Guidance

Welcome to the Guidance and Career Education Department 

The Guidance Office is responsible for providing a caring, compassionate environment that is inviting to all who enter. As guidance counsellors and educators, our role has been organized into three distinct areas: student development; interpersonal development; and career development as it relates to pathway planning.

Our counsellors are equipped to provide ongoing academic, social/emotional, and pathway planning supports for our students. We encourage students to take an active role as vibrant, positive members of our school community and lifelong learners.

 

Meet our team

Our Guidance team is here to help you navigate your pathways. Our office is open:

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tel: 905-427-6667 ext. 53008 
Fax:905-427-1557

NameTitleSupporting students with last names beginning with letterExtension
Mr. J. Cannon

Curriculum Chair / Counsellor

  Surnames A - K

x 53011
Mrs. L. Paterson

Counsellor

  Surnames L - Z

x 53009
Mrs. N Jones 

Students Success Teacher

  

x 53010
Mrs. J. Jeanson

Co-op Teacher

  

x 53012
Mrs. T. Baglole

Intermediate Guidance Counsellor

  

x 53003
Ms. S. Knapp

Secretary

  

x 53008

 

 

Our services

Making a Guidance Appointment 

We welcome you to speak to a guidance counsellor regarding any questions you have about navigating your way through your high school experience and beyond. Making an appointment is easy.

  1. Come in to Guidance before school begins, on your spare (Grade 12 students only), or on your lunch.
  2. Ask the guidance secretary that you would like to speak with your guidance counsellor.
  3. Tell her either your last name or the name of your counsellor.

Things to remember...

  • Appointments are 15 minutes in length;
  • Only students on a spare can book an appointment during their spare. No student should book appointments
        during class time;
  • Any additional time with a counsellor can be determined between the counsellor and student; and
  • All parents should notify their child's counsellor to book either an appointment by phone or in person.
 
Important Dates 

Below are key dates that you should be aware of:

  • Head Start (Introduction to Grade 9 Program): Monday August 22 - Thursday August 25
  • Study and Go Abroad Fair: Thursday September 22 - Toronto & Sunday September 25 - Ottawa
  • Initial Post-Secondary Presentation: Monday September 26 & Tuesday September 27
  • Ontario Universities Fair: Saturday October 1 & Sunday October 2 2022 (Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Ontario College Information Fair: Wednesday October 19 - Thursday October 20 (Enercare Centre - Toronto)
  • Maclean's Student Life Expo: Saturday October 12 (Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
  • Take Our Kids to Work Day: Wednesday November 2, 2022
  • Associate Elementary Schools Grade 8 visit DO'C: November 2022-January 2023
  • Course Selection due: Thursday February 16 2023
  • US Expo: April 2023
  • Grade 11 University Information Session: May 2023
  • Grade 11 College Information Session: May 2023

Ongoing - Continue to check Guidance for employment and volunteer opportunities

 
Timetable Changes

Course request changes deadline - within the first 5 days of a semester

Course level changes deadline - first 2 weeks of a semester

Students may pick up a "Timetable Request Change" form from Guidance, complete the form and submit back to Guidance for course change consideration. 

Students must be aware of the following: Requests for specific teachers or spare periods are not considered.
Register for School 

We welcome students of all faiths at our Durham Catholic secondary schools.

All prospective students who are new to the Durham Catholic District school Board must completed an online student application.

Once the online application is completed, prospective students new to Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School must complete:

  • a pre-admission package (Note: this exclude any students transferring from an associate elementary school
       who live within the school's boundary). 
  • print off the package using the attached link, complete and submit to our Guidance office with ALL required
        documentation.
  • The registration process is ongoing throughout the year, however for September 2023 enrollment, please submit applications by February 17th, 2023 to allow for spring registration meetings with Guidance Counsellors
  • Once the application has been approved by Administration, Guidance will contact you to schedule the course selection appointment.

Call our Guidance office at 905-427-6667 ext. 53008 if you have any questions.