester Two

Students wishing to request changes to courses for semester two are encouraged to make an appointment with their assigned counsellor over the next few weeks in advance of next semester to discuss possibilities.  Many courses are full – however changes are more difficult to make once the new semester begins.

Student Wellness

As we approach winter break and academic pressure increases, please keep in mind your child’s wellness.  

Some things to look for include:

• Loss of interest in things they normally enjoy

• Notable changes in sleeping and eating habits

• Withdrawal from friends, family or activities

• Changes in academic performance

Wellness Tips:

• Model healthy strategies

• Exercise and eat healthy

• Practice gratitude and mindfulness

• Talk to your children about their day.  Ask specific questions to gather information

Resources:

• Visit the YRDSB mental health page here, visit the ABCs of mental health here and consider resources provided here

As always, please reach out to your child’s counsellor if you have any questions or concerns.  We are here to help!

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Grade 12 Graduation Check-ins

On November 15 & 16 the guidance department will be visiting grade 12 classes to check in with students regarding their graduation status.  Parents/guardians should look for a form that will be coming up that needs to be signed and returned to school.

OUAC/OCAS

Grade 12 semester 1 midterm marks will be sent to OUAC (Ontario University Application Centre) and OCAS (Ontario College Application Service) on Friday November 18, 2022.  

It is the responsibility of students to check their academic records on OUAC and OCAS and if there is a problem they are to book an appointment with their guidance counsellor.

Full Disclosure

Full Disclosure is the term used to identify when courses will remain as “Withdrawn” on a student’s transcript.  This year, Full Disclosure will take place by November 29, 2022.  This only impacts grade 11 and 12 courses. 

Grade 11 students must continue to maintain four full credits this semester.  Removing courses must meet specific criteria and typically only approved by administration in unusual circumstances. 

Grade 12 students will have their mid-semester marks submitted to OUAC and OCAS on November 18th.  All marks for courses that are active will be uploaded at that time.

Between November 18 and November 29, any approved dropped courses will be removed from their timetable, transcript AND OUAC and OCAS by the Guidance Department.  This encourages students to get a fuller sense of their grasp of content and hopefully achieve success in their courses this semester.  While November 29 is the entry deadline, it is critical that any drop requests take place the week prior to ensure appointments can be taken and all sign-offs are completed properly.

Please note, grade 11 students and grade 12 students who are not graduating do not have any data shared to outside application centres.

Grade 12 students should consider the following steps when considering a drop request:

*Have student discuss with their teacher a plan to successfully meet their academic goals in the course

*Get the facts from Post-Secondary Institutions to feel comfortable about the weight and significance of their mid-semester marks for this year’s admissions process.

*Speak with their Guidance Counsellor to feel comfortable and build a plan about their goals for this year and get perspective on what may work best for them.

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Human Trafficking Conference (Oct 19, 20, 26, 27)
Human Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a prevalent issue and one of the fastest growing and most lucrative crimes worldwide and it is happening in York Region. It is predatory and devastatingly damaging to victims, survivors, their families and communities.

At the Anti-Human Trafficking York Region Conference, attendees will learn about what human trafficking is, signs and indicators, risk factors, laws, what we can collectively do to eradicate human trafficking in our communities and more.

Who Should Attend: Parents, Youth, Community Members, Newcomers to Canada, Educators & Support Staff, Law Enforcement, Immigrant Service Agencies, Social Services and Healthcare Providers.

Link to Information Flyer

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Inclusive Schools and Community Services
Community and Partnership Developers
Through building and maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with school communities, community organizations and social service agencies, the CPDs respond to the emerging needs of your school community. To ensure that the diverse needs of your school community are met, we deliver equitable and inclusive education practices by providing programs and resources along with direct support for students, parents and staff.
Link to Information Poster

Human Trafficking Conference (Oct 19, 20, 26, 27)
Human Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a prevalent issue and one of the fastest growing and most lucrative crimes worldwide and it is happening in York Region. It is predatory and devastatingly damaging to victims, survivors, their families and communities.

At the Anti-Human Trafficking York Region Conference, attendees will learn about what human trafficking is, signs and indicators, risk factors, laws, what we can collectively do to eradicate human trafficking in our communities and more.

Who Should Attend: Parents, Youth, Community Members, Newcomers to Canada, Educators & Support Staff, Law Enforcement, Immigrant Service Agencies, Social Services and Healthcare Providers.

Link to Information Flyer

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Please see the following YRDSB Communication:

• YRDSB Anti-Asian Racism  Focus Group Invitation

• Anti-Asian Racism Survey  Invitation for Students (Grades 7-12)

• Call for Community Membership on Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee
  The York Region District School Board invites applications from community volunteers for membership on the Board’s Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC). The committee advises and supports the Board in fulfilling its commitment to ensuring that YRDSB schools and workplaces are equitable and inclusive places to learn and to work. Membership requires a commitment to attend meetings six times a year. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2022. More information about this volunteer opportunity, including how to apply, is available on the Board website.

• Anti-Human Trafficking Conference (October 19,20,26,27)

Ontario Universities Fair

October 1-2, 2022, from 9:30 am to 5 pm, daily, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information: https://www.ontariouniversitiesfair.ca/

Ontario College Information Fair

From October 19, 2022 until October 20, 2022, Toronto - Enercare Centre, Canada. More information about College Recruitment: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/college-recruitment

Outside Bur Oak Credits

Any additional credit courses that students are taking outside of the school day must be reviewed with a counsellor.  This includes International Language courses as well as programs bearing credits from outside private school providers.  An appointment to ensure all forms and requirements are met for all institutions will be reviewed and prepared through the appointment with follow-up documentation shared.

Please note, we will not process requests or paperwork that are emailed or submitted without prior arrangements.

Grade 11 & 12 Parents

 A reminder that the parent opt-out form for the OUAC/OCAS transmission is due Friday September 30 @ 3pm.  Details were sent via Inform earlier this week.

Applying for Post-Secondary Programs outside of Ontario?

Grade 12 students looking to apply to post-secondary institutions outside of Ontario are asked to make an appointment with Ms. Andersen by mid-October to discuss next steps.

Thank you to all the parents and guardians that attended our evening information meetings this past week.  Parents interested in viewing the slide deck information are asked to look on the Bur Oak website under the Guidance tab  → "For Parents and Guardians." 

Post-Secondary Fair

On Thursday September 29, 2022 we will be hosting a University and College fair.  Students will have the opportunity to visit with school liaisons who will be set up in the main foyer from 10:30-12:30pm.  This is a great opportunity for your students to ask questions they might have!

Ontario Universities Fair

October 1-2, 2022, from 9:30 am to 5 pm, daily, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information: https://www.ontariouniversitiesfair.ca/

Ontario College Information Fair

From October 19, 2022 until October 20, 2022, Toronto - Enercare Centre, Canada. More information about College Recruitment: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/college-recruitment

Outside Bur Oak Credits

Any additional credit courses that students are taking outside of the school day must be reviewed with a counsellor.  This includes International Language courses as well as programs bearing credits from outside private school providers.  An appointment to ensure all forms and requirements are met for all institutions will be reviewed and prepared through the appointment with follow-up documentation shared.

Please note, we will not process requests or paperwork that are emailed or submitted without prior arrangements.

Welcome to The Bulldog.
You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Please join us in-person this week as we will be having our first School Council meeting in the Learning Commons. We will be electing this year's School Council executive, so please come to the meeting if you are interested.

Guidance will be hosting a parent engagement evening on Tuesday this week.

A reminder that Friday is a PA Day and there will be no classes .

Check out our Amazing Student Art Work Below!

Course Changes

We have had a very busy start-up in guidance and our semester one course change process has now closed.  Students still needing to discuss semester 1 course concerns, can do so by booking an appointment with their assigned guidance counsellor.  

Guidance Appointments

Our appointment calendars are now open.  Students can access our Google Calendars and book a time that suits their schedule.   Student-Counsellor assignments can be found on our Guidance webpage (http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/buroak.ss/guidance/Pages/default.aspx).  Google Calendar links are as follows:

Ms. Andersen - bit.ly/BOSSANDERSEN

Ms. MacSween - bit.ly/BOSSmacsween

Ms. Wong - bit.ly/BOSSwong

Mr. Vittore - bit.ly/BOSSvittore

Guidance Google Classrooms

Grade 9 - Code:  iiuhshd

Grade 10 - Code:  5ozbcnh

Grade 11 - Code:  ctaqxp5

Grade 12 - Code:  f7tcm5k

Grade 12 Graduation and Post-Secondary Assembly

On Tuesday September 20, during period 5, grade 12 students will be having an assembly to discuss their upcoming year.  We will be presenting important information regarding graduation and post-secondary applications. Students with a period 5 spare are highly encouraged to attend.

Parent Information Sessions

Guidance will be hosting in-person evening parent sessions on Tuesday September 20, 2022 from 6:30-7:30pm.

Grade 9 and 10 parents - “Navigating High School” → Learning Commons

Grade 11 and 12 parents - Navigating the World After High School” → The Cafeteria

Grade 9 Introduction to Guidance

All grade 9 classes will be visiting the guidance department during the week of September 19.  We will be going over supports available from guidance, how to book appointments as well as discussing community involvement.

Post-Secondary Fair

On Thursday September 29, 2022 we will be hosting a University and College fair.  Students will have the opportunity to visit with school liaisons who will be set up in the main foyer from 10:30-12:30pm.  This is a great opportunity for your students to ask questions they might have!

Ontario Universities Fair

October 1-2, 2022, from 9:30 am to 5 pm, daily, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information: https://www.ontariouniversitiesfair.ca/

Ontario College Information Fair

From October 19, 2022 until October 20, 2022, Toronto - Enercare Centre, Canada. More information about College Recruitment: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/college-recruitment

Outside Bur Oak Credits

Any additional credit courses that students are taking outside of the school day must be reviewed with a counsellor.  This includes International Language courses as well as programs bearing credits from outside private school providers.  An appointment to ensure all forms and requirements are met for all institutions will be reviewed and prepared through the appointment with follow-up documentation shared.

Please note, we will not process requests or paperwork that are emailed or submitted without prior arrangements.

BOARD INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION

Sept 2022
Indigenous Languages and International Languages - Secondary Credit Programs

Course Changes

We continue to collect course change requests for semester 1.  Students can find instructions posted on Guidance Google Classrooms and our bulletin boards.  

Complete Timetable Change Request Form - https://bit.ly/BOSSCourseChangeRequest.  A copy of the request will be sent to the student’s GAPPS email address from a “no-reply” - make sure you look carefully for this email.  Students must print the attached pdf and have parent/guardian sign the form. The signed form must be returned to the Guidance Office.

Guidance Google Classrooms

Grade 9 - Code:  iiuhshd

Grade 10 - Code:  5ozbcnh

Grade 11 - Code:  ctaqxp5

Grade 12 - Code:  f7tcm5k

Parent Information Sessions

Guidance will be hosting in-person evening parent sessions on Tuesday September 20, 2022 from 6:30-7:30pm.  No registration is necessary.

Grade 9 and 10 parents - “Navigating High School” → Learning Commons

Grade 11 and 12 parents - "Navigating the World After High School” → The Cafeteria

Welcome to The Bulldog.
This is our Family and Community Newsletter where we will be updating important information for our families, students and community. We will be emailing families every Friday afternoon to send the link to this page as it will be updated throughout the week with any new information.You can access this page with a quick link http://bit.ly/bossbulldog

Principal’s Message

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! I am honoured to be the new principal of Bur Oak Secondary School and look forward to working with, supporting, and serving students, staff, and parents/guardians. Key to our partnership is developing trusting relationships and engaging in effective and on-going communication. If you have questions or concerns, (1) most can be addressed by reaching out to your child’s classroom teacher as the first contact; (2) additional supports can be provided by your child’s guidance counsellor and if your child is assigned a Special Education resource teacher; and (3) your child’s alpha vice-principal: Ms. Wonnacott (student last name A to L) or Mr. Melnyk (student last name M to Z). As principal, I believe in solution-focused team approach with decisions made with students at the forefront. 

Thank you for choosing Bur Oak Secondary School and for entrusting my highly skilled staff with your child’s education. Our focus is student learning and achievement, and student and staff well-being in a safe and welcoming learning organization. Each member of the school community (students, staff, parents/guardians) has a vital role to support students to reach their potential and to support their social, emotional, and academic needs. 

Welcome to Bur Oak Secondary School! My staff and I look forward to serving the school community.

Sincerely, 

Louis Lim, Ed.D.

Principal

Course Change Requests - Semester 1, 2022

Students wishing to request a change to their semester 1 timetable may follow the instructions below. Please note, timetable changes are extremely difficult during this period.  We will do our best to accommodate changes as quickly as possible.   Course change requests will be dependent upon space and program availability. Continue attending all scheduled classes unless you are provided a confirmation of change with instructions to begin your new class.

We will only be looking at Semester 1 changes at this time. 

IMPORTANT: Students MUST be logged into your OWN GAPPS email to complete this form.  Follow Up Documents will be sent to gapps emails based on your submission.

1. Student complete Timetable Change Request Form - https://bit.ly/BOSSCourseChangeRequest

2. A copy of your request will be sent to your GAPPS email address from a “no-reply” - make sure you look carefully for this email

3. Students must print the attached pdf and have parent/guardian sign the form

4. The signed form must be returned to the Guidance Office.  We will begin accepting forms on Tuesday September 6 @ 8:15 am and will continue to collect until further notice.

5. Do not contact guidance counsellors via email for status updates.  We will be in touch via your GAPPS email with updates as we have them.