905-835-1186 211 Elgin St, Port Colborne, ON L3K 3K4

Student Success

Contact:  S. Gregoire   sylvie.gregoire@dsbn.org or  905-835-1186

The Student Success program at Port Colborne High School helps students succeed in high school. The student success team is made up of caring individuals, such as an administrator, guidance counselor, student success teacher, school support counselor, and a special education teacher. This team provides extra attention and support for individual students looking to select learning options, so that students can earn a Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Role of the Student Success Teacher
-Assist the teacher in supporting students by addressing students' individual needs and ensuring sound learning opportunities for all students 
-Help students achieve curriculum expectations 
-Track the progress of students at risk or disengaged 
-Help facilitate a plan to help students work to the best of their abilities in all settings 
-Provide direct support/instruction to students in order to improve student achievement, retention, and transitions 
-Assist students in developing knowledge and skills they need to make informed education and career/life choices; 
-Help students learn about themselves, explore opportunities, make decisions, set and achieve goals, and make a transition beyond school 
-Motivates the students to participate in their communities as a responsible and engaged citizen 

More Ways to Graduate
More students at District School Board of Niagara are now looking at graduation instead of the exit door, thanks to the support put in place to help all secondary students achieve their full potential.

Students are given the opportunity to customize their education through more high quality learning choices and greater individual support.

Our students deserve an education that matches their skills and interests. In order for us to do this, we have worked closely with our employer partners to provide a valuable learning environment for students who want hands-on work experience.

The following web pages will provide information that will help you find your program of choice and ultimately help students find their way to graduation and success.

More ways to graduate include:
Dual Credit Program - Connecting to College
Dual Credit courses allow secondary school students to take courses that count towards both their high school diploma and a post-secondary certificate or diploma. Students complete secondary school classes at their high school and attend Niagara College to complete their college credits.

Niagara Link - School Within A College (SWAC)
These programs are composed of secondary school courses and college credits, both delivered at Niagara College. The secondary school courses are taught by secondary school teachers, and the college credits are taught by a Niagara College professor. To register for this program students must be 17 years of age and have completed 22 credits towards your graduation.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program  (OYAP)
This program integrates eligible students into a school-to-work environment through hands-on practical and theoretical courses. Students complete courses and work towards becoming certified in a skilled trade while completing their high school diploma. For more information visit oyap.com

DIG IT! Discovering Innovative Green Industry Techniques
Regional Horticulture SHSM


The DSBN offers grade 11 and 12 students, throughout the Board, the opportunity to participate in an innovative SHSM Regional Horticulture Program, called “DIG IT!” – Discovering Innovative Green Industry Techniques.  Students will attend for a full day for one semester of Green Industry/Horticulture classes at the SHSM Regional Centre.
Through this exciting program students will be introduced to and involved with:
-Aquaponics;
-Aeroponics;
-Vermiculture;
-Locally Grown and Farm to Table practices;
-The development of a Community Garden Program;
-An Experimental Greenhouse.

SHSM Regional Horticulture students will have the advantage of working in partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Niagara Golf courses, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and other community partners. For more information click the link: DIG IT

REGIONAL DSBN HOUSE BUILD
Regional Construction SHSM


Career building starts here! Students in Grades 11 and 12 across the DSBN may participate in this full-day, one semester program where they will learn about the broad scope of construction projects. Students will have the chance to network with industry professionals, earn sector-recognized certifications, and potentially become a signed apprentice through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). For more information, click the link REGIONAL HOUSE BUILD

Intervention and Support Programs
DSBN offers many unique opportunities that will support you as you work towards your high school diploma and your future career pathway. If you are interested in speaking with someone about creating a plan to graduation and your pathway, contact your school Student Success Teacher

Supports can include:
-Specialized support programs which require a low student-to-staff ratio in order to provide focused, direct and personalized assistance to students.
-Non-credit special education programs for those who require intensive, continuous, and individualized support with a low student-to-staff ratio.
-Individualized credit-granting programs for students unable to attend a traditional school setting for a period of time.

For more on any opportunities, contact the Student Success sylvie.gregoire@dsbn.org or  905-835-1186