Grade 9 Announcement-Options & Opportunities (O2 Program)

This is a special announcement for Grade 9 Students and their families from Mr. Dulhanty, O2 Coordinator at Island View High School.

I wanted to make you aware that we will be starting the process of selecting the O2 class for the 2021-2022 school year.  After March break I will be visiting the Grade 9 Math classes to explain what the O2 program at Island View is and how it would be beneficial to your student.  

The school will select students most likely to benefit from the Options and Opportunities program and who require all or most of the following:

● re-engagement with their learning and with school
● direction and support in developing a career/life pathway
● learning experiences that make the connections between school, community, and workplace
● confidence in their skills, abilities, and learning preferences
● competence in the skills that will be needed in the workplace
● achievement of their academic potential

Starting April we will be collecting applications and will be beginning the interview process.   You will be able to find this information through the Island View website, Twitter account, and other forms of social media.   If you or your families have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Dulhanty at pdulhanty@gnespes.ca.

Thank You

Peter Dulhanty
O2 Coordinator

Options & Opportunities (O2 Program)

https://ivh.hrce.ca/ivh/departments/options-opportunities-o2-program

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

1) What is O2?

O2 is a 3 year program at Island View High School that delivers the regular high school courses by alternate means. The students benefit by experiencing out of school activities and learning the curriculum by working together.  The program exposes and prepares students to enter the workforce and postsecondary education through training, certification and connections to the real world.

2) Does it limit post-secondary options? 

Absolutely not!  In fact it will prepare students for whatever they choose to pursue after high school. They can attend University, NSCC or enter the workforce. The program will better prepare students to pursue whatever future they choose. 

3) How many students are accepted? 

Every year Island View accepts 20-25 students into the program.  There is an application process and every student will be interviewed that submits an application.  Interviews will take place in March or April.

4) What courses do students take? 

In the O2 program, students must take the following courses: Career Development 10, Community Based Learning 10, Career Development 11, and three Cooperative Education courses. Students will also complete the other mandatory graduation courses such as Math, English, etc. Each year, the English course and one other course may be an O2 cohort course.

5) What is Community Based Learning? 

It is a grade 10 course where, as a class, the students make connections between school and the real world.  There are lots of guest speakers, field trips, hands-on experiences and certifications that make up this course.  This year, for example, they will visit career fairs, the airport, NSCC, Recycling Centre, Feed NS and an entrepreneurship event (pending COVID restrictions). Students will have the opportunity to complete many credentials including First Aid/CPR, WHMIS Safety Training and Food Handler Safety Training.

6) What is CO-OP? 

Cooperative education is a course where students have the opportunity to work in a field of their choosing for approximately 80 hours.  This usually occurs 1 day a week and takes place during the school day.  This is a high school credit and some post-secondary institutions are recognizing it as a course for admission.

7) How is being in O2 different than being in regular classes? 

In the O2 program, there are many more field trips and students will be exposed to many more career options. There is a 02 classroom that has netbooks/laptops, round tables and comfortable chairs to help encourage collaboration. Students do develop a sense of family or community as they spend a lot of time together.

8) How long is the program? 

The 02 program is 3 years that will give students an Options and Opportunities Certificate upon Graduation.  This also provides a preferred seat at NSCC (although some programs do require interviews/portfolios). Graduating students may also choose to attend university, other colleges, begin an apprenticeship or head directly into the workforce.

9) Is it hard to catch up on missed work?

Although students do spend a lot of time out of the school - time is built into the day for students to make up missed work.  Staff will be in communication with other teachers to ensure that field trip absences are recorded correctly.

10) Do you have to get good marks? 

Of course - everyone wants good marks; however they are not required for admission into the program.  It is the goal of the O2 teacher to ensure that students meet with success and pass all required courses.

11) Does it cost anything? 

No, the Options and Opportunities program is a well-funded program and supplies everything students will need.

12) How do I apply?

Applications are available through the guidance department located in Student Services as well as online through the IVHS website. Students will need to complete the application as well as obtain two reference letters - one from a teacher and one from a community member.

Interviews will take place in late March/early April. All students who complete the application package by the deadline will receive an interview.

Applications Available Here

Must use student's gnspes account

Timeline 2021

1. Mr. Dulhanty will visit Grade 9 Math classes March 29th - April 2

2. IVHS Students must complete an O2 online application form by April 12th.  When students have completed the application form it automatically is entered into a spreadsheet via Google Form which Mr. Dulhanty, Ms. Kelloway, and Mr. Smith has access to. Potential applicants that have not applied will be contacted by Mr. Dulhanty, Mr. Smith or Ms. Kelloway.

3. Tuesday, April 13 - Wednesday, April 14 Applications will be reviewed by Mr. Dulhanty, Ms. Kelloway, and Mr. Smith.

4. Students who were successful in the application process will be contacted for an interview between Thursday, April 15th - Friday, April 16th.
5. Students will be interviewed in school by Mr. Dulhanty, Ms. Kelloway and Mr. Smith between Thursday, April 22 and Friday, April 23.  Successful interview candidates’ will be emailed a link to their GNSPES account with their interview date and time.

6. Final Selection of successful and/or unsuccessful O2 students will be contacted by Mr. Dulhanty by Friday, April 28th.