AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
New Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services Specialist High Skills Major Sector at Stratford District SS

The Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) is pleased to announce a new Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services program at Stratford District SS (SDSS). The fi rst of its kind in AMDSB.

Students in grades 11 and 12 can enroll in the newly designated Ministry of Education, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) to connect with community partners such as fi rst responders, colleges and universities, government agencies and local law fi rms, as well as the AMDSB Indigenous Education team. Our SHSM students will also have the opportunity to learn from our wide scope of sector partners to experience facility tours, university and college campus tours, sit in on university and college classes, and preferential co-op education placement. In addition, students will be able to learn about the emerging fi eld of Restorative Justice.

Stuart Wilson, program lead said: "The new SDSS Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services Specialist High Skills Major will be a launchpad for students interested in a career as a police offi cer, fi refi ghter, paramedic, parole/probation offi cer, lawyer, court clerk, border security agent, or in the armed forces. Our new program will provide enhanced opportunities and experiences for our students with various public service community partners."

SHSM programs offer students greater choice for customized, career-focused secondary school learning in a specifi c sector of the economy that meets their particular interests and talents. Focused learning experiences help students explore, identify and refi ne career goals and make informed decisions related to post secondary goals. Students are able to recognize the connection between secondary school learning and future employment by establishing relationships and networks in their chosen career fi eld. Students gain confi dence in their ability to be successful, improve their skills and work habits, in addition to earning sector recognized certifi cations leading to a specialized Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Full details about this new program are available on the board website: Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services Specialist High Skills Major.