Principal’s Message for Grade 8 Students
- Each Grade 9 student will take a combination of these courses:
- 8 courses total- 6 Compulsory and 2 Electives (Art, Business, Phys Ed and/or Technology)
- Course levels available are De-streamed, Open (O), Essential (L), and Community Living and ACTIVE Programs
- For more detailed information click here (List of grade 9 electives with course description)
- Choose your courses using myBluePrint through your “My Apps” page when you login into myBluePrint
- Course selection deadline – February 28th 2022 (courses will be locked after this date and you will have to contact Guidance)
Click on the text or images below to view the presentations.
Headstart is a voluntary, value-added summer support program offered for FREE for Grade 8 students entering Grade 9. Although this program is NOT mandatory, separate registration for HeadStart is required.
This program is only available to students enrolled in our Catholic Secondary Schools each September.
Headstart to Grade 9!
Link Crew: Your personal team of orientation partners!
At St. David, we pride ourselves in doing what we can to support our students.
- Teachers and staff contacts [please click on this link to go to a staff list on the website].
- Guidance
- Guidance Grade 8 Welcome Video
- SST (Student Success Teachers) What do we do?
- Special Education – Special Education Information
- Nutrition for learning
At St. David, we believe that a healthy breakfast is a good way to give your brain fuel for the day! In Room 109, our hospitality kitchen, we have breakfast options available each morning at 7:50am that includes toast/bagels, cereals, yogurts, granola bars, fruit and juices. To accommodate during Covid restrictions, carts are placed in the front foyer, off the main doors, with “grab and go” style bags that have food in them.
- Child and Youth Workers
Child Youth Workers (CYWs) respond to the social, emotional and behavioural needs of students through direct intervention and consultation. They support, coach and advocate on behalf of students to develop social/emotional learning skills to foster a student’s positive experience in school and in the community. CYWs work in collaboration with the Administrators, Guidance Counsellors, Special Education Teachers and Student Success Teachers. The CYWs help students recognize their personal strengths, next steps and together set goals to be successful.
Each course you take is a part of a bigger Program Area here at St. David.
To learn more the different Program Areas and what they have to offer after Grade 9, please click on the links below to learn more about each Program Area.
This link will take you to the different Program Area pages:
https://stdavid.wcdsb.ca/academics/academics-program-areas/
The Arts Program Area
Why Not Take Music!
Why Not Take Drama!
Link to a Drama Video
Why Not Take Visual Arts!
The Business Program Area
Business Program Area video link
The Canadian and World Studies Program Area
Meet the Program Area Staff
The Mathematics Program Area
The Languages and Communications Program Area
Welcome Grade 8s
Healthy Living and Physical Education Program Area
Physical Education Courses Slideshow
Link to a Video about a “Day in the Life” in PhysEd
The Religion and Family Life Program Area
Welcome Video
The Science Program Area
Course Information
Special Education Presentation
The Technology Program Area
Creativity Awaits
Please click on the link below to visit the:
Chaplain’s Welcome
Press the Play button when you see the video on your screen.
For more information about the Chaplain please follow the link below.
Chaplaincy
Uniform Information:
Though you will be wearing the uniform to school almost 100% of the time you attend St. David’s, there are also some Non-Uniform days. Civvies days and Spirit wear days.
Guidelines:
- Uniforms need to be clean and in good condition.
- Pants, capris, and shorts are to be worn around the waist. Shorts are not to be rolled up. The St. David emblem must always be visible.
- All athletic wear is to be left in the student’s locker and is not to be worn in the school at any time.
- For safety reasons, open toed or heeled footwear may not be worn in the Art, Science, or Technology areas.
- Uniforms are to be worn on all school excursions or trips unless permission is granted by the principal.
- No accessories are to be added to the uniform.
- Upon entering the school, all non-uniform items must be removed and placed in the student’s locker.
- Hats, toques and hoods are not to be worn in the building. Head attire worn for a culturally relevant hair care purpose, or for religious purposes are permitted.
SPIRIT WEAR DAYS
Spirit wear days occur every Wednesday.
Spirit wear is defined as Celtics approved club, team or event shirts and has the words “St. David” or “Celtics” or the school logo on them.
Spirit wear shirts must be worn with regular uniform pants, capris, or shorts.
CIVVIES DAYS
- Several times a year, mainly as charity fundraisers, students are permitted to wear non-uniform clothing to class.
- Clothing choices must be appropriate for a Catholic school learning environment.
Students are not able to wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts, short shorts, crop tops or bare midriffs, and no undergarments showing. Students will need to change if their attire does not meet these parameters. - School administration reserves the right to send those students home whose choice of attire is not in keeping with the above guidelines.
McCarthy’s Uniforms for St. David
Because of our COVID-19 situation, things may be different in September when you come to St. David.
However, here is some of our regular and adapted information for 2022-2023.
Lockers:
- Lockers are assigned and have locks attached to them. Locker combination information will be distributed with school start-up information in September and is also accessible through the Aspen Student Portal.
Timetable/Class Schedule:
- Students will be able to view their Grade 9 timetables/schedule by logging into the Aspen Student Portal.
Student Portal:
- You will be able to access this information through the Student Portal from Aspen. Click here for instructions.
Extra Curriculars
At St. David there are a lot of ways of getting involved from sports and clubs to performances and service learning. To learn more click on the links below.
As a St. David Student, a Celtic, there is a lot to do here other than academics. This space is designed to show you how you can make the most out of your high school experience and make these years to remember.
We are so happy that you have decided to be a part of the Celtic community and we look forward to journeying with you.
Meet the LINK Leaders! Your personal team of orientation partners!
What you need to Graduate
-
- 30 credits – learn more at this link: What you need to graduate!
- 40 Hours of Community Service – FYI – Grade 8s can begin to do their hours starting July 1st.
Links to both the Volunteer Action Centre and SPARK Ontario - Completion of the Literacy Test (written in Grade 10)-preparation will take place in Grade 10.
Registration – NON-WCDSB Schools
If you have a child in Grade 8 who is not currently attending one of our WCDSB Elementary Schools, we would be happy to help you register your child at St. David.
STEP #1 – Online Registration Process
Online Registration Parent Process <— FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO CREATE AN ASPEN ACCOUNT
After reviewing the Online Registration Parent Process Instructions, complete the Online Registration at https://wcdsb.myontarioedu.ca
Upload Necessary Documents:
- Proof of Home Address (one of: Utility Bill, Property Tax Bill, Cable/Phone/Internet Bill, Purchase/Rental/Lease Agreement, Bank Document)
- Child’s Proof of Age and Legal name (one of: Birth Certificate, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing)
- If you have not lived in Canada for more than 4 years, upload one of: confirmation of Permanent Residence, Refugee Claimant, Permanent Resident Card, Study Permit/Visa, Work Permit/Visa
STEP #2 – Course Selection
If you have any questions, please contact the school.
Thank you very much for considering St. David Catholic Secondary School.
Do you have a Question?
Please give the school a call at 519 885 1340, press 0 to talk with the Main Office. Thank you.
St. David is the best, small high school in Waterloo!
Come for a visit – stay for 4 years!
You will be part of the community the minute you step in our front door!
Eric DaCosta
~ Class of 2006 ~
Favourite Subject in high school: Music & Drama
Favourite Teachers: Ms. Martel, Mrs. Rodrigues, and Ms. Miltenburg
What did he do after graduating from Monsignor Doyle?
After high school, Eric was unsure what exactly he wanted to do. Eventually, he decided to pursue his dream of being an actor and left Cambridge to study Musical Theatre at theAmerican Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), in New York City and Los Angeles. Upon graduating from AMDA, Eric returned home and began teaching private voice lessons, andbecame a Director for KW Glee. In order to find additional stability (and pay off school), Eric obtained a job at an insurance company; however, he knew it wasn’t what he was meant to be doing. After three years of the insurance industry, Eric decided it was time to pursue acting, which he had put off for too long. Shortly thereafter, Eric debuted in his first professional show with Drayton Entertainment as Smee in Peter Pan.
What is he doing now?
Eric now works as a professional actor/performer and director in Musical
Theatre. He is still a private voice teacher and a Director for KW Glee.
Career Highlights
- Recipient of the Leading Edge KW Arts Award in 2011
- Past Roles: Director of The Drowsy Chaperone (KWMP), Smee in Peter Pan (Drayton), Assistant-Director and Mr. Phillips in Anne of Green Gables (KWMP), Mark in RENT (KWMP), Ren in Footloose (KWMP), Anthony in Sweeney Todd (JM Drama), Bobby in Urinetown (JM Drama)
Eric’s advice to current Doyle students:
“Here’s the thing: we all deserve to be happy. You can’t be afraid to be who you are or to go after what it is you truly want because the more you let fear get in the way, the less you will accomplish. Being afraid only wastes time, which only results in your unhappiness. Be true to yourself, and the rest will follow.”
Get Involved
Non-athletic clubs include: Band, vocal ensembles, Yearbook Club, Math Club etc. Funding for these clubs is provided by the Student Activities Council through the payment of the student activity fee.
Students participating in Arts or Athletic clubs however, may be charged a separate fee to defray extra-ordinary costs such as transportation, uniforms, etc.
Need a hand?
If fees are the only thing holding you back from participating in a club or playing on a team, please speak to your guidance counsellor or administrator.
SPORTS
| Fall Sports | Winter Sports | Spring Sports |
|---|---|---|
| Girls Basketball Boys Volleyball Cross Country Jr. Boys Soccer Boys Golf |
Boys Basketball Girls Volleyball Boys Wrestling Swim Team Varsity Girls Hockey Varsity Boys Hockey |
Badminton Track & Field Sr. Boys Soccer Varsity Girls Soccer Boys Slo-Pitch Girls Slo-Pitch |
STUDENT CLUBS, GROUPS & COMPETITIONS
| Clubs | Groups | Competitions |
|---|---|---|
| Anime Club Choir Concert Band Creative Writing Club Dance Team Dart Club DECA Drama Club Eco-Schools Games Club Guitar Club HEART Club Healthy Choices |
Link Crew Long Boarding Club Math Club Mustang Music Club Robotics Waterloo Skills Social Justice Student Council Tech Crew Triathlon UN Club Visual Arts Club WAYVE |
Canadian Senior Math Competition Cayley Contest Euclid Contest Fermat Contest Hypatia Contest Pascal Contest ECOO Programming Competition CCC Programming Competition Avogadro Contest Chemistry 13 News Contest Michael Smith Science U of T Biology Contest |
Grade 9 Course Summary
The following course are compulsory courses that every Grade 9 will take.
English
Math
Science
French
Geography
Religion
They also get to choose 2 other courses called Electives. At Doyle we offer
Art
Visual Arts – AVI 1OI
This course is exploratory in nature, offering an overview of visual arts as a foundation for further study. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context.
Instrumental Music-Band – AMI1OI
This course emphasizes the performance of music at a level that strikes a balance between challenge and skill and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will participate in creative activities that teach them to listen with understanding. They will also learn correct musical terminology and its appropriate use.
Expressing Aboriginal Cultures – NAC1OI
This course explores various arts disciplines (dance, drama, installation and performance art, media arts, music, storytelling, utilitarian or functional art, visual arts), giving students the opportunity to create, modify, present, and analyse art works, including integrated art works/productions, that explore or reflect First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives and cultures. Students will examine the interconnected relationships between art forms and individual and cultural identities, histories, values, protocols, and ways of knowing and being. They will demonstrate innovation as they learn and apply art-related concepts, methods, and conventions, and acquire skills that are transferable beyond the classroom. Students will use the creative process and responsible practices to explore solutions to creative arts challenges.
Integrated Arts – ALC1OI
This course integrates two or more of the arts (dance, drama, media arts, music, and visual arts), giving students the opportunity to produce and present integrated art works created individually or collaboratively. Students will demonstrate innovation as they learn and apply concepts, styles, and conventions unique to the various arts and acquire skills that are transferable beyond the classroom. Students will use the creative process and responsible practices to explore solutions to integrated arts challenges.
Business
Introduction to Business, Grade 9 or 10, Open BBI1OI
This course introduces students to the world of business. Students will develop an understanding of the functions of business, including accounting, marketing, information and communication technology, human resources, and production, and of the importance of ethics and social responsibility. This course builds a foundation for further studies in business and helps students develop the business knowledge and skills they will need in their everyday lives.
Introduction to Information Technology, Grade 9 or 10, Open BTT1OI
This course introduces students to information and communication technology in a business environment and builds a foundation of digital literacy skills necessary for success in a technologically driven society. Students will develop word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, presentation software, and website design skills. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on digital literacy, effective electronic research and communication skills, and current issues related to the impact of information and communication technology.
Tech
Exploring Technologies TIJ1OI
This course enables students to further explore and develop technological knowledge and skills introduced in the elementary science and technology program. Students will be given the opportunity to design and create products and/or provide services related to the various technological areas or industries, working with a variety of tools, equipment, and software commonly used in industry. Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary education and training pathways leading to careers in technology-related fields.
Phys Ed
Healthy Active Living – Males or Females PPL1OF/PPL1OM
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active living. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.
Grade 9 TimeTable
This is an adapted model Sample Timetable. If we move to be back in school, this would look a little different.
The Q in Term refers to the Quad 1, 2, 3 or 4. The number under Schedule refers to the Period. Disregard the Exam note under Unrotated Schedule.
Student Portal
Virtual School Tour
Uniform Policy
UNIFORM POLICY
- McCarthy’s navy pants, capris or shorts with Doyle logo
- McCarthy’s white/maroon short or long sleeve golf shirt with the Doyle logo
- McCarthy’s navy/grey sweatshirt or navy sweater/cardigan/vest with Doyle logo
THE ONLY ITEM TO BE WORN UNDER A UNIFORM TOP IS A PLAIN WHITE, BLACK OR GREY SHORT OR LONG SLEEVED, CREW NECK T-SHIRT.
As Well
- Uniforms need to be clean and in good condition.
- Pants, capris, and shorts are to be worn around the waist. Shorts are not to be rolled up. The Doyle emblem must always be visible.
- All athletic wear is to be left in student’s locker and is not to be worn in the school at any time.
- For safety reasons, open toed or heeled footwear may not be worn in Art, Science, or Tech areas.
- Uniforms are to be worn on all school excursions or trips unless permission is granted by the principal.
- No accessories are to be added to the uniform.
- Upon entering the school, all non-uniform items such as coats, hoodies, sweaters, track pants, scarves or any other non-uniform items must be removed and will not be worn in the school during school hours.
- For the safety of identifying all individuals in the school building:
- Hats will NOT be worn in the school at any time and confiscated hats may be held for a period of time.
- Hats are to be left in lockers during the school day. This includes civvies days.
- Bandanas will not be worn while in the school or at any school related activity.
Uniforms are available from McCarthy’s located at 44 Saltsman Drive off Cherry Blossom Road. Phone – 1-800-668-8261
Website – www.rjmccarthy.com for details.
SPIRIT WEAR DAYS
Spirit wear days occur every Wednesday. Spirit wear is defined as Doyle approved club, team or event shirts and has the words “Doyle” or “Mustang” or the school logo on them. Spirit wear shirts must be worn with regular uniform pants, capris, or shorts.
No backpacks, hats, coats, hoodies, sweaters, track pants, scarves or any other non-uniform clothing are allowed in the cafeteria and library. Backpacks are also not allowed in science labs for safety reasons.
CIVVIES DAYS
- Several times a year, mainly as charity fundraisers, students are permitted to wear nonuniform clothing to class.
- Clothing choices must be appropriate for a Catholic school learning environment. Students are not able to wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts, short shorts, crop tops or bare midriffs, and no undergarments showing. Students will need to change if their attire does not meet these parameters.”
School administration reserves the right to send students home whose choice of attire is not in keeping with the above guidelines.
Child Youth Workers
Child Youth Workers (CYWs) respond to the social, emotional and behavioural needs of students through direct intervention and consultation. They support, coach and advocate on behalf of students to develop social/emotional learning skills to foster a student’s positive experience in school and in the community. CYWs work in collaboration with the Administrators, Guidance Counsellors, Special Education Teachers and Student Success Teachers. The CYWs help students recognize their personal strengths, next steps and together set goals to be successful.
Arts Department
Meet the Staff and Take a look at What we have to Offer
Want to know more?
View this presentation to gain a little more information about Arts at Doyle. Arts At Doyle
After Grade 9, you can look at other courses in the Art’s areas
- Dance
- Dramatic Arts
- Music
- Visual Arts
For more information, click here to visit the Art’s Department webpage.
Business/Co-op Department
Meet the Staff and Take a look at What we have to Offer
Grade 9 Business
After Grade 9, you can look at other courses in the Business Co-op areas
- Business
- Accounting
- Economics
- Co-op
For more information, click here to visit the Business Co-op Department webpage.
Social Science Department
Meet the Staff
What do We have to Offer? Take a look
Grade 9 Geography
Issues in Canadian Geography CGC1DI
This course examines interrelationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how these systems interconnect with those in other parts of the world. Students will explore environmental, economic, and social geographic issues relating to topics such as transportation options, energy choices, and urban development. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate various geographic issues and to develop possible approaches for making Canada a more sustainable place to live. LEVEL: Academic
Issues in Canadian Geography CGC1PI
This course focuses on current geographic issues that affect Canadians. Students will draw on their personal and everyday experiences as they explore a range of issues, including food and water supplies, competing land uses, and interactions with the natural environment, developing their awareness that issues that affect their lives are interconnected with issues in other parts of the world. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate choices related to sustainable living in Canada. LEVEL: Applied
Issues in Canadian Geography CGC1PB
This course focuses on current geographic issues that affect Canadians. Students will draw on their personal and everyday experiences as they explore issues relating to food and water supplies, competing land uses, interactions with the natural environment, and other topics relevant to sustainable living in Canada. They will also develop an awareness that issues that affect their lives in Canada are interconnected with issues in other parts of the world. Throughout the course, students will use the concepts of geographic thinking, the geographic inquiry process, and spatial technologies to guide and support their investigations. LEVEL: Applied COURSE NOTE: This course would be of benefit to students who require smaller group delivery and some course modifications.
After Grade 9, you can look at other courses in the Social Science’s areas
- History (Grade 10 Compulsory Course)
- Law
For more information, click here to visit the Social Science Department webpage.
Mathematics Department
Meet the Math Staff
What do We have to Offer? Take a look
What will Grade 9 Math look like in September?
The ministry has announced, commencing in September 2021, Grade 9 Math will be de-streamed. As we understand at this point in time, this means there will be one open Math course to replace the Applied and Academic streams, which will build on the new elementary Math curriculum released this year. The LDCC math course policy remains unchanged at this time.
The goal is this foundational math course will provide a better opportunity to prepare and support students to make informed secondary Math pathway choices. The ministry will be providing more details about this course throughout 2020-21. We know the ministry is now developing this course and has also stated further de-streaming of other subjects may occur in following years.
For more information, click here to visit the Mathematics Department webpage.
Language and Communication Department
Meet the Staff and Take a look at What we have to Offer
After Grade 9, you can look at other courses in the areas of Languages and Communication including:
- French
- Spanish
- Writers Craft
- Aboriginal Voices
For more information, click here to visit the Languages and Communication Department webpage.
Physical Education Department
Meet the Staff
What do We have to Offer? Take a look
After Grade 9, you can look at other courses in the Social Science’s areas
- Health and Physical Education
- Fitness
- Weight Room
- Leadership
For more information, click here to visit the Physical Education Department webpage.
Religion and Family Life
Meet the Staff
Take a look at What we have to Offer
Science Department
Meet the Staff
Take a look at What we have to Offer
After Grade 9, you can look at other courses in the Science areas
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth and Space
For more information, click here to visit the Science Department webpage.
Special Education
Meet the Staff and See what we Have to Offer
Students with Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.s) are supported in Academic, Applied, Essential, Destreamed, Open, Community Living and ACTIVE classes.
Accommodations, and modifications can be made to the Ontario Curriculum in all subject areas at all levels of study. In some cases, alternative expectations are developed to meet the individual student needs.
Monsignor Doyle operates three programs for students with an I.E.P. who have not met level 1 grade 8 expectations.
- Essential Program
- ACTIVE Program
- Community Living Program.
For some students, achievement of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Ontario Secondary School Certificate or Certificate of Accomplishment may take longer than four years.
For more information about our Special Education programs please click here. This link will take you to our Board site.
Tech Department
Meet the Tech Staff
Here we are big on getting you prepped to meet the expectations in the work force and your apprenticeship pathway.
We are also big on giving you the skills to handle day to day challenges you might face at home, on the road, and as you become more independent.
What do We have to Offer? Take a look
Grade 9 Exploring Technology
This course enables students to further explore and develop technological knowledge and skills introduced in the elementary science and technology program. Students will be given the opportunity to design and create products and/or provide services related to the various technological areas or industries, working with a variety of tools, equipment, and software commonly used in industry. Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary education and training pathways leading to careers in technology-related fields.
After Grade 9, you can start to specialize
- Child Development and Gerentology (Gr. 12)
- Communication Technology (Gr. 10, 11, 12)
- Computer Technology (Gr. 10, 11, 12)
- Construction (Gr. 11)
- Green Industries (Gr. 11 & 12)
- Technological Design (Gr. 11, 12)
- Hairstyling and Aesthetics (Gr. 11, 12)
- Hospitality (Gr. 10, 11, 12)
- Transportation (Gr. 10, 11, 12)
- Wood Manufacturing (Grade 11 & 12)
For more information, click here to visit the Tech Department webpage.
FAQ’s
- Do you need a tech credit to graduate? No, unfortunately you do not.
- Is Grade 9 Tech mandatory or a prerequisite? No, prerequisite courses for Technology start in Grade 11.
- What level are Tech courses offered at? Grade 9 and 10 are open. 11 and 12 courses can be workplace, college or university/college courses.
Guidance
Meet the Guidance Staff
For more information, click here to visit the Guidance Department webpage.
Student Success
WELCOME TO THE STUDENT SUCCESS DEPARTMENT AT MONSIGNOR DOYLE!
The Student Success team at Doyle is committed to providing students the necessary support required to be successful in their classes. Whether it’s a quiet space to focus during a test or a computer to finish a summative, we will always try our best to help every student succeed.
The Student Success Centre at Doyle is located in Room 20. A teacher is present in this room at all times to support students academically, including lunch hour. Room 20 includes:
-
- 7 Desktop Computers
- 5 Study Carrels
- 2 High Top tables
- Several Chromebooks
- School materials (pens, pencils, paper, rulers, calculators, scissors, glue sticks etc)
During times when a student is at home learning synchronously/asynchronously, students can book a virtual appointment with a Student Success Teacher to receive support by going to the STUDENT SPACE tab of the Doyle website, and clicking on the Appointment Bookings with Student Success.
The Student Success team also helps to administer and prepare students for the Grade 10 Literacy Test (OSSLT), although that is not a requirement for graduation during the 2020/21 school year.
Here are several resources that may be helpful for you during your time at Doyle.
