HS Counselor's Corner: Grade 11

⭐️ WHAT TO EXPECT PARENT SERIES ⭐️  

Please find the slides from the September 5 presentation, 'What to Expect from G11 Parents.'

First Week Back: Setting the Stage for Success

Welcome to a new school year! As your student begins Grade 11, this is a great time to help them start strong by reviewing their academic and future goals. Here are a few key things to consider this month:

• Course Review: Connect with your child and ensure they are is in the appropriate IB/HS courses, especially if they have specific university or career aspirations. Some programs have prerequisites that must be met. REMINDER: Course Change Request Deadline is Sept 19
• University Planning: It is a great time to start exploring university admission requirements for countries or programs your child is interested in. This can help guide course selection, extracurricular involvement and future conversations with the HS counselor.
• Time Management & Balance: Encourage your student to establish a healthy routine that balances academics, activities, and well-being. Grade 11 can be demanding, and strong habits now will support long-term success.
• Counselor Support: Counselors are available to support students with academic planning, social-emotional wellness, and future pathways. Encourage your student to reach out early and often.
• Family Fun with Future Planning: For some fun in learning or reviewing university terms, try this Kahoot! quiz solo or with your family!

We’re excited to partner with you and your student this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Ms. Michelle & Ms. Archbold (grade 11 & 12 school counselors)

Thank you to those who joined us on Friday, September 5th for our session, “What to Expect: Grade 11 Edition.” We were excited to connect with you and share insights into the year ahead.

During the session, we:

• Reviewed IB expectations for Grade 11 students.
• Highlighted key areas of social-emotional learning and college/career development.
• Discussed the challenges and opportunities of Grades 11 and 12.
• Introduced the support network of counselors, teachers, and advisors who will guide your child.
• Shared tips for how you can support your student this year.

We also introduced important platforms:

• Single Sign – a one-stop hub for managing your student’s daily learning.
• Counselor Corner LibGuides – a resource for wellbeing and post-secondary planning.
• Maia Learning – a platform for exploring and managing post-secondary pathways.

If you were unable to attend, you can access the recorded presentation here. We look forward to partnering with you to make these final two years of high school meaningful and successful for your student.

Making the Most of University Visits: A Key Step in the College Journey

This week, in Connect Block, Grade 11 students participated in their first future pathways guidance lesson of the year, focused on how to make the most of university visits—whether it's a rep visiting campus or a bustling university fair. These events are invaluable opportunities for students to explore options, ask meaningful questions, and begin shaping their post-secondary path.

We discussed why attending these visits matters: they offer direct access to admissions representatives, insights into campus life, and a chance to hear about programs and scholarships and network with the people who will be reviewing applications. Students brainstormed thoughtful questions to ask reps, such as “What kind of student thrives at your university?” and “How does your school support first-year students academically and socially?" and "What sets your program apart from other university programs"—great examples of the curiosity and maturity they’re developing.

In preparation for university fairs, students also crafted their own elevator pitch—a short, confident introduction that highlights their interests, goals, and what they’re looking for in a university. We encourage you to ask your student to share their pitch with you; it’s a great way to spark conversation and support their self-reflection.

Parents can play a key role by encouraging attendance at these events, helping students reflect on what they learn, and even joining us! University visits are listed on WAB Connect, and families are warmly invited to attend.

Let’s keep the momentum going as students begin to shape their futures!