Keswick H.S.

(905) 476-0933 keswick.hs@yrdsb.ca
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Course Overview

The course is divided into two sections:

  1. In-school component
  2. Workplace component

The In-School Component consists of:

  • Eight days of pre-placement at the beginning of the semester
  • Five days of reflective learning sessions placed throughout the semester
  • One day of presentation at the end of the semester

The Workplace Component consists of students being out at their place of employment:

  • Including a day for their interview
  • And every day following the last day of pre-placement with the exception of the in-school reflective learning sessions

The Co-op teacher will visit the workplace on a regular basis.

Evaluation is based upon:

  • 20%  - for in-class work (e.g., resumes, cover letters, assignments, journals)
  • 30%  - for the final culminating task  (pathways presentation or portfolio)
  • 50%  -  for employer evaluations (a formal evaluation is done three times in the semester)

Hours from Log Sheets need to total:

  • 220 hours for two credit courses
  • 440 hours for four credit courses

Log sheets signed by the supervisor are to be submitted at each reflective session.  If a student is going to be absent from their placement, they are to phone both the employer and the Co-op department.​​

 

K.H.S. Co-op Student Responsibilities and Expectations

  • All Co-op students will be required to find a suitable Co-op placement using the “Seeking A Co-op Placement” form and return it to the Co-op Staff
  • All students are responsible for transportation to and from their placement
  • All students must attend the pre-placement sessions held at the beginning of the semester
  • All students must complete a student folder and prepare a cover letter, resume and safety assignments prior to starting their Co-op work component
  • All students must attend the scheduled in-school reflective sessions throughout the semester
  • All students must complete daily/weekly log books indicating the hours they worked and have them signed by their work supervisor
  • In the world of work, clear consistent communication is required.  Our office is located in Pod 3 – room 1029, phone 905 -476-0933  (ext. 405)
  • Co-op courses will be timetabled based on availability – there is no guarantee which semester you will be scheduled
  • All K.H.S. Co-op students must follow the York Region District School Board’s Statement of Understanding Policy 

 

Statement of Understanding

I understand that:

  • The work experience opportunity is an instructional strategy whereby I am required to meet specific course expectations and will be assessed and evaluated accordingly.
  • The work experience opportunity requires me to spend considerable time in the community as a student, and as such, I will represent the school in a favourable manner.
  • I must conform to all Policies and Procedures of the Cooperative Education Program with respect to the following:
    • attend regularly and punctually both the in-school sessions and at the placement until the end of the scheduled period as defined by the Work Education Agreement
    • report all absences promptly to supervisor and Co-op teacher at beginning of each work day and provide reason for the absence
    • complete all required assignments
    • abide by the Policies and Procedures of my placement
    • maintain strict confidentiality regarding placement matters
    • hours worked outside of the contracted time stated on the WEA must be submitted in advance to the teacher and employer
  • I should not expect to be paid for my work experience hours.
  • Any adjustment to my work experience to accommodate extra-curricular activities and part-time employment must be cooperatively arranged.
  • If my placement pays me a wage for the hours stated on my Work Education Agreement (WEA), or if I stay at my placement beyond the hours stated on my WEA and I am paid for those hours, Workplace Safety and Insurance Coverage must be provided by the employer.  It is my responsibility to ensure that this coverage is in place.
  • I am responsible for transportation to and from the placement.  It is the recommendation of the York Region District School Board that if necessary, I use public transportation and that if I choose to drive a vehicle to my placement, I must be covered by my own insurance.  Appropriate Board forms must be completed if driving or riding in a private vehicle.  (Forms NCR3, NP 679-01, NP 679—02)
  • I must declare to the Co-op teacher any medical condition that may affect my performance at the placement.
  • I may be required to have a medical examination and/or provide medical information to meet placement requirements.
  • Immunization is required for some placements and that I am responsible for this at my own expense.
  • Some placements require a security check, character check, credit check or other pre-placement screening and that I may be responsible for this at my own expense.
  • Certain placements may require additional specialized application forms and subsequent interviews prior to acceptance.
  • I may have to wear prescribed clothing for my placement (e.g. safety equipment, business attire, scrubs, lab coat).
  • I must have the Work Education Agreement (WEA – Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) form signed by myself and parent/guardian and submitted in my folder prior to starting at my workplace.  The Co-op teacher will sign off on the form after obtaining the workplace supervisor’s signature.
  • If any changes need to be made to the agreed upon hours on the WEA – the student must obtain approval and signatures of all parties.    
  • I must observe all health and safety regulations at the placement and contact the work experience supervisor and the Co-op teacher the same day in case of an accident, even if it does not require medical attention.
  • It is strongly recommended that I purchase Student Accident Insurance.
  • My teacher needs to provide relevant information about me to a prospective supervisor for placement purposes.  (IEP with approval)
  • Theft or vandalism is grounds for termination of my placement and/or removal from the work experience with possible loss of credit and possible further action under the law.
  • I must provide my teacher with updated information should there be any change in the data provided by me while I am participating in the work experience (e.g. change of address, phone, emergency contact information, medical information, mode of transportation.
  • I can be removed from the cooperative education program if I am unable to meet program requirements and course expectations.