SHSM
What is SHSM?
A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning and assist in the transition to either post-secondary education or the industry sector directly.
All SHSMs require that students complete a set of bundle credits, a Co-op placement in their sector, Experiential Learning and Reach Ahead opportunities and sector-specified training courses. No extra fees are required!
SHSM - Why Enroll 2020-2021.pdfTCDSB SHSM Explainer_Oct 19_Pt1.mp4Where can SHSM Arts or Health & Wellness Take You?
See the Arts, Music & Drama page for more details
SHSM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Academy
St. Joan has the most SHSM programs in the TCDSB. Students and staff in our Transportation (Automotive), Information and Communication Technology programs have even won awards and competitions.
Featured SHSM: Communication Technology
Meet Mr. Gilmor
Mr. Gilmor has been at St. Joan for 25 years and counting! He currently teaches many of the Communication Technology courses such as Video Editing and Graphic Design.
Mr. Gilmor says, "Communication Technology gives students a pathway to the careers that they want. Many alumni have paved the way for our current students. My hope is that students will become SHSM partners when they are established and give back to the community to create a self-sustaining program that will be around forever. "
St. Joan of Arc's Comm Tech Lab features
a 3D printer
Full Mac Lab
Green screen and Photo Studio
Dedicated Digital Cameras and Tripods
Consistent video productions that are finalists in the video festivals and challenges
Mr. Gilmor's Comm Tech FAQs
Q. What is Communication Technology?
Comm Tech is the study of using technology to communicate with our fellow humans. Now, more than ever, this technology has become almost mandatory to communicate with the world while we are stuck in our “homes”. It is vast and varied but ultimately we produce the media rather than consume it. We learn:
Digital Photography and manipulation
Graphic Design, ad creation, magazines, newspapers, ebooks
Creating content for the web - websites, social media, app design
Creating video, journalism, creating short films and creative content that could lead to careers working in TV, broadcasting, and streaming
How to use the tools properly and effectively for our fast-paced changing world
Q. What are some of the tools you have used?
Adobe Suites: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects
3D applications such as Blendr, Cinema 4D, and Maya
The Vibe
The Vanier Vibe (soon to be renamed) is our in-house video production providing updates to our school community.
Check out our Youtube channel for more episodes!
Where can Comm Tech take me?
There are so many different places (it’s almost endless). Here are some of what our alumni have done with their Communication Technology skills:
worked at advertising agencies
become action directors working for Netflix, HBO, and other Hollywood giants,
become wedding photographers
become graphic designers, world travelers doing journalism, and covering stories around the world
become animators
Students have found ways to take their creativity and apply it so that they can make a healthy living and strike a balance between income and creating art!
Where Are They Now?
Let our alumni show you where Comm Tech can take you.
Jason Gosbee (2001)
Stunts, Actor, Producer
Films: Shazam! Suicide Squad, X-men Days of Future Past, X-men Apocalypse, XXX Return of Xander Cage
TV: Titans, The Flash, Arrow, The 100, Designated Survivor, 12 Monkeys, Nikita, The Strain, Lost Girl, Killjoys
Melissa Gabric (2011)
Animator
Kimberley Jose (2009)
Graphic Designer and Art Director
OCAD
Pilot PMR - Independent Strategy and Design Agency, previously with Accenture POD
kimberleystacy.com
Justin Aranha (2008)
Professional Photographer
Justin Aranha Photography Portrait and Fashion Photographer
Alvira Estepa (2015)
Illustrator
Currently in 3rd year at Ryerson for Graphic Communication Management
Yearbook Course: Featured in Herff-Jones' "Portfolio"
In 2019, the St. Joan (formerly Vanier) yearbook was recognized for its excellence in design when it was included in the publisher's book of featured yearbooks for that year. St. Joan's yearbook is built by students enrolled in the Yearbook course and is a practical way to apply their photojournalism and graphic design skills.
