The Ontario School Counsellors' Association has a longstanding tradition (over 40 years) of recognizing and awarding those who stand out in the field of Guidance and Career Education. Each year, at our annual conference, OSCA recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have made a significant contribution to Guidance and Career Education in Ontario. We can say with confidence that our past award winners have helped thousands of students to find their pathways to successful futures!

OSCA's awards are an excellent way of recognizing your most dedicated peers in the following categories: 

• Curriculum and Resources
• Counsellor Professional Development
• Elementary Guidance
• Peer Helping
• Contribution to Guidance and Career Education

The awards link is now open. Consider nominating a worthy colleague today! 

Mark your calendars! This year's OSCA/ACOSO Annual Conference will be held in a different venue on a different date. Please join your fellow Guidance Counsellors on Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18, 2019. This year''s conference will be held on the beautiful campus of University of Toronto Mississauga Campus. 

If you're interested in filling in a call for proposal for a workshop, or to be an exhibitor, please visit the OSCA/ACOSO Website.

The student award nominations are here! Please nominate a deserving student today within four postgraduate pathways: Workplace, Apprenticeship, College and University. Details can be found on the nomination link.

The link is live on the website. You can access the nomination form through our website and nominations will close on June 15. Nominate a student today! 

Have you ever thought of becoming a Guidance Counsellor, or expanding your knowledge with an additional AQ Course? The Ontario School Counsellors' Association offers Additional Qualification Courses in Guidance and Career Education Parts I, II and III. OSCA's online, interactive courses are user-friendly and allow real-time practice of the skills needed for the effective Guidance Teacher-Counsellor. We have a virtual classroom where we meet in real time to practice counselling skills, listen to guest speakers, and watch videos. This feature is very popular and is what makes OSCA's AQ experience authentic and advanced.

Our courses cost less than most other AQ providers and no textbooks are required. These AQ courses are accredited with the OCT. Taking an AQ course with OSCA also gives you a one-year free subscription with OSCA which includes receiving our weekly comprehensive newsletter, as well as a free copy of the Ethical Guidelines. Why not consider taking your Guidance AQ courses from the organization that supports the Guidance Counsellors of Ontario? 

SmartEducation™ is an evidence-based program coordinated by SmartUBC that specifically targets the needs of K-12 and post secondary educators and professional support staff, with a strong emphasis on the cultivation of mindful awareness including elements of self-compassion, emotional literacy, self-regulation skills, optimism and self-care.

The SmartEducation™ program involves experiential activities in mindfulness including: meditation, emotional awareness and movement. Weekly meetings also contain presentations and group discussions that include:

Concentration, Attention and Mindfulness
Empathy Training
Compassion Training Emotional Balance Training
Certificate of Completion: Successful participants are eligible to receive a certificate of completion from UBC Faculty of Education
Mindfulness Everyday is pleased to offer a $50 subsidy to Educational Assistants who wish to take the SMART program.

STEM education is an increasingly important focus in Ontario public schools. Whatever the pathway and career destination, students need a strong STEM foundation to ensure they are ready for their future.

On June 6th at Mohawk College in Hamilton, education leaders, administrators, stakeholders and community partners from across the province will come together to share ideas, inspiration, and innovative initiatives in support of high quality STEM education at the board and system level.  

Leadership is needed to shape the development and direction of STEM learning in the province. This event will provide an opportunity to come together to share best practices and current initiatives around:

• Equity and Inclusion in STEM Education
• Constructive Partnerships to support STEM Education
• Understanding diverse STEM post-secondary pathways
• Support for STEM professional development

Join education leaders, administrators, stakeholders and community partners from across Ontario to hear about existing STEM initiatives and to find out how you can continue to build and support high quality STEM learning.

Registration information and symposium agenda can be found at: https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/ symposium-for-leadership-stem- education