School Information

    Chippewa Intermediate and Secondary School

539 Chippewa Street West

North Bay, Ontario   

P1B 6G8

Website    Career Cruising

 

705-475-2341

705-476-0845 (fax)

 

Principal: Mr. Tim Collins

Vice Principals: Mr. Larry Lanctot and Mrs. Donna Breault

 

School Contacts

Attendance	8507
Main Office	8503
Student Services	8511
Special Education & Resource	8518
Arts	8535
Business	8524
Cooperative Education	8510
English	8527
English as a Second Language	8759
Family Studies	8520
French	8528
History	8527
Library	8526
Math	8527
Music	8532
Physical Education (Boys)	8529
Physical Education (Girls)	8530
Student Activity Council	8525
School Store	8539
Science	8522
Senior Integrated Program	8509
Technology	8521
PADDLE	493-2401

 

Overall Goals & Philosophy

 

The Ontario secondary school program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need to lead satisfying and productive lives in the twenty-first century. The program helps prepare students for further education and work, and assist them to become independent, productive, and responsible members of society.

 

Chippewa Secondary School offers an education program that promotes a high standard of achievement, that provides all students with learning opportunities and support, and that is relevant to society’s needs and expectations.  Courses are offered in new ways intended to ensure that education is relevant both to students’ needs and interests and to the requirements of postsecondary institutions and employers.

 

In Grades 9 and 10, courses strongly promote the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills by all students.  Students are encouraged to focus on their areas of strength and interest and to explore various areas of study.  In Grades 11 and 12, the program is designed to allow all students to choose courses that are clearly and directly linked to their intended postsecondary destinations.

 

Principal's Message

 

Dear Students,

 

Welcome to the Chippewa family!  In the world of work, in college or in university, proper course selection is the key to helping you reach your goals.  The staff of Chippewa Secondary School is looking forward to continuing with you down the road to your graduation. 

 

This booklet outlines courses that may be offered in September.  It also contains information about graduation requirements that you need to consider as you move through high school.  As you will notice, there are four course types – Academic, Applied, Essential (Locally Developed) and Open for grade 9 & 10 students.  Grade 11 and 12 course types are- University, University/College, College, Workplace, and Open.  All students need to write and pass the “Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test” or pass the Ontario Literacy Course to graduate from Secondary School.  Our goal is to work closely with you to ensure that you will be successful with the secondary school curriculum. 

 

Chippewa Secondary School has many strengths.  In fact, we believe that we are unique in the province of Ontario.  We offer students the opportunity to study and increase their proficiency in both of Canada's official languages.  We do this in a multicultural setting that promotes tolerance and respect for all cultures and each other.  Chippewa, the “Triple A” school, also boasts an impressive record of combining Academic excellence with outstanding Athletic and Arts programs.  This supports our goal of contributing to the intellectual, physical, and social development of each student.

 

Guidance staff, teachers and administrators will be available throughout the following weeks to meet with you to ensure that you are making wise selections and answer questions regarding which stream will best suit you.  Please take this booklet and the Course Selection Sheet home with you.  It is important that you discuss your selections with your parents/guardians. 

 

On behalf of all teachers and the support staff I extend to you our appreciation for allowing us to work with you to meet your personal goals. 

 

Yours in education,

 

 

Tim Collins

Principal

 

 

1.    Attendance & Punctuality

 

There is a direct relationship between attendance and success at school.  A student who misses school too often may be in danger of losing his/her credit(s).  All students are expected to be in school each day unless they are too ill to attend.  Students who arrive late not only interrupt classes, but miss out on their own valuable instruction time.  Please be aware of the school's attendance policy in the Code of Behaviour and Student Guide.

 

2.   Assessment & Evaluation

 

A student's final grade for each course will be based on assessments and evaluations conducted throughout the course and in part on a final evaluation. Students will be evaluated based on the achievement charts in the Provincial Curriculum Policy Documents for the courses in which they are enrolled.  Evaluation is based on the level of achievement the student demonstrates in the skills and knowledge covered in a course. 

 

Seventy percent of the evaluation is based on classroom work and may be determined through a variety of methods such as ongoing class demonstrations, presentations, essays, performances and classroom tests and quizzes.  Thirty percent of the evaluation is based on a final summative evaluation that may be determined through a variety of methods in the latter portion of the course.  These could include a portfolio, essay, examination and/or demonstration.  This final evaluation reflects the range and level of student skills and knowledge.

 

At the beginning of the semester each teacher will explain to the students the assessment and evaluation procedure used for his/her course.

 

3.   Ontario Student Record (OSR): Recording and Reporting Procedures

 

The Ontario Student Record is the official school record for a student.  Every Ontario school keeps an OSR for each student enrolled at that school.  The OSR contains achievement results, credits earned and diploma requirements completed, and other information important to the education of the student.  Students and their parents (if the student is not an adult) may examine the contents of the OSR.  The Education Act and freedom of information legislation protect these records.

 

4.  Ontario Student Transcript (OST): Recording and Reporting Procedures

 

The Ontario Student Transcript is an official and consistent summary of a student's achievement in Ontario secondary school credit courses.   A current, accurate and complete copy of the OST will be included within the Ontario Student Record.

 

5.   Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

 

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition will allow students to challenge and earn up to 4 credits towards the secondary school diploma.  This involves two components: challenge and equivalency.  Students may challenge a course and be granted credit if they can demonstrate the required skills and knowledge through formal tests and other assessment strategies.  Determining equivalency involves the assessment of credentials from other jurisdictions.

 

Students are responsible for initiating the challenge process and for satisfying all the requirements necessary to be granted the credit.  Students must fill out an application form in order to be considered for a challenge to a course.  A parent must sign this application form if the student is under the age of 18.  These application forms are available through the board office.

 

Once the application form has been submitted appropriate school staff will determine whether reasonable evidence exists for a successful challenge. 

 

The development of the formal testing and assessment and the implementation of such is the responsibility of the school and board.  Parents are consulted throughout the entire process.

 

6.    Equal Educational Opportunity

 

Every student should have an equal opportunity to develop as completely as possible in the direction of his/her talents and needs.  All teachers attempt to create a learning environment that is free from sex-role stereotyping and a curriculum that accurately reflects the experiences and contributions of both women and men.  Every student should be presented with a wide variety of career opportunities and the necessary role models to lead him/her into non-traditional as well as traditional fields of employment.

 

7.     Exceptional Students 

 

An "exceptional" student is a pupil who, because of behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical, or multiple exceptionalities, is placed in a special education program by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) of the Board.  Individual Education Plans (IEP) are developed and maintained to assist our teaching staff in adjusting their program to meet individual needs and help students achieve success.

 

8.  Full Disclosure for Grade 11 and Grade 12

 

The Ministry of Education has a policy of full disclosure.  This policy states that all grade 11 and 12 courses attempted by students must be recorded on Ontario Student Transcripts.  Full disclosure does not apply to students in grades 9 or 10.  Any grade 11 or 12 course completed, dropped or failed will appear on a student transcript along with the marks earned in the program.  Full disclosure will take effect 5 instructional days following the issue of the November or April Provincial report card in a semestered school.

 

9. Parental and Community Involvement

 

Chippewa Secondary School endeavours to have a personal relationship with our parents and community partners.  Community groups use our building frequently and we encourage parent/school collaboration.  Parents want more information and guidance from schools regarding how to help their children at home and what to do to help them succeed.  We are very aware of the vital role that parents play in a student's success.

 

The new thrust by the Ministry of Education and Training in career planning means that we count on local community members to help us in developing awareness of career opportunities here in the Blue Sky region.  With the advent of a global economy our students need to be prepared for employment in new areas.  We urge parents and community members to take advantage of the many opportunities to communicate with the school.

 

We report on student's progress at least 6 times during the school year.  We encourage parents to call individual teachers, guidance personnel or administration to deal immediately with any concerns.  We are a community school.   Everyone is always welcome.  We are here for your child and you. Get involved by joining the School Advisory Council, attend Parent Information Nights, become a Co-op Partner, be a guest speaker or just give us a call if you have an idea that would benefit our students.

 

English as a Second Language

 

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is FREE for immigrants and to those Canadians whose mother tongue is not English. Students may register and begin classes at any time during the school year (September – June). School bus transportation may also be available.

 

This is a very flexible program offered to adults and secondary students. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of each student whether at the beginner, intermediate or advanced level. Day or night-time credit courses and TOEFL preparation may be offered if enrollment is sufficient.

 

The personal approach to education, combined with a balance between academics, social skills, Canadian culture and Canadian language development will prepare the learner for future academic studies, employment and living in Canada.

 

The ESL program is delivered by a qualified and licensed Ontario teacher who will provide assistance to adults and students who are seeking to integrate into Canadian society.

 

Le programme de l’Anglais langue seconde est gratuit pour tous les immigrants et autres Canadiens pour lesquels l’anglais n’est pas la langue maternelle. L’enregistrement et les classes commencent à n’importe quel temps durant l’année scolaire (septembre-juin). Le transport par autobus scolaire est aussi disponible.

 

Ce programme flexible est offert aux adultes et aux étudiants secondaires. Le curriculum a été développé pour que les besoins de chaque étudiant soient remplis, peu importe son niveau (débutant, intermédiaire ou avancé). En plus, on offre les cours qui valent des crédits et si l’enregistrement est suffisant, c’est possible d’avoir la préparation TOEFL.

 

On combine l’approche personnelle à l’éducation avec une équilibre entre les académiques, les habilités sociales, l’emploi et la vie au Canada.

 

Le programme ALS est enseigné par un enseignant qualifié et autorisé par le gouvernement d’Ontario. Cet enseignant supportera les adultes et les adolescents qui cherchent à s’intégrer dans la société Canadienne.

Support Services for Students

 

Navigating high school can be a challenge. We help students and parents to meet the challenge by providing encouragement, resources, direction and assistance when required. Student Services includes Guidance, Resource and Special Education, and Student Success.

 

Guidance

 

Guidance is a central point for students to seek career, academic and personal counselling. Our personnel do individual counselling as well as class visits and larger assemblies.

Career Counselling

Guidance counsellors can help students to:

§        learn about career options through discussion, career fairs, special events, courses, and co-operative education

§        develop short and long-term educational goals

§        investigate options for work, apprenticeship, college, university and the armed forces

§        apply to college and university

Academic Counselling

Guidance counsellors can help students to:

§        transition from Grade 8 to high school

§        choose appropriate courses in view of their abilities, interests and future career plans

§        examine effective ways to boost academic achievement including assistance in finding an appropriate tutor or placement in credit recovery

§        prepare for scholarship and bursary opportunities

§        investigate enrichment opportunities through in-school activities, volunteer work, exchanges and summer study programs such as Outward Bound and Shad Valley

Personal Counselling

Our staff assists students to:

§        know themselves and deal effectively with others

§        develop healthy ways to cope with stress

§        understand the consequences of choices and decisions

 

The guidance staff is enhanced by our full-time youth counsellor (CDC), who provides crisis counselling and on-going confidential personal counselling.  Addictions and substance abuse counselling is available from the Community Counselling agency on a referral basis. An additional part-time youth counsellor is also available to assist students in Grade 7 and 8.

Guidance counsellors will visit classrooms to do credit checks, course selection and deliver informational items. Students may request an individual appointment by speaking with the guidance secretary and are encouraged to make regular contact.

 

Information is also available online at the school’s website at http://portal.nearnorthschools.ca/sites/schools/chippewa . Just follow the Student Services link to find information on Career Exploration tools, Scholarships and Bursaries and a wide range of related topics.

Student Success

 

Some students, at times, experience academic, social, or emotional difficulties that lead to credits not being achieved. The Student Success team at Chippewa provides support to struggling students who may or may not be formally identified through the IPRC process. The team regularly meets to plan appropriate interventions such as remedial work, a peer helper, counselling, program changes etc. to meet the needs of these “at risk” individuals.

 

Credit Rescue

Some students, although not identified formally, will struggle with parts of their courses, and require special help.  When this happens, we attempt to provide remedial work, sometimes assign a peer helper, and in general try to help the student through the difficulty.  This assistance may be provided within the regular classroom, or through short term withdrawal from the regular program.

 

Credit Recovery

Credit Recovery programs help students earn credits they have previously failed to achieve.  For more information on the requirements for this program please contact a member of Student Services. 

Resource and Special Education

 

This department provides credit courses, academic support and planning for exceptional students and for any students experiencing academic challenges.  There are three main areas to the Resource/Special Education Department.

 

Resource

Resource teachers

·         provide academic assistance to students with individual education plans

·         provide assistance to students who may be having academic problems or require accommodations for a temporary need

·         coordinate the development of individual education plans

·         coordinate Identification Placement and Review Committees

·         coordinate school team meetings and case conferences with outside agencies

·         work with the school transition team as students enter secondary school

·         work with exceptional students to plan transitions to post secondary destinations

·         provide study skills training

 

Near North District School Board’s Secondary Integrated Program at Chippewa

This is a noncredit specialized class focused on life skills.  Both an IPRC and careful screening are required for admission. 

                                                                                                                                    

Parents wishing to discuss any of the services offered through Resource and Special Education may contact the school at 475-2341 x8518.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q - Can I take different course types?

A - Yes!  You can take the types of courses that best suit your interests, goals and learning style.  For example, in grade 9 you could take applied courses in Mathematics and Science and academic courses in English, French and Geography.   During this time, you will also be taking open courses in the elective areas such as art, business and health and physical education.  In grades 11 and 12 you could also take different types of courses.  For example, you could take a workplace course in English, a college course in business and a college/university course in Technology.

 

Q - Is there somewhere or someone I can go to for help if I have questions about the courses I should take?

A - Yes!  Your classroom teacher and your guidance counsellor are people you should talk to about questions regarding your plans.  Don't forget that your parents will also be helpful in providing advice. Your guidance counsellor can provide detailed information about course selections and careers. They can also be very helpful in advising you about other school related or personal concerns. You can approach your classroom teacher for help with course work and information on courses that may be best suited to assist you based on your goals, interests and achievement.

 

Q - Can I fast track and take courses in grades 10, 11 and 12?

A - Maybe!  Students entering grade 9 are required to take grade 9 courses.  In the compulsory course areas such as English, Math or Science, fast tracking is not an option in most instances until grade 11, depending on the school organization and individual circumstance. In the elective areas, fast tracking may be possible, particularly as you move into grade 10 and 11.  Exceptional students in exceptional circumstances should speak with their counsellor about options. 

 

Q - Can I start my community involvement activities as soon as I enter high school?

A - Yes!  Participation in and recording of Community Involvement Activities to complete the 40 hours required for the high school diploma begins when you enter secondary school in grade 9 in September.  Information about appropriate activities, procedures and information on volunteer agencies is available in secondary schools.

 

Q - Can I stay longer than four years in high school whether I've graduated or not?

A - Yes!  We are finding more and more that students are not ready to move on to university, college or the workplace.  Taking an extra year allows students to take extra elective courses in the areas that interest them.   Also, with the large number of compulsory courses a student must take, they can spread them out over five years instead of four.  Students must take a minimum of 3 courses per semester.