Guidance Workshops for University Applicants
Next week the Guidance Office will be facilitating workshops for students applying to Ontario universities. All Grade 12 students will be completing the on-line application at that time. This is well in advance of the January deadline and parents should know that even though the application is submitted changes can still be made in the system. We encourage parents to go through the application with their daughter or son over the Christmas break.
Students applying to universities in the US should have those completed by the end of next week as well since their deadlines are January 1st. There applications require a great deal of time from the guidance counsellor and referees so it is essential that they be done soon.
Students applying to colleges in Ontario should make an appointment with their guidance counsellor if they require any assistance.
In recognition of this busy week for Grade 12s the Senior School teachers will be dressing up in their university colours and their will be fun competitions going on during the Morning Meeting between teachers. We do this to encourage all the staff to be aware of what the Grade 12s are working on, but also to give the Grade 12s an opportunity to speak to the teachers about the university that they attended. We did this last year and it was very successful.
Submitted to PC Connects by Gina Benvie, Senior School Guidance Counsellor
Pickering College introduces French certificate for graduating students
This year, students who at graduation have successfully completed four high school level Core French credits, or the equivalent as determined by the school, receive the Pickering College French Certificate.
“I believe that acknowledging and rewarding students for taking French up to and including the 12th grade is very important. Canada is officially a bilingual country and speaking French will undoubtedly enrich the lives of our students. Knowing French will render study, work, and travel more accessible. Furthermore, they will have a greater appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity,” says Pina Viscomi, Senior School faculty.
Students were asked why they took French – and here is a selection of their replies:
From Carter Powis: I decided to continue pursuing my study of French in Grade 12 for several reasons. Firstly, I began, for the first time, to develop the ability to think in French when watching a French movie or listening to French T.V, etc. My comprehension ability grew in leaps and bounds in Grade 11, and I wanted to try and expand and build on this ability as much as possible. The ability to (albeit for a short period of time) think in another language fascinated me.
Secondly, and more importantly, I have been committed to attending university at the Royal Military College for several years now. One of the requirements of earning a degree from RMC is complete bilingualism in English and French. Whether I want to or not I will have to be bilingual to succeed at my university of choice. Therefore, coming into grade twelve, I decided that taking Grade 12 French would help develop the foundation in comprehension and speaking ability necessary to achieve bilingualism in the following four years.
In hindsight I can say with some certainty that this was a smart decision, as I was accepted to the Royal Military College over the March Break of this year, and will shortly be at the mercy of several French-Canadian drill sergeants as I undergo second language training the summer between my first and second year of university.
From Hanna Loeppky: I chose to take French from Grade 1 to Grade 12, because I enjoyed it. I suppose I had an advantage over many of the other students, because I was enrolled in French Immersion from the 1st Grade until the 10th Grade. When I switched the Pickering College I continued in regular French classes, and found it just as challenging if not more difficult. Although I found myself fluent in the language, the grammar we learned was far beyond anything I’d ever done. It was a challenge, and although by times it may not have seemed that way, I enjoyed it very much.
Sometimes I didn’t know why I was spending my time taking French, but in the 8th Grade my family took us to France. Both my sister and I could communicate easily with the locals, and I felt important because my parents needed me for communication. I felt like their personal translator.
I have visited Montreal many times, and I love the city. Although I’m going to Queen’s for university, one day I hope to be able to work and live in Montreal where the French I’ve learned would be essential. Language is the key to the world, and I feel that speaking French will give me an advantage over many people and give me opportunities.
From Imaan Kara: To me, the ability to communicate in another language is a valuable asset in all respects. Knowing only one language, I feel, limits you and your potential to impact others. One of the reasons that I have chosen to take French throughout high school is to be able to interact and communicate with a more comprehensive range of people. In developing new relationships and meeting new people, we gain new opportunities for learning and growth. French is our second official language, and I think it’s important to recognize, engage in and appreciate the French language and culture present within our own country.
Speaking French also eases travel when in French-speaking countries by eliminating the stress of language barriers, leading to a more positive and productive experience in the country. Understanding the language also means the chance to better appreciate French expressions, drama, movies, jokes and music; things that often lose their impact and meaning when translated.
In addition, not only have I been able to learn vocabulary and grammar unique to the French language, but in comparing and contrasting them to English, I’ve developed more insight into aspects of my native language as well. The ability to speak another language also opens up an entirely new realm of career possibilities and is often a skill highly regarded by employers. In Canada, being able to say that you are bilingual often gives you an upper hand when applying for jobs, and is a necessity if you would like to work in the government.
Lastly, I’ve taken French for four years because French has always been one of my favorite subjects and I have a general interest in the language, I find a beauty in the language and the way it sounds and is spoken, and I have a great teacher.
From Alexandra Keludjian: I took French until Grade 12 because of my love for the language. French is truly a beautiful language, both when written and when spoken. Mastering the perfect French accent has been one of my goals since I was very young.
French has also been the perfect way to balance my other subjects at school, which are very demanding. In addition, I took French throughout high school because I understand the importance of speaking a second language, and how important that is to several future, potential employers.
I will be pursuing my French studies at university in the hopes that I can one day take part in an exchange at another university in France, Switzerland, or Belgium.
I have enjoyed every moment of my French classes here at Pickering College, and will apply all the lessons I have learned and the experiences I have had in my coming years at university.
|