Sacred Heart CHS ESL Handbook

WELCOME

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE SACRED HEART CHS

Testimonials When I ed me. lp e h am he L Progr r with t eart ES H d familia e r n c u a s use of S a e w "Th ds beca ada, I n n ie a r f C o o st n me t smates d almo first ca nd clas and ha a s m r e e t h s ac sy and school t the te usiastic lish. Bu h g t n n E e r y o ver d learn my po es were tand an s s r r u e o d c n SL ateful me u in my E very gr helped m y a e I h t . a ns , and se such Canadia patient g with , becau n m lo a r a g t ge pro ying in how to he ESL ple in t on stud o t e is p s e in h e to all t made m group e t a n io e n) W. rad ." pass ui (Jaso ninth g H e h m t o r in F Canada

ire ESL the ent I o t s k . When than for me to say e t r n e a h t w f what ing "I just fraid o ays be a lw o a s r s o a w mf nada, I speak progra e to Ca how to r e g h in e w m hen I kno first ca , but w ke not d li r e a b h e would ing to b hole my life was go w the w o it n w k e o n t ot . Ik now t and g English k. And d Hear o e e r c b a o S t o very s going came t rogram ew I wa p n k L I S , E m me the progra helped te from y a e u h t d t a r tha ill g for all that I w rateful g ." o s am o much . E. soon, I k you s n Heidy S a h m T o r .

F h g u o get thr

"Hi Eve ryone!

I'm gla new st d you'r udents e read , w hen I c ing this Heart, ame to . Like I was s Canad all o w o school, rried a a and Sacred bout m new cla y ssmat future the ES es and , a new L prog many r a m other at Sac life in things red he Canad , but lped m a and my ES plan fo e adap L teac t r t m o y new hers w future make ho wo . Than me fee uld ha ks to a v l e comfo ll done a to suc rtable nythin ceed. and co g to I k n n o fident w it m BE STR , I was ight be ONG a able hard s nd beli will be o e m v e e t imes b in fine." yourse ut lves. E veryth ing

From M ehrsha d M.

"What a joy a nd a b the ESL lessing depart it has b m een to e n my da t this y be tea ys with ear! M ching in s y t o s tudent ries an experie s have d lesso nces, t filled ns abo heir cu our live ut their ltures, s in ref a n d their h lection brough istories of the t the E . Shar course S ing L progra materia of all o m to lif ls f my st h a s e t r f u u or me. dents a ly throug I am so nd the hout th progre proud e c o s u continu s thy h rse of ave ma the yea ing to watch de r. I loo fluency a k forw ll of you of the a r d g r t o o E w not o nglish unders langua nly in y tandin ge and our g , b u Canad t leader m o r e ia s in ou im n p c o u ltural rtantly r schoo as pilla l and b rs and roader commu nity."

From M s

. E. Fer ESL Telenda acher

pn

1

Welcome ELL & International Students Page 03

2

Our Vision and Mission

3

Pathway Planner

4

Student Engagement

5

Sacred HeARTists

Page 04

Page 06

Page 09

Page 11

ESL Handbook

Contents

ELL & International Students

Welcome Welcome to the English as a Second Language program at Sacred Heart!

Students in the ESL program are English language learners. Students in the ESL program at Sacred Heart can be between the ages of 14 and 21 who speak or are exposed to more than one language. English language learners need support in understanding English used in the classroom by peers and teachers.

Welcome to Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

Below average commercial and residential taxes - In comparison with over 80 towns

Newmarket is a Provincial Urban Growth

and cities in Ontario, Newmarket continually

Centre, located in York Region, just north of

ranks below average for both commercial

Toronto. With a population of

and residential taxes. (BMA Consulting

approximately 88,000 people, over 41,000

study)

local jobs, great restaurants, a regional healthcare facility and much more, Newmarket is a great place to live, work and spend time.

Newmarket is known for: A diverse and competitive business environment - As a Regional Centre in York Region, Canada's fastest growing region, Newmarket's growth sectors

A bright and promising future-we are a place with a plan. One that ensures we continue to be one of the best places to live in Canada, an accolade we are very proud of.

Our Economic Development Strategy, Official Plan, Secondary Plan and Cultural Master Plan are helping to shape the roadmap to a future filled with promise, prosperity and possibilities.

Premium healthcare - Home to Southlake Regional Health Centre, this vibrant and modern facility has garnered national

which include Business Services, Health

recognition and is also a key driver in

Sciences, Manufacturing, and Retail are

pushing Newmarket forward as a leader in

thriving. Healthcare in Newmarket,

the health sciences sector.

employs over 3000 people alone and

Work life balance - With the highest live to

employment in Business Services has

work ratio in York Region, it's really no

increased by over 22% in the last five

surprise that half of Newmarket residents

years.

have less than a thirty minute commute to work each day.

3

Our Vision & Mission

Education with a Purpose

Students and their families make many adjustments to a new life in Canada.

ESL & International Program Vision and Mission Everyday newcomers will have to encounter new challenges in accessing education, health care, travel, shopping and community resources.

The mission of the ESL department at Sacred Heart is to provide a smooth transition for students and their families as they adapt to a new life in Canada.

All Sacred Heart staff are committed to ensuring our English language learners feel welcome and safe during their time here.

ESL Philosophy Sacred Heart is home to many diverse faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. As a Catholic school community, we are very open and accepting of all faiths and backgrounds.

Our goal at Sacred Heart is to encourage and foster the Gospel values as students develop and grow in their faith.

As a community coming together over shared experiences, students experience an environment with a collective sense of hope, which is further strengthened through our Catholic values.

Students at Sacred Heart actively participate in receiving the Eucharist and celebrate their faith as a community through various faith based events such as daily prayer, the living rosary, or the lighting of the advent wreath.

4

The ELL Learner Profile All of our teachers at Sacred Heart are dedicated and committed to helping our English language learners achieve success.

Classroom teachers, guidance counselors and office administration work together to check in with students to ensure they are adapting to their new school environment.

Sacred Heart offers several ESL subject adapted courses such as ESL Science, ESL Math, and ESL Geography to assist students with the curriculum while strengthening their academic English language skills.

Once students have completed their core ESL courses, they are still able to receive ongoing support and accommodations should they need any throughout the remainder of their time here at Sacred Heart.

The ELL

ELL Learning Outcomes 1. Identify their own strengths and values, and identify and develop areas for growth.

2. Show commitment to and perseverance in achieving academic excellence in all courses.

3. Transition to workplace, college, or university after graduating.

Learner 5

Pathway Planner

ESL Levels & Distinctions ESLAO - Beginner Understand, read and retell simple stories.

Give and respond to straightforward directions and instructions.

Write assertive, negative and interrogative sentences.

Write a short structured composition following a model.

ESLBO - High Beginner Maintain face-to-face conversations on familiar topics.

Use short sentences to give opinions.

Skim a paragraph to find main idea and scan text to find specific information.

Write simple and compound sentences in answering written questions.

Write a short composition following a teacher's outline.

ESLCO - Intermediate Take part in conversations on a range of topics.

Take notes from a passage using a graphic organizer in preparation for writing.

Identify a writer's or character's point of view.

Use a variety of simple, compound , and complex sentences with some accuracy.

Write short expository paragraphs in response to a reading.

ESLDO - High Intermedia te Discuss or explain ideas or issues.

Identify and explain literary elements (theme character, plot, and setting.)

Identify facts and opinions.

Write a passage of 3 or more paragraphs to develop a central idea.

ESLEO - Advanced Express, support and elaborate a point of view.

Analyze literary elements (themes, character, plot, setting).

Infer meaning of unfamiliar words from context.

Write a coherent response to literature which analyses, interprets, and evaluates information and ideas.

6

GUIDANCE CONNECTIONS Role of the Guidance Counsellor:

The 34 Credit Threshold:

Academic advising.

Career counselling and post secondary planning.

Support for mental health and wellness.

Student support liaison.

What do you need to graduate from high school?

In the 2013-2014 school year, the MInistry of Education put in place a 34 credit threshold.

You need 30 credits to meet Ontario Secondary School Diploma graduation requirements. Most students will complete these credits within four years.

If needed, you may earn up to 34 credits

30 credits (18 compulsory + 12

within five years (including equivalent

optional)

credits grated to ESL students).

40 hours of community involvement activities Pass the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) or take the OLC (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course)

***Important: The 34 credit threshold does not apply to English as a Second Language (ESL) core language courses (ex. ESLBO, ESLCO). This means ESL students can earn more than the 34 credit threshold.

Post Secondary Language Requirements: Some programs at both College & University may ask you to write a language test even if you earn a grade 12 English credit.

Each program has a different language requirement and you should check the eINFO or Ontario Colleges website for each school.

See Guidance or ESL teachers for more information.

7

In the past, students at Sacred Heart have visited college and university open houses to address ESL specific entrance requirements. Students often have many questions about what is needed to graduate and how to proceed with college, university, or apprenticeship programs. Our Sacred Heart Guidance department team also offers seminars for ESL students who have questions about their post secondary future. Many ESL students enroll in the coop program and gain real world experience in a field of work they are interested in. Students have gone on to work for businesses that they did their coop placement with. For example, former ESL students have gone on to work as mechanics, in restaurants or in small businesses within the community.

8

ABOUT

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT Students at Sacred Heart have a variety of ESL level courses that they can choose from when selecting their course schedule. These classes are smaller in size and are exclusive to ESL students. We also have an ESL Ambassadors' Club that meets monthly to participate in various activities as an ESL community.

Ambassadors' Club A club for ESL students that meet every Wednesday after school in room 301 from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m Monthly planned activities once a month for all students on the last Wednesday of the month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Activities may include: Badminton Board Games Night Movie Night Walks to Main Street Newmarket Mentorship In order to best support student success, staff at Sacred Heart will regularly communicate with each other and assess student progress on an individual basis.

Teachers regularly communicate with parents/guardians by phone, email, or translators provided by the school board.

The ESL teachers are always available to help communicate with other subject teachers as well should you have any concerns.

9

The Newcomer Orientation Week Program

ESL & International Community

The York Catholic District School Board, in partnership with Catholic Community Services of York Region and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is proud to offer orientation programs for high school students who are new to Canada. The Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program will run at select York Catholic high schools, usually the last week in August. All newcomer students who came to Canada within the last two years and will be attending a York Catholic high school in September are strongly encourage to register for this free two-day program.

Settlement and Education Partnership in York Region (SEPYR) - School Settlement Workers:

The NOW program aims to help students adjust to high school life in Canada through a series of interactive activities and valuable information sessions. Activities may include a school scavenger hunt to learn about key school services, a simulated timetable exercises, discussions about graduation requirements, extra-curricular activities, and supports offered in York Catholic schools.

Are available to help both newcomer students and their families when they move to Canada.

Understand the challenges that newcomers may face when starting a new school.

Provide information on education, health, recreation, volunteering, youth issues and one-onone or group support.

Can also assist newcomers in finding other community resources.

Serve students and their families in over 20 languages including: Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Filipino, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Hebrew, Korean, Mandarin, Marathi, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Taishanese, Tamil, Turkish, and Urdu

Participants in the NOW program come out with a better understanding of the routines and practices in local high schools and proven strategies for successfully adapting to high school life in Canada. It also gives students an opportunity to make new friends with other participants and former newcomer students who are peer leaders volunteering to help run the NOW program.

10

sacred Artwork created by our ESL students

11

Art is an international language, understood by all.

IGOR BABAILOV

12

ESL Department Head Welcome to Sacred Heart! My name is Mr. Talamo and I am the department head of the English as a Second Language department. I have been teaching with the York Catholic District School Board since 2007 and I have been teaching ESL courses since 2015. I really enjoy working with students from all over the world and my passion is helping students adjust to their new lives in Canada. It is so fulfilling supporting newcomers in developing their language skills and watching them graduate with the skills needed for the workplace, college, or university.

Catherine West ESL Teacher Hi, my name is Catharine West. I have been teaching at Sacred Heart since 2016. Before that I taught at St. Max and before that I spent 2 years teaching ESL at a Canadian School in Vietnam. Teaching ESL is so rewarding because I get to make a difference. I am able to help students make the transition to Canada. I get to help students find their voice and learn English. And in addition to all of this I become a support in the school for students when they have questions or concerns in any of their classes. I love teaching ESL.

13

OUR ESL DEPARTMENT

Daniel Talamo

Making Memories

14

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 908 LEMAR ROAD NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 1R9