Minnedosa Collegiate

Parent's Guide to Graduation

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/parents/grad/future.pdf

Credit Checks - transcripts/credit checks are being done with all Grade 12 students. There will be a letter sent home from the office in the next few weeks which will include the expected number of credits students will graduate with in June. Students need 30 credits to graduate - 17 compulsory credits and 13 electives. Although we try to ensure all students meet the graduation requirements, ultimately it is the student's responsibility to make sure they have met them. Please refer to http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/policy/gradreq/docs/grad_req_en.pdf for more info.

Students are reminded to check the prerequisites for the programs at university and college that they are looking at attending. In October, Grade 12 students will have the opportunity to fill out applications for their prospective schools with Ms. Atkinson if they choose to do so.

Scholarship Information:

Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships at www.yconic.com and www.scholarshipscanada.com. Students create a profile and sign up to receive scholarship opportunities to their email. The sites are a database full of scholarship opportunities that match their profile and will send an email with the information to apply. Other sites for information on Canadian bursaries, grants and scholarships is www.canlearn.ca. Scholarships take time so you must set aside time to explore and apply for---various scholarships for various things. Sometimes just marks are required but also things like cultural background, parents job, member of legion etc. are needed. There are some hardcopies for scholarships which will be announced as they come in. There will be a spot in the library set up - binder and shelving section with hard copies to take.

Remember that most post-secondary institutions offer entrance scholarships - check with the prospective schools you are planning to attend for details and deadlines.

After spring break, grade 12 students will be able to apply for scholarships offered through the school, local organizations and businesses. The information package will be accessible through the school portal. Students who do not complete the application booklet will not be considered for the awards. Students will create a graduate profile online by following a link and an interview will take place with a panel of teachers to aid in the decision making process. *Some awards and scholarships are decided by community groups and some are decided by staff.

To view the graduate profile questions and scholarships and awards offered in past years, go to the school website: https://www.rrsd.mb.ca/schools/mci/Pages/default.aspx

• Click - School information
• Click - Graduation
• Click - Graduation ceremony info and scholarship awards

Check under general scholarship information on the school website for various links to awards outside the school and community.

Most applications require considerable time to complete properly, including getting references. *GIVE YOUR REFERENCES TIME TO WRITE A GREAT LETTER and highlight specific skills the application may be looking for. The way in which you complete the application form can make a difference between getting and NOT getting financial assistance. Make sure you follow all instructions and complete them fully.

MB Student Aid offers information sessions and has bursaries available to help with financial assistance. We are hoping to set up a session for the students and an evening session for parents this year. Feel free to contact the Brandon office at 726-6592 with questions and see the attached brochure for more information.

October-- The Manitoba Public Post-Secondary Cooperative (MPPC) will be at MCI to represent their respective Universities and Colleges. The Manitoba Public Post-Secondary Cooperative comes to our school every year and is for all Grade 11 and 12 students. This is the second year for graduating students. Last year students may have asked questions about entrance requirements, this year they may want to know about the application process, residence, student supports and activities. Please take this opportunity to discuss post-secondary options with your child so they can ask appropriate questions and attend the correct presentations. In attendance will be:

This will be a great opportunity to ask any questions that you may have directly to the people who have the answers!

Please contact me with any questions as the year progresses.

Sincerely,

Heidi Atkinson

MCI Guidance Counsellor