Bluewater District School Board
351 1st Ave. N, Box 190 Chesley, Ontario N0G 1L0
Tel: (519) 363-2014
Web: www.bwdsb.on.ca
Programs/services:

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

Bluewater and Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board have had a strong OYAP program for five years. This provincially recognized program has placed students from all 13 secondary schools in skilled trades' apprenticeships. Last year more than 100 students were placed in these apprenticeships.

Chesley District High School – Health Care Coop Program

This on-site school program is designed for students under the age of 21 who have not yet completed their high school education. The program includes a one-half day in-school component in each semester consisting of Ministry of Education Health Care courses together with core subjects, e.g., English and Math. The second part of the day will include a Coop placement in the Health Care field.

After taking this program our students will be able to enter the workplace or continue with post-secondary studies in health care in such areas as nursing, personal support worker, dental or therapy areas.

Grey Highlands Secondary School – Talisman Mountain Resort Coop Education Program

This exciting program is sponsored by Talisman Mountain Resort and includes a one-semester, full-day experience for students. With a teacher on-site and classroom facilities provided by the Resort, the program combines regular and individualized studies with co-operative education experience. Students travel to school in the morning and then are able to take a transfer bus to the resort/worksite. Their program begins in the on-site classroom and includes literacy instruction (including preparation for the OSSLT), individualized learning and job specific training such as safety, food handling, and employment skills. For the balance of the day students are placed in a wide variety of co-op experiences at the resort: Housekeeping, Maintenance, Food Service, Front Desk, Ski Lift Operator (in season) and Pro Shop/Golf Course Maintenance (in season).

This program is currently in its second year. In 2003-2004, approximately 30 students participated in the program.

Thirteen Secondary Schools – Cooperative Education

At all of the secondary schools in Bluewater and Bruce-Grey Catholic

District School Board, co-operative education has been made a priority.

In particular this type of programming is aimed at work-oriented students, mainly 16 and 17 year olds. In 2003-2004, 1205 students were involved in cooperative education.

Kincardine District Secondary School – Bervie Masonry Program

This off-site program has gained a great deal of attention for its focus on a skilled trade which is much in demand in our area and for its appeal to students who are not well served by the traditional academically-oriented studies.

In this case students travel directly to their classroom that is located in a local warehouse. Independent studies, health and safety training and literacy instruction are provided at the classroom location along with the specific skills related to brick and stone masonry. Depending on the weather, the study sessions are balanced with on-the-job training as students work with their teacher to complete projects identified by the community.

This program is currently in its second year. Last year 17 students began the program in September, and all 17 students completed the program in June. Five of those students went on to complete their OSSD and recently celebrated Commencement from their secondary school. Of last year's class, several students have returned for further studies with a vision of completing their diplomas.

Owen Sound Collegiate & Vocational Institute – STEP Ahead Program – Credit Recovery

This on-site alternative education program is designed to assist students in recovering credits they were not successful at in a regular classroom program. S.T.E.P. (Success Through Experience Program) is a unique program that offers high school students over the age of 16 the opportunity to complete credits outside of the regular school setting.

Through the work experience component, students will learn the skills they need to build rewarding careers in their areas of interest.

Wiarton District High School – Food Services Hospitality Program

This program is designed for struggling learners who are pursuing careers in the food services industry. This on-site alternative program teams students with an experienced educator from the food services field and provides students with hands-on practical experience in the preparation, serving and business components of the industry.

West Hill Secondary School – Military Coop

For five years Bluewater District School Board has run a successful coop education program in concert with the Grey and Simcoe Foresters. For a full semester student recruits are given basic land forces training working at the Owen Sound Armoury and at Department of National Defence installations. This year approximately 20 students are enrolled for second semester. These students are typically 16 or 17 years old.

Owen Sound and Walkerton – Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils

These two programs are designed for 14 and 15-year-old students who have not been meeting success in their regular programming. Both programs run from community locations and have garnered significant support from their communities. Students work on individualized programs with significant personal support. They also work on projects related to parenting, community service and life skills. These programs have been in place for two years and one year respectively. Last year approximately 40 students were served in these programs.