School board pleased to offer more high skills options

Near North District School Board
News Release

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The Near North District School Board is pleased with today’s announcement that the provincial government has expanded the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in its schools. The NNDSB is excited about the new High Skills Major program at Widdifield Secondary School, which for the 2008-09 school year, will be offering a major in Health and Wellness. Students will have a broader range of pathways with greater choice for customized, career-focused learning in the health and wellness sector of the economy that meets their particular interests and talents.

In 2006, the Arts Nipissing program, at Widdifield Secondary School, was chosen as one of 27 launch sites across the province for the SHSM program. Near North SHSM programs were expanded for the 2007-2008 school year, to include: the business program at Chippewa Secondary School; the hospitality and tourism program at Parry Sound High School; and, the construction program at West Ferris Secondary School. In addition, the Parry Sound High School SHSM has expanded this school year to include a focus in eco-tourism.

“We are proud of the fact that the Near North DSB offers to our students such a diverse and innovative range of programs to meet students’ interests.” Director of Education Heli Vail said. “It complements our continued efforts to provide our secondary students with relevant educational and training opportunities that will prepare them for their future careers.”

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