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At the recent P.A. Day, teachers from many different specialties came together for a rare learning opportunity. Over 300 secondary Special Education teachers joined teachers of guidance, cooperative education ESL/ELD and all secondary education assistance workers at Jean Vanier Catholic High School in Richmond Hill.
The theme of the day was "Collaborative Pathway Planning for Students with Exceptional Learning Needs and English Language Learners." The goal was to build awareness about the options, supports and services available to our students as they plan for life after high school.
The day focused on all the different options available for students after graduation, including University, College, College Vocational, Apprenticeships, Employment and community destinations, such as day programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
Keynote speaker for the day, Barry Finlay, Director of the Special Education Policy and Program Branch of the Ministry of Education, spoke of the different pathways students can take, and told of his daughter’s own challenges and her success now as an adult.
The day also featured many speakers from a variety of postsecondary institutions, community agencies, community partners and a number of internal speakers, such as Best Buddies Canada, Seneca College, Skills Canada and York Support Services Network.
“Opportunities like today’s conference allow us to network with community partners, collaborate with teachers and paraprofessionals from other schools, and broaden our circle of supports to better equip us in our work with students who have unique learning needs,” said Tina D’Acunto, Superintendent of Student Services: Exceptional Learners.