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APPLICATION PACKAGE
Horticulture & Landscape
Please ensure that you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) have completed all of the outlined tasks before submitting
your application. Incomplete packages will not be evaluated.
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SHSM Course Chart for Grade 11 and Grade 12 reviewed and understood
I have checked my credit counselling summary and I will meet all OSSD requirements by the end of Grade 12.
I understand that I will not receive a SHSM red seal on my diploma if I do not meet ALL of the SHSM requirements
I understand that I must complete at least 2 credits of Co-op in Grade 11 or Grade 12
I have consulted with my Guidance Counsellor, SHSM Lead and/or SHSM teachers where necessary
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Name: _________________________________________
Date of Birth: ____________________________
Destination Pathway (check one):
o University
o College
o Workplace
o Apprenticeship
SHSM Focus (check one):
o Landscape, Environmental Design, Retail
Horticulture and Floristry
APPLICANT QUESTIONS
1. Why do you want to be in a Specialist High Skills Major program? Please be specific to your area of interest.
o I like the idea of having a RED SEAL on my OSSD
o It will help be gain post-secondary scholarships
o It will help me gain admission to post-secondary careers or school placements
o I want to be trained or certified in areas that will help enhance my skills and employability
o Other: (explain below)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What makes you a good candidate for the Specialist High Skills Major program?
o I am a team worker/player
o I am a good ambassador for the school
o I like working with my hands working on projects
o I have workplace experience that I could transfer to the classroom and share with my peers
o Other: (explain below)
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Horticulture & Landscape
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APPLICATION PACKAGE
Horticulture & Landscape
-Course Selection FormName__________________________________Current Grade _________Date_________________________
Destination Pathway (check one):
University
College
Workplace
Apprenticeship
COURSE SELECTION CHART
Keep your destination pathway in mind when making your course selections. Please identify the courses that you will
be selecting for next year checking off the appropriate course codes. If going into grade 11, you will meet with your
counsellor next year before selecting your grade 12 courses. If you are planning on applying to university, you will
need U or M credits to apply. Please make certain to see your counsellor if you require assistance.
Grade 11
Grade 12
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
THS 3M
TDJ 3M
TGJ3M
TDJ 3O
THH 3E
AVI 3M
SBI 3U
SBI 3C
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
TGJ 4M
THD 4M
TDJ 4M
TDJ 4O
THH 4E
AVI 4M
SBI 4U
English Credits - Pick 1
o
o
ENG 3U
ENG 3C
o
ENG 4E
Math Credits - Pick 1
o
MEL 3E
o
o
o
MDM 4U
MHF 4U
MAP 4C
Environmental Science
Electives
(pick one)
Business Electives
(pick one)
o
o
SVI3E
SVN3M
o
o
BMX 3E
BMI 3C
o
BOH 4M
Co-op or Dual Credit
Credits
o
o
2, 3 or 4 Credit Co-op
Dual Credit in Sustainable Landscapes at Humber College
Major Credits
Pick 2 at minimum each
year; you could also take
an extra co-op in
replacement of one
Major Credit
Horticulture & Landscape
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APPLICATION PACKAGE
Horticulture & Landscape
TEACHER REFERENCES:
Please secure references from two current Loyola C.S.S. teachers who know you through courses/activities at the school:
Teacher Reference #1
Name: ______________________________________ How long have you known the candidate? _______________
Any Comments: ______________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Signature of Endorsement: _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher Reference #2
Name: ______________________________________ How long have you known the candidate? _______________
Any Comments: ______________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Signature of Endorsement: _______________________________________________
STUDENT AGREEMENT
I hereby agree to the participation of the above-named student in the Landscape and Horticulture SHSM program at Loyola C.S.S. I
have reviewed the SHSM Application Checklist and am aware of all program requirements. I fully understand that the SHSM
program is a two year commitment and neglecting to complete any of the requirements will result in recognition for the
components completed, without a Red Seal on my OSSD. After reviewing this package with my parent(s)/guardian(s), I agree to
make this commitment.
Candidate’s Signature __________________________________
Date _________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________
Date _________________________________
Office Use Only
Date of Submission:_______________________________
Package Completed in Full: Y N
Checked References: Y N
Consulted with SHSM Team: Y N
IEP: Y N
Attendance Report Checked: Y N
Credit Counselling Summary Checked: Y N
Approval: Y N
Date: _________________________
Flagged in Trillium: Y N
Counsellor’s Signature ____________________
Horticulture & Landscape
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APPLICATION PACKAGE
Horticulture & Landscape
Specialist High Skills Major Information Sheet- General Information
Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) are Ministry approved programs in an area of specialization. These ministry
identified sectors support the success of all students, regardless of destination. Every SHSM must include the following
five components:
1. A package of 8-10 required credits (earned in Grade 11 and 12 courses) that constitute a pathway to one of four
possible destinations: apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace and including completion of
Contextualized Learning Activities (CLAs).
The package must include:
 Four major credits - for courses that provide knowledge and skills closely related to the particular sector of
specialization, which are specified in each of the frameworks.
 Three or four additional credits for courses in English and other relevant disciplines (e.g., science,
mathematics, or business studies), as specified in each of the frameworks, which include units of study that
are customized to the particular sector (CLAs).
 Two cooperative education credits within a sector-related field (Please note that a separate application will
have to be submitted for your Cooperative Education placement).
2. Sector recognized certifications and or training courses.
 Four are compulsory for all SHSM (WHMIS, CPR-C, AED, Standard First Aid)
 Three are chosen from a selection of options
3. Experiential learning through job shadowing, work experience, and a minimum of 2 credits earned through
cooperative education.
4. Use of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to document demonstration of essential skills and work habits required in
the sector of choice. The OSP is completed through the co-op placement.
5. "Reach ahead" opportunities, which allow students to experience learning in their intended post-secondary
destination and which can range from a day of attendance at a college, a university, a workplace experience or to the
completion of a dual credit.
WHY A SHSM?
No matter which path you follow after high school, you will have a better idea of your
direction and future career choice when graduating with a SHSM Red Seal.
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Understand how and why your classes apply to your future career
Obtain training and certifications from experienced industry staff
Learn on the job skills during your co-op placement
Gain experience in your field of interest
IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE ALL REQUIREMENTS, YOU WILL STILL BE RECOGNIZED FOR THOSE
COMPLETED COMPONENTS AT GRADUATION, without a Red Seal.
Horticulture & Landscape
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APPLICATION PACKAGE
Horticulture & Landscape
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I register for a SHSM?
Take this package home today and discuss the options with your parents. Hand in completed packages to Ms. Compagnon ASAP so
as to not be disappointed. When selecting your courses for next year, keep the required SHSM choices, as well as you destination
pathway in mind. If you need assistance, make an appointment to see your guidance counsellor as soon as possible.
2. How much will it cost me to be a part of one of the Specialist High Skills Majors at Loyola?
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
All students registered as SHSM students are funded by the Ministry of Education. All certifications are
free. All training is free.
3. What is a CLA?
A CLA is a Contextualized Learning Activity. In addition to the four major credits, each SHSM student must complete two, three or
four other required credits from the Ontario curriculum. For each of these other required credits, the teachers of these courses
incorporate a minimum of six hours of learning that contextualizes the subjects’ curriculum expectations to the SHSM sector. This
benefits the students curriculum expectations are met through sector-specific content, thus making the course content authentic,
relevant, and enable students to connect their learning to their SHSM sector.
4. Can I register to be a SHSM student even if I am doubtful that I will complete all the required components?
Yes, if you are interested in a possible career related to a SHSM sector, you can register for that SHSM. Even if you do not complete
all the components of the SHSM, you will still benefit from certification training, field trips and other learning experiences related to
the SHSM. You will also receive a summary of all your completed SHSM components when you graduate.
5. What is the difference between experiential learning and a Reach Ahead activity?
The Reach Ahead activity must be related to your destination after high school. Experiential learning can be related to any of the
four destinations.
6. Can I return for an additional term and complete my SHSM after I graduate?
Yes, you can complete your SHSM any time after you graduate. Upon completion of the required components, you will receive an
official SHSM summary sheet showing that you completed the SHSM (but you will not receive the Red Seal on your diploma).
7. Will earning a SHSM help me get into university?
At this point, not all universities (except the University of Guelph) consider the SHSM for admissions, however this is slowly
changing. However, the SHSM does provide a definite advantage for students going to university. It occurs when students are
competing to obtain employment between terms at university. The SHSM qualification and associated training and certifications
provide a distinct advantage to students when applying for summer employment or Co-op placements. These qualifications add to a
student's portfolio when going through job interviews.
8. I am a university-bound student who needs specific courses. How can I fit a Co-op course in my timetable?
You have several options. You can take summer Co-op as part of your fifth year OR you can take a grade 11 SHSM major course
during grade 10. This will leave two credits open for Co-op in grade 12.
9. How are SHSM students at an advantage in their application to University?
Many post-secondary applications to University have opportunities for supplemental applications. There are programs that
traditionally require portfolios and/or interviews. Many of these are in the Arts which would be an advantage for the Arts and
Culture SHSM. Some programs in Radio and Broadcasting, Communications, Journalism and Architecture also require supplemental
information.
Horticulture & Landscape