In schools, the goal of System Alternative Education Programs is to re-engage students in meaningful learning by helping each of them realize that they are worthy, capable and valued. With this goal in mind, staff works with students so that they:
- Have an improved sense of well-being and positive connection
- Develop a focused and positive sense of direction
- Establish a plan that will see them engage in their education in a way that will eventually lead to the successful completion of secondary school.
- Build on their learning experiences and become contributing members of our community.
System Alternative Education Programs have been developed to help students who need an alternative (location, structure, time, function, organization, program delivery) to the traditional classroom environment.
Once the home school has worked with the student through a series of progressive interventions and supports, a student is typically referred for enrolment into System Alternative Education.
The Gateway Program is the HWDSB program for students who have been suspended for 6 to 20 days or have been expelled. Students can continue their education through homework completion and independent study. Students attend class for 3-5 hour sessions, 5 days a week.
Youth Opportunities Unleashed (Y.O.U.) is for students who have dropped out of high school and would like help either earning credits to get their diploma, or finding employment.
Community Outreach Programs
360 [4] Youth Digital Media Training and Placement Program for youth ages 15 – 30. Centre [3] for Artistic and Social Practice and PATH Employment Services have partnered to create an employment program consisting of comprehensive and customized supports that will provide both hard and soft skills training for youth and assist them in finding and retaining meaningful employment.
St. Martin’s Manor is a residence for pregnant and parenting young women. Students work with St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education in order to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Notre Dame House School provides an alternative learning environment, breaking barriers for students who have been affected by homelessness, poverty, family breakdown and mental illness. Students may attend the school for a brief period and then reintegrate into a main stream high school or they may complete their high school credits and graduate from Notre Dame House School.
The Jeanne Scott Parent & Child Resource Centre, next door to Regina’s Place is where young mothers earn a higher education to break the cycle of poverty and better their chances of employment and independence. The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, in partnership with Good Shepherd, operates a school for the mothers, while on-site child minding is provided for their babies. The Jeanne Scott School is for young moms who live at Regina’s Place or in the east end of Hamilton.
Grace Haven offers young pregnant and parenting moms looking for a flexible school alternative help them earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma with the support of the Salvation Army staff.
For more information:
138 Herkimer Street
Hamilton, ON L8P 2H1
Call: 905-522-7336
Text: 289-768-0750
Email: info@gracehavenhamilton.org
Twitter: @GHavenSchool
Facebook: Grace Haven
