Discussion Board Posts

Discussion Post #1

Hello! I’m Matthew and I am a second-year concurrent education student with teachables in Media Arts and Business. My undergrad was in Communication, Media, and Film where I gained experience in filmmaking, editing, production, business, and more. I hope that in this class we get to learn about the role of the guidance and student support teams in schools, as well as their importance in the everyday functions of a school. When I was in high school I certainly knew the general idea of guidance counsellors and their role, but I definitely wish that there was more support and communication between them and myself/other students. I hope to learn how we can be more effective and empathetic guidance counsellors, and even how we can support students in this regard while we are not guidance counsellors. I want to further understand how the guidance and career education system is setup in Ontario schools and how it is a value to students while also covering what the system lacks and what could be changed to make it more useful and successful at supporting students overall.

In the context of education, I would define guidance as the support system in place to allow students to learn more about the opportunities available to them so they can make more informed decisions about their classes, educational careers, and careers/life in general. Being a high school student can be and is usually incredibly overwhelming for students and from what I’ve seen first-hand during my placements and other volunteering, students have so many questions that they either don’t know where to go to get answers for, or are too afraid to ask for help. While I’m not very familiar with career and guidance courses in the Ontario curriculum, I’m looking forward to seeing how it helps students with their aspirations and how it helps guide them on the right path in their careers. My guidance counsellor in high school definitely offered me support and helped me look into where I want to go after school and what I wanted to do, but I am looking forward to seeing what lies behind these decisions and what needs to be taken into account when guiding students.

Discussion Post #4

February 26, 2024

RE: Welcome to [SCHOOL NAME]!

Dear Grade Nine Students,

I hope you are all eager and excited to embark on this journey that is high school! My name is Mr. Dupuis, and it is my pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to [SCHOOL NAME].

As the Guidance and Career Development Counsellor, my role is to support you in navigating the academic, personal, and career-related aspects of your high school experience. Whether you have questions about course selection, future career paths, or personal development, I am here to assist you through all of it.

Here at [SCHOOL NAME], we believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive and achieve their goals, both personal and academic. To help you make the most of your time here, I want to highlight some of the valuable resources available to you during your time here at [SCHOOL NAME]:

1. Guidance Services: Our guidance office is a space where you can drop in to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. From academic advice to personal development, consider me your go-to person for any questions you may have.
2. Career Counselling: Exploring potential career paths can be both exciting and overwhelming. I am here to help you discover your interests, strengths, and goals in order to help you make informed decisions about your future. Having gone through this myself, I know how nerve-wracking it can be, and I am here to help you through it too.
3. Course Planning: Navigating the course selection process is crucial and can also be overwhelming when it comes down to deciding between courses to take. I am here to assist you in choosing the right courses that align with your interests and future aspirations.
4. Workshops and Seminars: Throughout the school year, we organize workshops and seminars on various topics, including study skills, time management, and career exploration, in addition to regular visits from post-secondary institutions around the province. These sessions are designed to enhance your overall high school experience. Be sure to visit the guidance office and/or the guidance website to see what we’ve got planned for you!

Should you have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat, my office door is always open. You can also reach out to me via email at [EMAIL].

I am genuinely excited to be part of your journey at [SCHOOL NAME] and look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

I wish you a fantastic start to the school year and can’t wait to meet all of you in September!

Best regards,

Mr. Dupuis
Guidance and Career Development Counsellor
[SCHOOL NAME]
[SCHOOL ADDRESS]
E: [EMAIL] | T: [PHONE]