1. ÉCOLE DUCHESS PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL

2. GRADS OF 2016 Meeting Agenda October 28th, 2015  Graduation Transitions Program  Graduation Requirements  Scholarships and Bursaries  Student Responsibilities  Valedictory Celebration Information  Upcoming Grad Events

3. GRAD TRANSITIONS PROGRAM -A REQUIRED 4 CREDIT COURSE Students collect evidence of their achievements in the following areas: PERSONAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CAREER & LIFE CAREER & LIFE PRESENTATION PRESENTATION

4. GRADUATION TRANSITIONS PROGRAM GOALS: To help students successfully transition into life after secondary school. To help students successfully transition into life after secondary school. To encourage students to continue to grow as healthy, skilled knowledgeable and participating citizens. To encourage students to continue to grow as healthy, skilled knowledgeable and participating citizens. To exhibit attributes of a BC graduate. To exhibit attributes of a BC graduate.

5. Graduation Transitions Program Reminders  Worth 4 credits.  MUST be completed to graduate.  You do not receive a letter grade.  RM is assigned when requirements are met.  Completed booklets and requested documents are due to Counsellors by December 9 th.  Presentations January 27 th & 28 th.

6. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION:  You must have a MINIMUM of 80 credits in grades 10, 11, 12.  You must have passed all required courses.  You must have a grade 12 language course IN ADDITION to three other grade 12 courses.  You MUST complete the Graduation Transitions Program.

7. REQUIRED PROVINCIAL EXAMS  English 10  Math 10  Science 10  Social Studies 11 or BC First Nations Studies  English 12 or English 12 First Peoples or Communications 12

8. SCHOLARSHIP & BURSARY OPPORTUNITIES BC Ministry of Education Provincial Awards Program

9. Graduation Program Examinations Scholarships (Final Year 2015/16)  Students may be eligible (top 5020) for $1250 in scholarship money if they achieve overall one “A” and three “B”s in four of the five required Provincial Exams.  The compulsory language arts 12 must be included. The final blended mark (Provincial plus school mark) must be a “B” or higher. (73% or higher).  Students are eligible to re-write Provincial Exams. * Top 20 students in BC receive $2500

10. BC Achievement Scholarships (New as of 2015/16) $1250 award available to the top 3000 BC Graduates with the highest cumulative average. Based on courses required for graduation (including elective courses) Students must attain a minimum “B” (73% or above) in their Language Arts 12 course *For 2015/16, students can not receive both a BC Achievement & a Grad Program Examinations Scholarship

11. BC Excellence Scholarships  55 ($5000 each) BC Excellence Scholarships available to recognize well-rounded BC graduates who have demonstrated school & community service and have shown aptitude and commitment to their chosen career paths.  Students must be nominated for this scholarship by their school and must submit an application.  Students must have at least a “B” average, submit a resume, and provide two references from community & school. Students must also write a 500 word essay outlining their community, volunteer, and/or leadership service and how their skills/experiences will benefit them in their chosen career path.  Application deadline: Feb 29 th, 2016

12. District/Authority Scholarship (Dogwood Award) 5500 ($1250 each) District/Authority Scholarships recognize graduates in their chosen area of interest or strength. Areas include Indigenous Languages & Culture, Fine Arts, Applied Skills, Physical Activity, International Languages, Community Service, Technical & Trades Training. Application though our SD 57 District Awards Program.

13. Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship  Awarded to 20 graduates intending to pursue a career in teaching  Each recipient will receive a $5000 award to use towards their teaching program in a designated BC post secondary institution.  Application deadline: March 31 st, 2016  See your Counsellor for details & application package

14. BC Ministry of Education Provincial Awards Program  Additional information can be found at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k- 12/support/provincial-scholarships

15. OTHER SCHOLARSHIP & BURSARY OPPORTUNITIES  Additional Scholarship information updated on DPSS Website.  District Awards Program (Application process begins Jan 30 th, 2016)  School Awards Program (Application process begins April 2016)

16. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES  Credit Checks to ensure all requirements are met  Transcript Verification Reports (available at Nov meeting)  Research Post-Secondary opportunities and criteria for admission  Research scholarships & bursaries

17. TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VALEDICTORY CEREMONY  Students must have the potential to meet minimum Ministry Graduation Requirements by April 30 th.  Distance education or alternate education courses must be 2/3 successfully completed by April 30 th.  Complete and hand in the “Intent to Participate” Form and Grad Fee by December 11th.  This ceremony is extracurricular. All school fees must be paid to participate.

18. VALEDICTORY CELEBRATIONS Civic Centre Friday, June 10 th, 2016 10:30 am Students arrive dressed in gowns, stoles and hats 11:00 am Group photo – back bleachers @ Civic Centre 12:00 noon Doors open for seating 1 pm – 3 pm Valedictory Ceremony (Informal Mix & Mingle after ceremony – Desserts, tea, coffee served )

19. Valedictory Celebration Fees Grad fee of $100.00 includes:  Cost of the grad gown, stole, cap & tassel  8 tickets for family and friends to attend Valedictory Ceremony at the Civic Centre. Waitlist for additional tickets  Informal Mix & Mingle after the ceremony (Dessert, tea & coffee served)

20. GET INVOLVED IN YOUR GRAD YEAR! Upcoming Grad Events & Info:  Grad Executive Committee – help organize the Valedictory Ceremony– pick up a Nomination for Grad Executive Form before you leave today.  CNC rep @ Duchess to meet with interested students about First Nations programs & support services at noon tomorrow in the Conference Room  Schedule appointment for Grad Photos (WD West Studios) at noon the week of Nov 2 nd – 6 th in front of Library  Pick up, complete and hand in your Intent to Participate in the Valedictory Celebration Form & Baby Photo so we can start planning.  Grad Fashion Show scheduled for the New Year. Stay tuned for announcements.

21. ÉCOLE DUCHESS PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADS OF 2016!! **GTP Guidebook & additional Grade 12 information can be found on our DPSS website: http://www.duch.sd57.bc.ca http://www.duch.sd57.bc.ca ***Students and parents can also find important information on our Duchess Park Grad 2016 Facebook page. LIKE the page to receive important information & reminders. REMEMBER TO PICK UP THE HAND OUTS ON YOUR WAY OUT!!