To find out more about myBlueprint.ca, click here!
Parent/Student Information
Welcome to T.L. Kennedy. Your child is embarking on his/her high school career which will provide the necessary tools to prepare for an ever-changing world.
School Background
T.L. Kennedy has a population of approximately 1000 students. This high school, built in 1953, is the second oldest in Peel, and named after the former premier of Ontario. Thomas Laird Kennedy grew up on an area farm to become a school trustee, reeve of Toronto township and a member of provincial parliament from 1919-1958.
The school has seen many changes in the composition of its students over the years.. Today, it is enriched by the diversity of its student population and the many different cultures represented. The school has a proud tradition of high academic achievement. A large percentage of TLK students continue on to post-secondary studies. Last year, a significant number of our graduates received university admission scholarships.
The Kennedy Mission
Excellence in Learning through Communication, Collaboration and Cultural Diversity.
Grade 9 and 10 Courses
The new curriculum is organized into several types of courses, intended to suit the strengths, interests and goals of all students. In Grades 9 and 10, three types of courses are offered: Academic, Applied, and Open.
Academic courses develop knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. They focus on essential and related concepts, and incorporate some practical application. These courses lead to University Preparation courses in Grade 11 and 12.
Applied courses develop knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples. They focus on essential concepts and give students the opportunity to experience a ‘hands-on application’. These courses lead to College Preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12.
Both types of courses set high expectations for students. They differ in the balance between essential concepts and additional material studied, and in the balance between theory and application. Students must choose Academic or Applied in the following subjects: English, French, Science, Math, and Geography.
Open courses are offered in Physical and Health Education, Information Technology and all optional subjects. These courses have a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students and will prepare them for further study.
As indicated on the attached sheet, diploma requirements also include the successful completion of a Literacy Test (taken in Grade 10) and 40 hours of community involvement. Students are encouraged to begin their volunteer hours as soon as possible.
While Academic and Applied courses lead to Grade 11 and Grade 12 University and College Preparation courses, workplace preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for direct entry into the workplace. Therefore, the Peel District School Board is developing an apprenticeship program for students who have successfully completed two years of high school and wish to pursue an education that will train them for a specific vocation. Co-operative education and work experience placements within the community are important components of workplace preparation courses.
Special Education
Students who have been identified as EXCEPTIONAL will be provided with an individual educational plan and program support from the Special Education Department at T.L. Kennedy.
Semester System
The school year is divided into two equal semesters, the first from September to the end of January and the second from February to the end of June. Students are required to take four courses per semester in each of their first three years at T.L. Kennedy. There is an examination period ( approximately 5 days) at the end of each semester. During this time students do not attend class but must be in attendance for their exams. Students are eligible for a study (spare) period upon earning 23 credits.
Grade 11 and 12
Upon the successful completion of the Grade 9 and 10 program, students in Grades 11 and 12 may choose from four destination types of courses. They are:
University Admission Requirements for 2006
Community College Admission Requirements (2006)
Conclusion
Hopefully, you will find the above information useful. It is intended to clarify some of the issues related to the transition from elementary to secondary school. If you have any questions or wish additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Guidance and Career Education Department at T.L. Kennedy Secondary School.
myblueprint.ca
myblueprint.ca is a program designed to help students make informed decisions about the secondary school courses they choose and the post-secondary opportunities that are available to them. It provides detailed information about pre-requisite courses, apprenticeships, and college and university options and is an excellent tool of reference, providing support and answers to a wide variety of questions about planning for the future. Listed below are the instructions necessary in order to access and effectively use the program.
A. My Profile - to create your own space and save your high school plans, programs of interest and personal notes, click the My Profile tab, fill in the required information and then click Save Profile.
B. High School Planner allows students to create their own educational plan and discover the impact that their high school course selection will have on your future post-secondary opportunities. To begin, click the High School planner tab. Browse or Search Courses from the course list on the left of the screen. If you are unsure about which courses are available to you or would like to browse through your available options, select the Browse Courses tab and explore. If you are looking for a specific course or would like to search for courses that have specific words in them (such as "Arts" or "Business"), select the Search Courses tab and type in the keyword. Click on the course you wish to add to your High School Planner and drag the Course Box to the appropriate semester or year. To remove a course from your High School Planner, press the orange X icon at the top right corner of the Course Box. To add summer or night school courses, click the plus sign( +) to the right of the planner grid. To view course descriptions and pre-requisites, select the course from the course list.
Diploma Requirements In order to graduate, you are required to take specific courses. You must complete one course from each of the three "Groups". To learn more about the courses included in each group, press the View Diploma Requirements button.
C. Exploring Post-Secondary Programs - Click on the View Button beside your desired destination ( University, College or Apprenticeship) in the program Eligibility Indicator (bottom of High school planner screen) OR click the Program Finder Tab. Choose your preferences from the dropdown menus. Select the destination type and continue with province, category, etc. Click the View button to discover valuable information about any program. To compare up to 3 programs side by side, check the box beside each and click Compare button. To save any programs of interest to my profile, click the Save to Profile button.
2007 Free Summer Institute for First Year students
University of Toronto-St. George Campus
The Department of Accessibility Services invites students to sign up for one of two summer institutes for secondary school graduates with learning disabilities.
The Institute will introduce students to the University of Toronot community, support services, adaptive technology, and the key components of academic success:
These dynamic workshops will help students to develop strategies to turn difficulties into accomplishments. In a small group setting, students will design a set of strategic tools to support their undergrad studies.
Students may also choose to be matched with a peer mentor.
Note: All graduating secondary school students are eligible no matter what university they plan to attend. Check http://www.sa.utoronto.ca/area.php?waid=5 for updates.
For inquiries contact victoria.littman@utoronto.
