Guidance

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Summer School Registration Information

Caregiver-Teacher Interviews Spring 2025

Course Selections 2025-26

Semester 2 Start-up

2025-2026 Course Selection Information

Course selection information for the 2025-2026 academic year will be posted to the guidance classroom at the beginning of semester 2. Please continue to check the guidance classroom for updates and announcements

Guidance Department Staff

Amanda Fisher-O’Dell - Department Head of Guidance

amanda.fisherodell@ddsb.ca

Brigitte Van de Laar - Guidance Counsellor

Brigittevandelaar@ddsb.ca

Kathy Pleterski - Guidance Clerical Support

Please direct all emails to Ms. Pleterski to secondaryathome@ddsb.ca

Transcript requests - secondaryathome@ddsb.ca

Mental Health Supports

Multi-lingual parent/caregiver resources

There are new/updated resources for parents and caregivers from School Mental Health Ontario that are available in the following languages:

English
Arabic
Chinese
Hindi
Korean
Portuguese
Punjabi
Spanish
Tagalog
Tamil
Ukrainian
Urdu

These resources were developed to assist parent/caregivers in supporting their child’s mental health and well-being.

They Include:

Taking Care

Though the winter is often equated with warmth, joy, festivity and happy moments with family and friends, for many this is not the case. Feelings of sadness, loneliness, grief, and anxiety can be magnified against this backdrop.

Here are some resources to have handy if needed: https://smho-smso.ca/taking-care-over-the-winter-break/

Resorces

Office Hours

The link to the office meet will be live and posted to the guidance classroom when open at 12:15 p.m. Office hours will close at 12:40 p.m. to allow students enough time to get to their next class.

Counsellors encourage you to pop by these sessions to ask quick or general questions. If you require more guidance or have more complicated questions, email your name and contact number to amanda.fisherodell@ddsb.ca. The counsellor will email you back to confirm an appointment date and time.

Google Classroom

All students have been added to the Guidance Google Classroom. If you do not see the classroom, please email Mrs. Fisher-O’Dell who will be sure to add you to the class at amanda.fisherodell@ddsb.ca.

Please refer to the Guidance Google classroom Classwork section to learn more about Community Involvement Hours and Submissions, Community Supports and Resources, Pathway Planning information and much more.

High School Course Pathway Information

The following guides will be helpful with Pathway planning and course selection.

Choosing My Success! (2023-2024)

Refining My Pathway (2023-24)

Designing My Future! (2023-24)

Pathways to Student Success (2023-24)

Graduation Requirements - *New Grade 9 Requirements

If you started Grade 9 in or before Fall 2023

If you started Grade 9 in Fall 2024 and after

Grade Tracker and Diploma Checklist - Grade 10+

Grades and Diploma checklist - Grade 9

30 Credits My Way

Please check back for updates.

2024/25 Course Selection Information

Course Selections for the following academic year occur at the beginning of semester 2. Further information will be provided by Guidance closer to that time through grade level assemblies and postings on the Guidance Google Classroom. Please continue to check the guidance classroom for updates and announcements.

DDSB@Home - Secondary students can direct questions to their guidance counsellor.

If students are returning to in-person learning for the next academic year, students must attend the home school in their local area. Not sure what Home School you are assigned to? Use the School Locator feature to find your school.

Frequently Asked Guidance Questions

In this section you will be able to find the answers to our most asked questions.

Where can I find out about what courses I can pick in my course planner?

What is the deadline to submit course selections?

How can I access MyBlueprint?

What are some helpful websites to research post-secondary options?

I have questions about my IEP and supports. Who can I talk to?

Questions about IEP's can be directed to Inclusive Student Service staff. Please email Brigitte.vandelaar@ddsb.ca or jennifer.thatcher@ddsb.ca

How and when do I register for summer school?

Students may register for Summer School courses through the My Blueprint website. Summer School registration opens in February when course selection for the 2025-26 school year occurs. More information will be posted to the Google Classroom as it becomes available. You can also check www.dce.ca for more information.

How do I do Career Planning?

Career Planning

How do I get information about Community Involvement Hours?

More Information on Community Involvement Hours - Please check the Guidance Google Classroom for information on submitting your Community Involvement hours

Community involvement activity record

Where can I find help with my homework?

Homework Help

How do I report a student absence?

Parents/guardians should report an absence by calling 1-844-350-2646 or by using the SchoolMessenger app.

I have a problem with my Chromebook. Who do I contact?

Chromebook issues must be reported to a students' classroom teacher. Please include the device serial number and a description of the issue when emailing your teacher. The classroom teacher will submit a help ticket to IT Services on your behalf.

Durham Alternative Secondary School (D.A.S.S.)

If you meet the following criteria and would like to get a referral to D.A.S.S., please email secondaryathome@ddsb.ca:

You are at least 17 years of age or older

You have previously attended DDSB@Home Secondary School

You have not yet graduated (earned your OSSD)

and you are not enrolled at another DDSB high school