Transition From Grade 8-9 

Panel Transitions

Grade 8 is an exciting time for students and parents.  At TDSB we are very fortunate to have a range of options and an Elementary Itinerant Guidance Counselor to support everyone through the transitions process.   Our EIC is Ms. Bianca Angheloni.  She works at numerous TDSB schools and is assigned to be at Northlea one half day a week.  

Grade 8 Parent Information Evening at Northlea

We have to postpone our Parent information evening that was planned for Wednesday, October 4th at 6:30 pm.  We will share the rescheduled date with you.  It will be led by Ms. Angheloni.  She will walk you through the transitions process and timelines in TDSB. This is a very informative evening and we highly recommend you attend.  Please note that TDSB timelines related to Transitions are firm and extensions are not available. As such, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed and worthwhile decisions related to moving to Grade 9.

School Day Excursion to Leaside & Visits to Northlea

To best prepare our intermediate students to learn about different high school programming we will invite a few specialized programming schools to visit Northlea and explain their unique learning curriculums to our Grade 8 students.   In addition, students will also be taken to visit Leaside High School to understand course offerings and the school environment.  We will share dates in the coming months.  Updated information will also be shared via Twitter @guidanceBBN.

High School Open House Evenings

All TDSB Secondary Schools host evening open houses so Grade 8 students and their guardians can visit the schools they are interested in and become more informed about how each school operates.  Please click on this link for the high school open house schedule.  Please also check back often as, at times, secondary schools need to change their open house dates.  

A Welcome Note from Ms. Angheloni

Happy New School Year!

I trust that you had a fun and relaxing summer.    I am very excited to be returning to Northlea EMS this school year as your child’s Elementary Itinerant Counsellor (Guidance Counsellor). I am here to help your child through the wonderful and sometimes challenging middle school years.   

I will be at Northlea on  Wednesday afternoons throughout the school year.  The focus for guidance this year is the following - Creating Pathways to Success.  Ontario’s education and career/life planning program has been designed to ensure that all students develop the capacity to:

·     Set and Achieve personal goals

·     Effective transitions

·     Positive community relations

The students will learn to create effective Individual Pathways Plan (IPP) using an online program entitled My Blueprint.  You can learn more about My Blueprint by reading this pamphlet.  My Blueprint will assist them in reflecting and exploring their interests and strengths.  The process enables the students to establish and monitor their progress towards academic and personal goals in collaboration with their teachers and parents.

Grade 8 to 9 Transitions: 

The grade 8 students will be working on “Choices for Nine”, their transition program to grade 9 throughout the year.  The introduction to the program begins in early October. I will be making regular visits to the grade 8 classes to ensure that information goes out in a timely manner. 

As an introduction to the “Choices for Nine” program, there will be a parent information evening at  Northlea EMS , date to be confirmed by end of September. It is highly recommended that all families of grade 8 children attend this very important meeting.  This session will provide information about key dates, timelines, Optional Attendance procedures, Secondary School programs and requirements, Secondary School Open House dates and times, Course Selection and much more.

Student information sessions will take place prior to the Information Evening which will include the same topics as the information night, thus allowing for rich discussions prior to and after the Information Evening.

The goal of the “Choices for Nine” program is that every grade 8 student and family will be equipped with the information to make an informed and confident decision for choosing an appropriate secondary school program.

Self- Discovery:

The emotional and social needs of our students are very important.  There will be on going age-appropriate presentations and/or discussions on topics that will address these needs. A few of the topics that will be addressed include: Who Am I -understanding learning styles/interests,  Importance of Values -extrinsic vs intrinsic, Goal Setting –establishment of short/mid and long term goals, Organizational skills and Building Resiliency and Embracing Change.

To keep you informed with the ongoing Guidance and Career Education Programs taking place at the school, updates will be placed in school’s newsletter along with the school’s student support site. 

 I am always happy to talk to the families of students. You are the most important people in your child’s life!    If you have any questions of concerns please contact me via email Bianca.angheloni@tdsb.on.ca

Looking forward to another great year,

Bianca Angheloni