Q. S. S. C a r e e r C e n t r e N e w s
December 2008
Career Leap 2008
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
Dec 10 Dec 12 15 Dec 19 Registration deadline for January Ministry exams Scholarship applications December deadlines Last day of school prior to Christmas break
A binder has been created for career opportunities with information received during Career Leap. The binder is in the Career Centre. Below are websites from some of the Exhibitors that were in attendance: Youth Link www.youth.gc.ca Careers in Agriculture www.aitc.ca/bc Trades Referral Assessment, Direct Employment Strategy www.tradesbc.org or tradescentral@shawcable.com Flight Training – Southern Interior Flight Centre www.flysifc.ca
Career Centre Contacts
Career Prep Facilitator Mrs. Fogarty lorifogarty@sd28.bc.ca
Secondary School Apprenticeship
Business Career College www.ment-r.com inSite (housing, hospitality & health) careers@inSiteseniorcare.com
Mrs. Fogarty, Mr. Reeves & Mr. Runge lorifogarty@sd28.bc.ca martinrunge@sd28.bc.ca davereeves@sd28.bc.ca Grad Transitions Coordinators Mr. Rogger/Mr. Runge/ Mrs. Fogarty fredrogger@sd28.bc.ca martinrunge@sd28.bc.ca lorifogarty@sd28.bc.ca Grade 12 Counsellor Mrs. Paivinen carmenpaivinen@sd28.bc.ca Career Prep Secretary Ms. Wourms judithwourms@sd28.bc.ca
Academy of Learning Career & Business College www.academyoflearning.com Aboriginal Peoples in the Canadian Forces – CD available at the Career Centre or www.forces.ca www.rms.ca www.forces.ca Career as a Fishery Officer www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/officer-agent/ Green Collar Dream Job: Conservation Officer, Environmental Lawyer, Municipal Planner, Horticulturist, Biologist, LEED® Accredited Professional www.cagbc.org, Environmental Consultant, Renewable Energy Sector check out the following sites www.goodworkcanada.ca/ , www.greenjobs.com/public/index.aspx , www.workcabin.ca/ , www.workfutures.bc.ca/ , www.educationplanner.bc.ca/ Life Coaching Services www.steppingstonescoaching.ca Association of BC Forest Professionals www.abcfp.ca Ministry of Forests and Range www.for.gov.bc.va/hrb/.careers www.for.gov.bc.ca/bcts http://employment.gov.bc.ca BC Forest Service Fire Crew Applications & Information www.bcwildfire.ca/ Lethbridge College – School of Environmental Sciences www.lethbridgecollege.ca
JAN 09 Exam Schedule
Jan 26, 2009 English 12 is a required exam
Grade 11 & 12 students: check out this site: www.educationplanner.ca
Education Planner is endorsed by the post-secondary institutions of BC, managed by the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer, and funded by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education.
The following are not required exams English Lit 12 Jan 27, 2009 French 12 Comm 12 FRAL 12 SS 11 SS 11 IM History 12 Jan 28, 2009 Pr. of Math 12 Jan 29, 2009 Biology 12 Jan 30, 2009 Chemistry 12 QSS begins the provincial exams 30 minutes earlier than what is stated on the ministry web site. This is to accommodate the bussing schedule.
How Can I Pay for School?
Scholarships and Bursaries Many students have been too busy to apply for scholarships and bursaries. If that is you, don’t be discouraged, start now and work on this during the Christmas Holidays. Generally, the first application is the most difficult. Save all your essays and paragraphs in Word so that you can reuse and revise information. Information about Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards can be found in the Career Centre in the black binders or try these websites and let us know which one you prefer:
www.bcawardsonline.sd61.bc.ca (very user friendly) www.studentawards.com www.scholarshipscanada.com
Have you applied to your Post Secondary Institution yet?
Apply now. The earlier you apply for Colleges, the sooner you get to choose your courses in the Spring. Universities may grant conditional early admission to students applying now based on term 1 marks. There is no down side to applying early. Apply to more than one institution (perhaps even 3) in case you change your mind or you don’t get accepted at your first choice. Residence. If you are interested in applying for on-campus residence, you must submit separate applications. Admissions and housing are different departments and often operate separately. If you have a question about an institution, such as: When do I have to provide transcripts? or fees? don’t hesitate. Email the admissions department immediately and ask the question. If you don’t hear back soon, see Mrs. Paivinen for assistance. Many BC Post Secondary Institutions accept applications through a centralized application service at www.pas.bc.ca
Trades and Technology Dual Credit Opportunities
Senior students from QSS and Correlieu can enrol in the Dual Credit partnership between School District 28 and the College of New Caledonia in Welding Level C, Foundation Level Electrical, Foundation Level Plumbing and Residential Construction Framing. Students earn both high school credits and college credits at the same time. School District 28 covers $1000.00 of tuition for a limited number of successful applicants. Contact Ed Coleman for more information, 991-9034 or edcoleman@sd28.bc.ca.
Resources to Help You ……
There are resources available to you to make the best choices for your circumstances. The Government of Canada has developed an informational package for students on the website www.canlearn.ca Information on requirements and costs for BC Post-Secondary www.educationplanner.bc.ca www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/ila/
All universities and many colleges have early entrance scholarships and awards. Check out their individual websites for application forms, deadlines and more details. You can’t apply for student loans until next Spring. The website is: www.StudentAidBC.ca Also check out www.canlearn.ca for information and assistance.
Preparing for Exams
Finding the study techniques that work for you depends on the subject area and your learning style. It is important that you spend time finding out what works for you. Find a quiet, comfortable, regular place to study when you are well rested. Cramming for exams can lead to test anxiety. Rather than waiting until January to start studying for exams, study a little each night throughout the semester. ‘KEY’ Study Guides are available for all government examinable courses. They can be ordered through www.castlerockresearch.com Speak to your teacher or counsellor if you want to order one. Changes to Grade 12 Provincial Exams Requirements: All students must write the English 12 or Communications 12 provincial exam. * Optional Provincial Exams for the following QSS courses: Chemistry 12, Biology 12, Physics 12, Math 12 (Principles & Applications), History 12, Geography 12, French 12 Literature 12 * Most (not all) Universities, require Eng. 12 plus 3 courses with Provincial Exams, although you are not required to write these exams. * Colleges, TRU do not have this admission requirement. Student must research the admission requirements of the institution they wish to attend. * If students write the Optional Provincial Exam, Universities in BC will use the best mark: School Mark or blended. Student will not be disadvantaged by writing the provincial exam, if it lowers their final mark. Why write the Provincial exam? 1. Writing the provincial exam can improve your blended mark and BC universities will only use the best mark: School or blended (final). 2. Provincial Exam Scholarships: $1000 scholarship for students achieving 85% average in 3 of their provincial exams $2500 scholarship for the top 20 students in the province. 3. Exam writing is an important skill in many professional and post-secondary
programs. Most importantly, learning to 'prepare' (study not cram) for final exams is also an important skill. 4. Provides a challenge / enrichment for strong students. * If your school mark results in the 50 - 60% range, students should only write the provincial exams in consultation with teacher and parents. Blended marks below 50% do not show up on Final Transcripts.
Grad Transitions Requirements
Graduation Transitions Requirement is a 4 credit, pass/fail, non-GPA course that MUST be completed by the end of grade 12 in order to graduate. If you intend to finish your high school program in January of your grad year, please ensure that you have completed and presented your GTR to your Mentor or Career Preparation Teacher before you leave school. For other students, we are recommending completing the GTR as soon as possible and certainly before Spring Break of your grade 12 year. Parents can access their child's Graduation Transitions Requirements work through the School District #28 website at www.sd28.bc.ca under SSDAS, student's firstnamelastname and then password (their student number). Your child can show you the way.
UNBC Leadership Awards
Valued at $2000 each, these awards are available to students who are entering an undergraduate program at the University of Northern BC immediately upon graduation from high school. UNBC is committed to rewarding those students who have made an effort to balance their academics with leadership activities – both within their school and their community. Application deadline is December 15, 2008.
University of Alberta – Academic Excellence Awards
Students with a grade average of 80% or higher in Grade 12 that are planning to attend the University of Alberta in September 2009 are encouraged to apply for this prestigious award. Scholarships in the amount of $500-$5000 will be awarded to successful recipients. In addition to applying for this award online, students must send a transcript of and final Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks to the U of A office before the deadline. Application deadline is December 15, 2008.
Millennium Excellence Award
Are you someone who is actively involved in making a difference in your community? The Millennium Excellence Award is given out to students entering their first year of full-time post-secondary studies at a college, CEGEP or university. Local awards are one-time awards of $4000, Provincial Awards are $4000 renewable for up to three additional years and National awards are $5000 renewable for up to three additional years. Application deadline is December 12, 2008.
Burger King Scholars Program
You must be nominated for this award by your school counsellor or principal. In order to be considered for this award, you must: have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher; work an average of at least 15 hours per week for 40 weeks per year; demonstrate participation in community service and /or extra-curricular activity; demonstrate financial need; obtain written recommendations from a school official and employer; and plan to enroll in an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school by the Fall of 2008. Applications available online: December 15, 2008.
Types of Scholarships
* College / University Entrance * Local (Quesnel) Scholarships and Bursaries (April) * Non-Local or External Scholarships (hundreds) - check website http://bcawardsonline.sd61.bc.ca/ * Government Exam Scholarships based on top 3 government exam marks $1,000 or $2,000
such as BCIT (Burnaby) NAIT (Edmonton) and SAIT (Calgary). * Approx. Tuition: $6000.00 * Taking the same courses in places such as Kamloops, PG, Vancouver, would cost at least $14,000 if you have to pay room & board.
Career Programs Post Secondary, Work Experience & Employment Preparation
Don’t miss the opportunity! Students in grade 9-12 are invited to apply for 1 of 10 Career Preparation programs offered at QSS. A Career Preparation program is an optional program outside of the regular timetable, which assists you in preparing for your future – whether it includes entering the work force, going to a post secondary institution or both. The program will allow you to explore a focus career area by providing opportunities for job shadows, volunteer and work experience along with many other experiential activities. Career Preparation is a 2-3 year program involving: A focus course at the grade 11 level A focus course at the grade 12 level Work Experience 12 A (a 4 credit course involving 100 hours of work experience) Upon completion of the program in Grade 12 students will receive a provincially recognized certificate at their graduation commencement ceremony.
Congratulations!!
2009 Graduates for receiving Entrance Scholarships: Cassie Hunik - $6,600 Raven Scholarship from UNBC Jennifer Hocevar - $6,600 Raven Scholarship from UNBC Angela Grob - $6,600 Raven Scholarship from UNBC Kelsey Blair - $1,500 UNBC Entrance Scholarship Devon Roy - $1,200 UNBC Entrance Scholarship Carla Olsen - $6,000 Trinity Western Entrance Scholarship Eric Pawluk - $20,000 UNBC Scholars Award If any other grade 12 students have received entrance scholarships, please bring a photocopy of the letter from the university to Mrs. Paivinen, grade 12 counselor, so that we can recognize and celebrate student success. NEWS FLASH – First year Sciences Grade 12s ... If you are thinking of staying Quesnel next year; consider starting your Post Secondary training at the College of New Caledonia, Quesnel Campus, and save money. * 1st year Bachelor of Arts has been offered for many years. If there is enough interest for September 2009, 1st year Sciences may be available. * If you are interested in taking 1st year Sciences at CNC in Quesnel (University Transfer), please let Mrs. Paivinen know ASAP. If there are enough students, CNC will offer this program. These courses transfer to any university in BC. (and likely out of province as well). * First year sciences are the first step to many university paths (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Dental Hygiene) as well, they are excellent preparation for 2 year technology diplomas at institutes
Why should you apply for a Career Program?
Better preparation for post secondary, employment, or apprenticeship; A teacher mentor; Community mentorship and networking opportunities; Provides opportunities to gain the required work experience for many post secondary programs; Access to certification programs; Access to scholarships, bursaries, awards and entrance scholarships; Support for preparation of your Graduation Transition Requirements; Meets the requirements for many Graduation Transition Requirements aspects.
For more information see:
Your counsellor An administrative assistant in the Career Centre