Information by Grade

Grade 10

Grade 10 students and their parents are encouraged to watch the following recorded presentation: Let’s Talk About Pathways! to learn more about selecting the appropriate courses for their Grade 11 year, as they plan their educational journey and career pathway.

Students are encouraged to speak to our Student Services department, should they have any questions about course selections and choosing a pathway.

For more information, please visit: http://studentsuccess.hcdsb.org/

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) measures whether or not students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the literacy test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). All students across the province write this test on the same date, usually in late March each year.

*Note: Students MUST achieve a 75% or higher on the test to pass. This is a Graduation Requirement for every student’s OSSD (High School Diploma). Results for the OSSLT are given out in early June.

Grade 11

As you move into the senior level of High School, the courses change to fit the potential pathway you are going to explore. The courses you choose will impact your post secondary destination, so we encourage you to make an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor to plan accordingly.

Specialty Programs in Grade 11

Because you have more space in your timetable, Grade 11 is a great time to start to explore programs that may interest you or help you in your future career. See your Guidance Counsellor for further details and application forms for these specialty programs:

Cooperative Education (Co-op)

Cooperative Education programs combine a full-semester, half-day work placement in the community with a school-based classroom component to earn 2 co-op credits.

The classroom component of co-op helps students:

  • Prepare for work placement
  • Make connections regularly throughout the semester, between experiences in the workplace and learning in the subject to which the co-op credit is related
  • Reflect on and analyze their experiences in the workplace

Grade 11 Specialty Programs

SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) Programs at Loyola

  • Health & Wellness- Program contact Ms. Coutu
  • Information & Communication Technology- Program contact Mrs. Davidson
  • Non Profit: Social Justice- Program contact Mrs. Ambroszkiewicz
  • Business- Program contact Mr. De Stefano
  • Transportation & Robotics- Program contact Mr. Pender

There are several opportunities to explore different pathways through the Halton Catholic District School Board. Click here for the Pathway’s website and please contact your Guidance Counsellor for more information.

NBE3U- Contemporary Aboriginal Voices

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills
through the study of works in English by Aboriginal writers. Through the analysis of literary
texts and media works, students will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of
Aboriginal writing. Students will also conduct research and analyze the information gathered;
write persuasive and literary essays; and analyze the relationship between media forms and
audiences. An important focus will be the further development of students’ understanding of
English-language usage and conventions.

Grade 12

Grade 12 can be a busy and stressful year for our students, so we are always here to help! Our role is to help each student transition into their post-secondary pathway with ease. We encourage Grade 12 students to stay on top of deadlines throughout the school year and to reach out to staff and our Guidance office with any questions or concerns.

Grade 12 Post-Secondary Pathway Information can be found here

College Program Applications:

University Program Applications:

Apprenticeship Information:

Grade 12+

GAP year or Returning Gr 12 year.

 A GAP year is often considered by students that do not feel ready to continue to post-secondary after Graduation. The global pandemic has had an impact on all of us and this may have changed the timelines for some students. What does a GAP year look like? It can vary between students, but in general a GAP year may include:

  • Returning to Loyola to take pre-requisites for post-secondary programs, 
  • Attending Thomas Merton to pick up one or two courses,
  • Volunteering in the community to gain experience for programs, 
  • Working to help pay for tuition, 

If students are considering a GAP year, they are encouraged to book an appointment to talk to their guidance counsellor to review their options. 

Students who wish to return to Loyola for a fifth year must follow this process:

Complete a Request to Return Form – pick up from Student Services
Email the completed form to Mrs. Bartucci @ bartuccil@hcdsb.org
Mrs. Bartucci will make an appointment for you to meet with your Vice Principal to review your application and plan.
If application is approved by VP, student will be referred to their guidance counsellor to schedule one semester of courses.
If there are concerns with the application, a second meeting will be scheduled with the Principal.
Once the student has been approved they need to complete an option sheet and have it signed by a parent/guardian (unless they are 18+) and pay the $65 registration fee.

Please pick up the grade 12 return application from the Student Services office.

De Franco, RobInformation by Grade