Student Services Department

All students in our school, regardless of background or ability, will have the opportunity to develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge required to live up to their full potential. Our classrooms and staff will assist them in growing into capable, caring, responsible and active citizens. We are committed to providing the most appropriate educational opportunities for all students. For students with special needs we are committed to: 

• providing programs and services;

• providing a range of placement options;

• providing a focus on inclusive practices in our schools as an integral part of school culture;

• developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) which focus on improved student learning;

• providing appropriate accommodations and modifications as required;

• developing learning communities that promote respect for differences, diversity and inclusivity;

• recognizing, valuing and validating all children & believing all students can learn;

• inviting and supporting students to be active participants in all aspects of school activity; and creating environments for all staff, students, parents and other partners to focus on shared understandings of common goals.

You can access Special Education Support in room 214.

 

Services Available for Students with Special Education Identifications

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Withdrawal Assistance (Learning Strategies)

The Learning Strategies is a credit bearing course that you take in one semester where you learn about the skills and strategies to be successful in high school.  You learn how to advocate for your accommodations as set out in your IEP.  The Learning Strategies course is taught by your Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT).

Learning Strategies 1: Skills for Success in Secondary School  (Grades 9/10)

Sample units of study in Grade 9: Preparing for Learning, Research Skills, Presentation Skills, Me as a Learner: Self-Knowledge & Opportunities.

Sample units of study in Grade 10: Literacy, , Knowledge and Skill Development, Exploring Opportunities. 

Advanced Learning Strategies: Skills for Success After Secondary School (Grades 11/12)

Sample units of study in Grade 11: Literacy, Numeracy, Mental Health. 

Sample units of study in Grade 12:, Goal Setting, Learning Skills, Transitioning to Post-Secondary, Post-Secondary/Apprenticeship/Work Profile.

Resource Assistance

Resource Assistance is provided by the Special Education Resource Teacher by supporting you in your classes.  Instructional supports and accommodations are provided and continually assessed and evaluated by the the Special Education Resource Teacher in consultation with your classroom teacher.

Indirect Support

Indirect Support is a monitoring level of service provided to students who are placed in the regular classroom.  The Special Education Resource Teacher, in consultation with the classroom teacher, monitors the student's progress and makes program adjustments when required.

 

Programs

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Partially Integrated Community Classes

Students are offered placements in these programs by the Central Board Office and placement occurs through an IPRC.

Autism​ Program 

This is a non-credit program based on Ministry curriculum guidelines that are modified or alternative to the curriculum, as set out in the Individual Education Plan.  The program places emphasis on the development of literacy, numeracy, personal and social skills, communication skills, culinary skills, money management, transit training and community exploration, and work experience.  The program provides a balance between academics and learning opportunities which promote and challenge each student to reach a maximum level of academic achievement, independence, and citizenship.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program

This program is for students identified with ASD who require a structured setting that targets social-emotional, communication, and behavioural needs. Generally, students will be working at the academic, applied or locally developed level and working towards their OSSD. Students work on a reduced timetable to allow for one period a day of social skills, anxiety management and/or organizational skills.  The program also provides instruction for the development of individual strategies and technology with access to support personnel throughout their day.

Intensive Support Program

This non-credit program focuses on integration, literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, advocacy, problem-solving and critical thinking skills through an individualized program.  Students are involved in authentic experiential learning opportunities that may include job shadowing, job twinning, and community-based work experience opportunities.

 

Social Opportunities for students 

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• ​Supervised lunchrooms are provided daily for students.  The department has also created a separate​ supervised safe space for students who attend the cafeteria for lunch, to spend time in should they wish to do so for part of lunch.
• ​Peer Buddies Program is a student run club supported by staff advisors.   The club provides opportunities for students to interact in a positive meaningful way with their mainstream peers.  Students are paired up and make a commitment to spend at least one hour per week with their buddies.  During the weekly get together​, students participate in a wide range of activities include eating lunch together, conversation, playing cards and boards game, to name a few.  The entire club also meets twice a semester for larger celebrations such as the Introduction Luncheon, the Winter Holiday Party, March Break and the end of year Best Buddies Prom.
• ​​Students will have the various opportunities to go on field trips including but not limited to Magna's Hoedown, SNAP, Best Buddies Prom, & YRDSB Movie Days  

 

Helpful Links 

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• Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum Documents ​

• Special Education in YRDSB

• Growing Success​