GDCI Course Calendar 2018

The Avon Maitland District School Board is committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to graduate secondary school in four years and to ensuring a variety of course offerings for our students. In order to achieve both goals efficiently students need to be registered full time in each semester. Students in Avon Maitland District School Board secondary schools are required to register with a sufficient number of courses to be considered full time for each semester in which they attend our schools.

School Goals and Philosophy

Goderich District Collegiate Institute has a very proud history of academic excellence. Together, staff and students have created a positive, inclusive and welcoming school community where students are given the opportunity to excel in classes as well as through a variety of co-curricular activities in areas such as sports, drama, music, clubs, and community service opportunities. At GDCI, staff aims to engage, inspire and innovate in order to equip students with the skills needed to be successful citizens. As a community of learners, our common focus in grades 7-12 is on proficiency in both numeracy and literacy across the curriculum; strong literacy and numeracy skills provide students with a strong foundation for future and on-going learning. At GDCI, we are committed to continuous improvement and development of each student in an equitable, safe, and compassionate environment which promotes an understanding of our local and global communities. Students have opportunities to pursue a variety of post-secondary destinations through pathways leading to the workplace, apprenticeships, college, skilled trades and/or university. Students are encouraged to select courses carefully, using this resource, in consultation with parents/guardians and counsellors.

Student Responsibilities

Student Attendance

Regular attendance at school is critical for the student’s learning and achievement of course expectations. Detailed information about the G.D.C.I. attendance policy can be found on the school website at gdcivikings.ca.

Student Conduct

Each school has a Code of Conduct, which is derived from Ministry of Education and Avon Maitland DSB policies. Detailed information about the G.D.C.I. Code of Student Behaviour is found on the school website at gdcivikings.ca.

School Support Services and Resources

Students have access to the school resources, including an extensive learning commons staffed by a full-time TRA (Technical Resource Assistant), Student Success Teacher and Resource Teacher. Additional academic support is always available through our highly successful Lunch-and-Learn program. Personal, School and Post-Secondary counselling is also available through our knowledgeable Guidance Department. Students may also obtain information and assistance from a number of supporting community partners by speaking with Student Services Staff.

Remedial Programs

Students who have been identified with special learning challenges through the IPRC process (Individual Placement and Review Committee) will take courses which suit their specific individual needs. These recommendations are outlined in the minutes of the IPRC meetings and in their I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan). Resource teachers and educational assistants provide programs and assistance for identified students. Our resource staff works hard to meet the needs of all students through enrichment, withdrawal and special programming. Contact the Special Education Resource Teacher for more details.

Policies and Procedures

Course Changes

Students wishing to change a course must consult with a guidance counsellor. Course changes are permitted during the first three weeks of each semester. Pathway changes (for example from academic to applied) can usually be accommodated until the midpoint of the semester. Individual exceptions will be considered, with the goal of achieving success for the student. Parental approval is required for changes if students are under 18 years old.

Students entering grade 9, should consult with their grade 8 teacher(s) during the courses selection process. Space in courses is often limited, so making the right choice the first time will increase your chance of getting into the courses which are most appropriate to you and your future.

Crossover/Transfer Courses/Full Disclosure

Students who intend to switch from one course type (Applied) in Grade 9 to another in Grade 10 (Academic) are required to complete additional course work (crossover material) of up to 30 hours in order to demonstrate achievement of the learning expectations. For math transfers and changes beyond Grade 9, it is necessary to attend summer school.

Students may drop a course prior to the midterm without the course being reflected on the student transcript provided their full time status is not reduced. A student has five days after the reporting date to drop a course. If a grade 11/12 course is dropped after this date the midterm mark will appear on the transcript as a withdraw.

Co-Curricular Activities

Athletics

G.D.C.I. athletics has a rich tradition of excellence and offers opportunities for students to compete in a wide variety of sports. Athletics offer a chance to develop individual and team skills and play. Many students take this opportunity to build lasting friendships. The facilities at G.D.C.I. include a single and a double gym, soccer fields, track, squash court and weight room. Athletes on school teams practise regularly under the direction of dedicated coaching staff. Usually, a student who is a regular member of a school team achieves high levels of fitness and skill performance. He or she does this in an environment where fair play and good sportsmanship are stressed. Depending on the activity, most practices are 1.5 to 2 hours in length, and occur before and after the school day. Regular attendance is required. G.D.C.I. is a member of the Huron Perth Athletic Conference, which is composed of eleven schools. Our Viking athletes are known for their dedication to sport and to the pursuit of excellence as they engage in exciting competition.

Each season, G.D.C.I. earns a generous share of Huron Perth Conference, WOSSAA (Western Ontario), and OFSAA (Ontario) honours. On the walls of the gymnasium hang numerous pennants won by teams, testimony to the school’s successes through the years. The athletic year at G.D.C.I. has three seasons with boys’ volleyball, girls’ basketball, girls’ field hockey, swimming, cross-country running, golf and tennis offered in the fall; girls’ volleyball, boys’ basketball and curling offered in the winter; and badminton, soccer, rugby and track and field offered in the spring. In order to participate in athletics, a student must be a full-time student.

Clubs and Activities

Long after graduation, participation in co-curricular activities will bring back a lot of memories. Clubs and activities are important aspects of G.D.C.I.’s co-curricular offerings, appealing to a broad range of interests and tastes. If you like theatre, join the drama club; they perform plays and musicals. Everyone likes music; why not learn to play an instrument? Other clubs at G.D.C.I. include Chess, O.S.A.I.D., Student Leadership, Peer Mentors, Peer Tutors, and Gender Sexuality Alliance. By joining clubs, you have the opportunity to attend fun and exciting events, workshops, tournaments and competitions, where you will gain valuable experience. You also have chances to improve skills that may help you in the future and the opportunity to meet other students with the same interests. There is something for everyone, so come out and join a club, activity or try out for a team!