FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am not a TCDSB student, can I still use myBlueprint to choose my courses and plan for high school?

If your high school was outside the TCDSB, then you cannot use myBlueprint until you start Grade 9.  Please submit the course selection form provided to you in your registration package to choose your courses.

I can’t get into myBlueprint.  What should I do?

If you are a TCDSB student, please use your usual TCDSB login.  Please make sure you choose the correct school from the drop down menu.  Non-TCDSB students won't have access to myBlueprint until they start grade 9 in the TCDSB.

Can I choose more than 8 classes?  Or less?

All Grade 9 students must take 8 classes. Students will choose 8 classes and 2 alternates.

If I hand in my course selection earlier than someone else, does that mean that I will get into the class?

No.  Course selection is a process, not a competition.  Timetables and courses are not assigned on a first come, first served basis.  However, it is important to submit your course selection and documents by the deadline. Please make sure you choose your courses very carefully as we may not be able to accommodate course change requests.  Also, make sure you choose TWO alternate courses in case you don’t get your first choice.

What courses do you need to take for your diploma?

Please see the document What Do You Need to Graduate? for Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements.

MyBlueprint says to choose two alternates. If I leave it blank, does that mean I will definitely get the electives I chose?

The alternates are there in case we can’t get you into your first elective choice.  If you don’t fill out alternates, we will have to choose something for you.

Will I get my elective choice for sure?

Since electives are open level courses, the class sizes are a bit smaller.  We are not always able to give students their preferred choice but we ALWAYS TRY.  Please make sure you choose TWO alternates so that we know your backup preferences.

What if I change my mind about a course I chose?

Please think very carefully about the choices you are making now.  We create course sections based on the number of requests we get for those courses right now.  If people change their minds, it is likely that we will not be able to make the change you want.  Of course, we will try, but once a timetable is made, most elective classes will be full and changes usually cannot be accommodated. 

If you change your mind about a course, you cannot change it on myBlueprint after you have submitted your courses.  You will have to contact the Guidance department at SMT. 

I want to take a course at summer school.  What should I do?

Students who would like to take the Summer Transition Program will be sent information in the months to come.  If you plan to take a different summer school course, information will be available some time in late May and will be sent to your elementary school.  You still MUST choose 8 courses for next year and in the “Comments” before you submit your courses, just mention that you are planning to take a summer course.

We will be going away for July.  Can I still take the Summer Transition Program even if I will miss part of it?

If you would like to take the Summer Transition Program, you must be prepared to attend every day throughout the session.  If summer school is held in person, you will be expected to attend every day.  If classes are virtual, they will be offered synchronously and students must be available to participate in the synchronous sessions.

Is religion a required course?

All TCDSB students take religion for all four years at St. Mother Teresa C.A.  If you accidentally forgot to add it to your course requests, we will add it for you and remove another elective choice.

Do I have to take a technology course?

Yes. The Ministry of Education requires students to complete a credit in Technology in grade 9 or 10. At SMT we aim to have all grade 9 students complete this graduation requirement in their grade 9 year.

What if I don’t have room in my choices for gym?

All students are required to take a Physical Education course for their diploma. You can take a Physical Education course in another year if you prefer.

What if I don’t have room in my choices for art?

All students are required to take an Art course for their diploma.  You can take an Art course in another year if you prefer.

Do I still have to pick a pathway in Grade 9?

The Ministry of Education has de-streamed all Grade 9 core subjects. You can still choose Locally Developed for English, Math, and Science if that is part of your IEP recommendations.

Can I be in a class or have lunch with my friends?

At SMT there is one lunch period so you will be able to share your lunch period with your friends as well as new friends that you will quickly make at SMT.