James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School is proud to announce that we have been awarded a Sports - Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program starting 2024. Along with Transportation, Health and Wellness, Arts and Culture, and Information and Communications Technology , this is JCM's fifth SHSM Program.
The school continues its commitment to education through sport. This year, it was announced that the 2024-2025 school year also marks the launch of the Toronto Catholic District School Board's (TCDSB's) only High Performance Athletics Program, located at JCM.
Our goal at JCM is to be the top destination for students wanting to pressure a career in sport. We value student athletes that contribute to a positive culture through making and embracing leadership and team work opportunities.
We look forward to continuing to grow and prove that we are a destination for everyone across the province.
What are the benefits of pursuing SHSM Sports?
SHSM students gain a variety of valuable sector-related experiences while participating in activities in a specific area of interest .
SHSM students are able to make informed decisions regarding their post-secondary destinations and career paths while participating in opportunities to explore and identify their goals .
SHSM students are provided with the ability to make connections between their secondary school coursework and their future careers.
SHSM students gain significant certifications, skills, and experiences that are valuable credentials which are added to their resume, (i.e., on their exit resume when completing Co-op).
SHSM students participate in valuable networking and develop positive relationships with community partners which are helpful for future employment and post-secondary education.
What are the Requirements of SHSM Sports?
There are several components of SHSM Sports, as follows:
Completion of a bundle of eight to ten credits including:
a) Four major sector-specific credits which may include one Cooperative Education credit (see chart below).
b) Two-four “other” required credits.
c) Two Cooperative Education credits related to the SHSM sector in a placement, such as a chiropractic clinic, physiotherapy clinic, community exercise facility, sports retail setting.
Certifications and Training:
a) Four compulsory sector recognized certifications including CPR/1st Aid Training and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
b) Three additional elective, sector-specific certifications, such as coaching, leadership, and conflict management.
Reach Ahead and Experiential Learning trips, such as MLSE Argos, Raptors, Marlies Career Forum, University Open House/Campus Tours, Colleges; Career Exploration.
Development of Essential Skills and Work Habits as tracked in the Ontario Skills Passport.
What is SHSM Sports?
SHSM is a ministry-approved program which is tailored to students in all four pathways or post-secondary destinations (workplace, apprenticeship, college and university). SHSM students have the unique opportunity to gain sector-specific skills in conjunction with earning both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and the SHSM designation upon graduation.
Who is eligible to apply for SHSM Sports?
Students may apply in Grade 10, by indicating their interest in SHSM in MyBlueprint. Students may also apply in Grade 11. They will need to complete an SHSM application and speak with their guidance counsellors.