At St. Mary’s Academy, the Career Counselling program assists students in grades 9 to 12 to focus on the career planning process as a tool they can use both immediately and throughout their lives to create the life they want. At each grade, students will focus on different elements of that planning process.
Grade 9
Grade 9 students are introduced to career development concepts which start with an online self-assessment tool that assists them with the process of self evaluation. Through class activities, students will begin to understand the connection between her skills, strengths, interests and future education and career choices. Students will also develop effective communications skills while presenting a preliminary career portfolio called the “Me Box”. One of the highlights for the grade 9 class is ‘Take Our Kids to Work Day’ which will be held this year on November 2, 2011. This day enables the students to accompany a family member or close family friend to their work place and to experience that particular career for the day.
Grade 10
Grade 10 students continue to focus on career planning in their Career Development course and to build on skills they have acquired in the grade 9 course. Students will compile a portfolio that will document evidence of their strengths and experiences. Their portfolio will include elements such as a cover letter, resume, letter of reference, and a transcript of marks. Each student will present her portfolio as part of a job interview. On April 4, 2012, the grade 10 class will have the opportunity to attend the Rotary Career Symposium where they can acquire information and ask questions of professionals regarding numerous careers and fields of employment.
Grade 11
In grade 11, Career Counselling takes on more of a “one on one” approach where students are encouraged to take advantage of the many resources available in our Career Counselling office, and to meet with the Career Counsellor to seek guidance on high school course selection and planning for post secondary education. Students with averages 80+% and parents are invited to attend a special information evening at the University of Winnipeg on Oct 17/11 (7-9:30p.m.) and at the University of Manitoba on Oct 25. Students and parents are also invited to attend the National Canadian University Fair which takes place at St. John’s Ravenscourt on November 2nd from 7-9 p.m. and on November 3rd at Balmoral Hall from 6:30-9 p.m. On February 23, 2012, the grade 11 students will attend the day sessions at the University of Manitoba Info Days and are invited to attend the evening session at the University of Winnipeg Open House on Feb 22nd from 5-7p.m. Both of these events provide a valuable opportunity for students to gather information on the various faculties and on the transition to university from high school. In addition, Grade 11 students are eligible for the Encounters and Forum programs.
Grade 12
As in grade 11, the grade 12 students are encouraged to make use of the university and career resources available to them and to meet with the Career Counsellor. Extensive information sharing takes place with the grade 12 classes. For example, the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg and Red River College presentations take place in October & November at St. Mary’s Academy. Students with averages 80+% and parents are invited to attend a special information evening at the University of Winnipeg on Oct 17/11 (7-9:30p.m.) and at the University of Manitoba on Oct 25. In addition, on the evenings of November 2/3, 2011, students are invited to the National Canadian University Fair. The fair takes place on November 2nd at St. John’s Ravenscourt from 7-9 p.m. and on November 3rd at Balmoral Hall from 6:30-9 p.m. Students will receive regular updates on scholarships and post secondary information via their email which will link them to our SMA Career Information website.
Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Teresa Uruski, Career Counsellor, if you have any questions: 477-0244 Ext. 263 or by email: turuski@stmarysacademy.mb.ca
