October 11, 2016 Dear Parents and Guardians, This year the grade 8 students will begin to explore and understand the overall transitioning process from Grade 8 to 9. There will be a parent information session on Thursday, October 20th from 6:30pm-7:30pm in the North Gym at Northlea EMS (305 Rumsey Road ). It is highly recommended that all grade 8 families 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. Grade 7 parents who are interested in learning about this process are also welcome to attend. For those parents unable to attend this session, an online offering using adobe connect will be scheduled in November, date to be confirmed. Student information sessions are taking place throughout the month of October. Students will continue to learn about the Specialized Programs offered at various high schools. The goal of these sessions is to provide every grade 8 student and their family the information they need to make an informed and confident decisions regarding their secondary school program. Upcoming High School/Specialized Information Nights-( May be of interest) Secondary Schools School Date Time Leaside High School December 8 6:30 North Toronto December 14 6:30 Northern Secondary School January 19 6:00 Math and Science Focus Marc Garneau (TOPS -Talented Offerings for November 1 7:00 Programs in the Sciences ) William Lyon Mackenzie (MACS -Math, November 3 7:00 Computer Science) Danforth Tech ( Mast -Math, Science, November 8 7:00 Technology) John Polanyi (SMR -Science Math& November 24 6:30 Robotics) Arts focus Claude Watson School of the November 2 6:00 Arts Rosedale Heights School of the November 17 6:15 and 7:00 Arts Wexford School of the Arts November 8 (Visual and Media) 7:00 November 9 ( Performing) 7:00 Don Mills –Cyber Arts November 22 8:00 International Baccalaureate Monarch Park CI November 15 7 :00 Victoria Park CI November 16 5:30 and 7:00 Thank you again for your support as we begin the transitioning journey. If there are any questions or concerns please contact me. Bianca Angheloni Elementary Itinerant Counsellor Bedford Park P.S (416) 393-9424 Northlea EMS (416) 396-2395 Bessborough EMS (416) 396-2315 .