WHCI Guidance & Career Education

Request a Guidance Appointment (M-F, 8am-4pm)

A variety of supports to ensure success for all students is essential to the guidance program. Support can be realized by, providing a safe and positive place for students in a time of need, the opportunity for self-reflection or being an advocate for a student. Other ways include:  referral to Professional Support Services (attendance, social work etc.) ; facilitating student success initiatives that support the needs of students;  access to tutoring/mentoring or settlement services within the community.
A comprehensive education and career/life planning process is the cornerstone of guidance. Students are supported as they plan their pathway based on interests, strengths and abilities. This is accomplished in a variety of ways including:  actively engaging students in the planning process by providing a variety of appropriate resources;  addressing 4 Inquiry Questions (Who Am I? What are my opportunities? What is my plan for achieving my goals? Who do I want to become?)  facilitating access to information through myBlueprint, assemblies and classroom presentations etc. Ongoing access to guidance teachers and assistance for every student is essential for student success. The range of supports includes:  individual and/or group counselling for social, emotional, and/or academic issues;  providing a safe, caring, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students;  classroom presentations, special events and assemblies on a variety of topics.
Support for transitions enables students to acquire the knowledge and skills required to successfully adapt to change. Guidance teachers are involved extensively with: orientation and exit programs;  secondary and post-secondary pathways opportunities via myBlueprint;  re-engagement strategies to ensure success for students.
Opportunities for students to learn about themselves and others are designed to foster self-discovery and develop positive relationships that respect individual differences and contribute to a sense of belonging and academic success. Guidance programming facilitates this by providing a variety of opportunities to:  discover learning styles and preferences to support learning;  support the development of social skills for building healthy relationships and responsible citizenship in a global community;  participate in career/life planning activities that support self-awareness, opportunity awareness- or awareness of options and decision making; goal-setting and reflection.Relevant, current and timely information and resources about career/life opportunities is fundamental for students, staff and the school community. Guidance programming provides this through:  electronic (myBlueprint) and print materials;  workshops and seminars;  Career development curriculum. Connections to programs and community agencies/ partners ensure that students have access to mental health and well-being supports that address individual and school needs. Guidance accomplishes this through:  supporting the management and facilitation of community agencies and partners in the school;  navigating community supports and services;  supporting the acquisition of Community Involvement Hours.

Guidance Teachers:

Ms. F. Zuccarelli, ACL
(A-H) ext.20041

Ms. S. Rai
(I-Q) ext.20042

Ms. A. Hwang
(R-Z) ext.20043

Ms. S. Machado

(on leave)

Guidance Office:

416-394-7570 ext.20040

(8:00 to 4:00 pm)

Extracurricular Activities

Guidance Prefects
Peer Tutors
Staff/Students Health and Wellness Committee

Useful Links

Career Counselling

Students may meet with their counsellors to discuss career opportunities. The Guidance Department supports career education in the school through:

grade 10 compulsory Career Studies course;
inventories (interest, personality);
post-secondary (college and university) information events;
cooperative education & coop fair;
speakers and presentations on careers, volunteer & employment opportunities.

Personal Counselling

Students experiencing personal and/or emotional issues may meet with a teacher-counsellor to discuss their concerns. Students with serious difficulties may be referred to the school child and youth worker, school social worker or school psychologist.

Personal concerns may include:

death of a friend or family member
bullying/harassment via social media
conflict with family/peer/staff
mental illness (anxiety, depression, eating disorder)
abuse (substance, physical, sexual)
economic concerns
health (serious illness, STDs, contraception)
LGBTQ issue

Educational Counselling

Students may meet with their counsellor to discuss their high school program, diploma requirements, prerequisites and post-secondary options. Teacher-counsellors may also assist with employment and volunteer opportunities, resumes, time management skills, exam preparation, study skills, registration for courses at night school, summer school and online (www.creditprograms.ca) .

Students experiencing academic difficulties are encouraged to take advantage of various free tutoring opportunities which may include the following:

individual subject teacher tutoring;
math tutoring in morning, at lunch (check Math Dept.);
lunchtime tutoring in room NO1;
TVO online math tutoring;
peer tutoring.

Information regarding post-secondary information, presentations and applications is disseminated to all grade 12 students via homeroom visits, in print format, through assemblies, oral announcements, posted announcements and Academic Workspace. Important dates are also noted in the school agenda. All students have the opportunity to attend university and college fairs and various post-secondary school visits to WHCI. All students are encouraged to view the Guidance bulletin boards which highlight information on post-secondary events, scholarships, jobs, volunteering, apprenticeship and community supports.

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