St. John Bosco Catholic High School is Wellington Catholic District School Board's alternative learning high school. Through a strengths-based approach, it provides individualized education for students in Grades 9 through 12. Each student is provided a "Caring Adult" from our staff who supports the student in their decision-making and advocates on their behalf.
We promote three understandings in our school family: show up, be respectful to yourself and others, and do your best. Agencies that are connected to individual youth continue to support them in conjunction with our school team. Through consistent communication with all a student's supports and team planning that respects student voice, we offer wrap-around services to help ensure that students reach their high school goals.
In collaboration with students, families, and community partners, students are prepared to succeed in their chosen pathway, whether it be university, college, apprenticeship or the world of work. Some specialized programs we offer include Dual Credit in conjunction with Conestoga College and the potential for paid cooperative education credits. During lunch, students have the opportunity to participate in a number of extracurricular activities based on their interests. Learners work towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or an Ontario Secondary School Certificate.
Specific Details About St John Bosco:
Pathways: An alternative High School environment with some flexible learning opportunities. In person, we offer workplace and college pathways and can support online learning for university pathways where required. We do not provide direct instruction for university courses. Most courses are eLearning through another teacher in the board, or from another school board.
School Day Schedule: 3 periods a day (9:30-2:15pm), a 4th credit can be arranged, however delivery is online, and course completion is independent.
Transition Plan: All new students begin with one period for one month, then additional courses can be added.
Programming - Our approach includes independent study, day school, and eLearning opportunities:
Day School - Student must attend in-person each school day.
Independent Study - Student attends school one day/week and completes work independently at home.
eLearning – Course work must be completed independently and can check-in with teacher for support.
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- 15+ students registered per class, each teacher is supporting multiple courses per class, typically no direct instruction and independent learning is essential.
- We do not offer mental health treatment or provide one-to-one academic support.
- Grade 9 students are welcome directly from elementary school. Please feel free to invite Bosco principal to a case conference to support pathway planning and readiness skills.
- New students who are credit-deficient will be supported in obtaining as many credits as manageable, often with a focus on earning their Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) and transitioning to Adult Education post-graduation.
- Completing compulsory courses is the focus.
- Co-op, Dual Credit and external eLearning opportunities for students in grade 11 and 12 (advance registration is required)
- Some courses are only offered once per year, and timetables are prescribed with limited flexibility.
We care about youth and believe that each learner is a gift from God, full of potential and promise. Students learn in a variety of ways. St. John Bosco provides a unique caring model of learning that can be more successful for students. We work closely with community agencies to address complex student needs by fostering a team approach with regular communication.
At St. John Bosco, we live the philosophy of Christ, believing that every person has worth. We strive to nourish the whole person by addressing a student's physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social needs.
We are a school that supports learning through relationship where students are valued and able to meet their goals in an environment that cultivates trust, competence, and hope.
Governing Values
1. We have a shared responsibility with student, family, school, parish and
community partners.
2. We are committed to providing a safe, caring and welcoming environment.
3. Everyone is entitled to a place of belonging and respect.
4. We share a commitment to overcoming adversity and challenges.
5. We’re all unique and blessed gifts of God.
Guiding Principles
We believe that:
- Teachers make a significant difference in the lives of our student
- Education is a community responsibility
- A commitment to values guide actions and behavior
- Embracing diversity contributes to the strength of the community
- All people have the responsibility to treat other with respect
- Openness to change provides opportunities for growth
- Leaders must have clear goals focused on children
- Opportunities and resources must be equitably distributed
- A safe, physical environment needs to be sustained
- There is a commitment to the vision