Grade 9 Resource Guide for Parents

GRADE 9 RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PARENTS

GRADE 9 YEAR

Students entering the Senior School will find a welcoming environment with many new challenges meant to engage and inspire them. A well-rounded academic program is enriched by the arts, athletics, leadership opportunities, community service, clubs and recreational activities, as well as a strong support system -- all designed to prepare students to be resilient young adults equipped to adapt in our changing world.

Grade 9 Focus

» Middle School transition

» Leadership development

» Identifying strengths and interests

» Addressing volunteer requirements

» Academic counselling and support

» Tutorial programming

Credit Requirements

Compulsory credits

(For Students Starting in September 2024)

You need the following 17 compulsory credits to get your OSSD:

» 4 credits in English

» 3 credits in mathematics

» 2 credits in science

» 1 credit in technological education

» 1 credit in Canadian history

» 1 credit in Canadian geography

» 1 credit in the arts

» 1 credit in health and physical education

» 1 credit in French as a second language

» 0.5 credit in career studies

» 0.5 credit in civics and citizenship

» 1 credit from the STEM-related course group*

*STEM-related course group

» business studies

» computer studies

» cooperative education

» mathematics (in addition to the 3 compulsory credits currently required)

» science (in addition to the 2 compulsory credits currently required)

» technological education (in addition to the 1 compulsory credit required)

Additional Requirements

» Starting in September 2025, you must earn a new financial literacy graduation requirement as part of your compulsory Grade 10 mathematics course. (70% or higher to pass this new requirement)

» Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

» 40 hours of community involvement activities (volunteering). You can start collecting volunteer hours in the summer before Grade 09.

Advice for Grade 9s

» Use this year to become the learner you want to be. Discover the where, when and how of studying that works for you. Prioritize sleep.

» Ask questions -- early and often.

» Get involved (service groups, clubs, athletics, arts, community)

» Reach out to new friends. Empathy goes a long way.

» Practice autonomy and grow resilience.

CONTACT INFORMATION

LINDA KEMP

Director of Student Success

House: Birch Earn

linda.kemp@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 180

BARBARA PERNAR Guidance Counsellor

House: Cedar More

barbara.pernar@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 216

COLLEEN PETCH

Guidance Counsellor

House: Maple Tay colleen.petch@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 240

YVONNE TESTA Guidance Counsellor

House: Pine Yre yvonne.testa@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 266

SSC EVENTS FOR GRADE 11 STUDENTS (AND SOME FOR PARENTS)

SSC Events

SSC Events the 2025 year can be accessed here.

FAQS

1. How many courses do I need to take in Grade 10? 8.5 (The 0.5 is online careers).

2. Can I take a spare? No.

3. Can I take a spare if I take a summer course? No.

4. What compulsory courses do I need to take in Grade 10?

English (ENG2D) Science (SNC2P or SNC2D) Math (MPM2D, MFM2P) Geography (CGC1D) Careers (GLC20) - half credit *P = Applied, *D = Academic, *T = Enriched This will leave students with the option of choosing 4 elective courses.

5. How do I know what level of math/French/science I should take?

We recommend that students discuss this with their classroom teacher as they are the ones who will know them best as a learner in that subject.

6. What elective courses are available in Grade 10?

Course Descriptions are available on the SSC topic page and can be found here. The faculty have also added topic pages for all of their courses so that you can get a sense for what to expect in the daily activities of each course.

7. Where can I find the form to track my volunteer hours?

There is a link on the SSC topic page for volunteering and the front desk. You can also find information about service groups and other opportunities here.

SSC Supports

TA’s: Academic flex and after school in the SSC or by appointment.

Peer Tutors: Request a Peer Tutor using this form. Sign up to be a Student Peer Tutor using this form.

Transcript Request

Send an email to Mrs. Suri at yogyata.suri@hsc.on.ca