Save the date! The ECSS Pathways to Opportunity Night is taking place on November 13th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. This is an event where students and their parents/guardians have an opportunity to meet with representatives from various postsecondary institutions in order to learn more about the different programs they offer. Please refer to the flyer for a few of our confirmed guests.
Emily Carr’s Pantry Program
The Pantry Program is meant to fill a specific gap in food access at school: confidential, anonymous, and drop-in access to healthy food. Should you require support, please review the attached flyer.
Grade 9 Take Your Kids To Work
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, all Grade 9 students will have the opportunity to spend the day at a workplace of a parent/guardian, relative, friend or volunteer. Alternatively, students can choose career-related activities to explore either at home or within the school environment. It is a day dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of various career options and pathways. The Students Commission of Canada is the new organization that supports this program and offers resources for educators and students. The 2025 TOKW Day Theme is Lift Up the Future!
Please note: There will be no formal classes for Grade 9 students on Wednesday, November 5th. Students and families are encouraged to make arrangements to support the day, or to have their child remain at home to independently engage in the career exploration activities that can be found on the website.
OSSLT - Ontario Secondary Literacy Test
Grade 10 students will be writing the OSSLT during the week of November 10th. In the following weeks, students will receive formal letters indicating the specific days they will be writing and if they require accommodations related to their IEP. All students will write in the morning and will have access to extra time during the lunch hour if needed. It is important that students come on time to school to complete the test that week. If you have any questions, please contact the main office.
Calling All Industry Experts: Share Your Career Journey with Our ECSS Students!
The Guidance and Career Education department is inviting parents/guardians to take part in an exciting opportunity to inspire our students by sharing your professional experiences and career pathways.
As part of our efforts to support career exploration and pathway planning, we are looking for volunteers who would be willing to speak with students about:
- Your career journey — including the education, training, and experiences that led you to your current role.
- The skills and qualities that are valuable in your line of work.
- Insights into your industry or field — current trends, challenges, and opportunities.
- Advice for students who are beginning to think about their future pathways.
Whether you work in trades, healthcare, business, technology, arts, public service, non-profit, education, entrepreneurship, or any other sector — your story can make a difference!
If you’re interested in participating, please complete this expression of interest form no later than Friday, November 7th.
We will provide experts with a table at our Pathways to Opportunity evening taking place on Thursday, November 13th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. During this evening we will have a plethora of postsecondary institutions presenting their program materials in a fair style event and also have a table for you to share your expertise.
Thank you for helping our students connect learning to life and discover the many pathways to success!
Reminders about vaping:
We want to remind you of the serious concerns surrounding vaping and the expectations we have for all students to help maintain a safe and healthy school environment.
In alignment with Ministry of Education regulations, vaping is strictly prohibited:
- In all school washrooms
- On school property
- In community buildings such as Pierre Berton Library and Al Palladini Community Centre
To support these regulations, vape detectors have been installed in our school washrooms and are actively monitored. These devices notify the main office when vaping is detected. We ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home:
- Do not bring vapes to school.
- Do not use vapes on school property or in community spaces.
Let’s work together to ensure our school remains a place where all students feel safe, respected, and supported in making healthy choices.
Guidance Updates
Future Black Applicant Day is designed to provide prospective Black students and their supporters with invaluable insights into their academic programs, vibrant campus life, and the boundless opportunities that await at U of T. Please refer to the link for more details.
The 2025 Student Life Expo is taking place on November 15th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This event is designed to empower students to make informed decisions about their futures by connecting them directly with educational institutions, career opportunities and support systems. There is a limited supply of free tickets and booklets available in the Guidance Office for students to pick up.
The Ontario College Application Service and the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre is open for students to apply to fall 2026 programs. Students are asked to review the All Things Grade 12 Google Classroom for support, schedule a guidance appointment, or come by the Guidance Pop-Up Shop. We are happy to help!
SAVE THE DATE! The ECSS Pathways to Opportunity Night is taking place on November 13th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. This is an event where students and their parents/guardians have an opportunity to meet with representatives from various postsecondary institutions in order to learn more about the different programs they offer.
College and University Open Houses & Tours: Attending a college and university open house or tour is a great way to find out more about the campus, the programs, and the environment. Each postsecondary institution offers a variety of events throughout the year for secondary school students. We encourage students and families to visit each institution’s website to find out more details about in-person and virtual opportunities. Students can view the details on each individual college website. Information on college tours can be viewed on the College Information Program page. The Ontario Universities’ Virtual Information Sessions will be on November 10, 5-7 p.m.
Take time to explore the Student Mental Health and Addictions letter for Fall 2025. It includes supportive resources and community mental health events.
Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program will be travelling across Ontario and parts of Quebec for the annual fall recruitment season: September - November 2025. Dates here.