Services for Students

Glendale offers many sports, extra-curricular groups and creative ways for students to express their talents, interests, and ideas, as well as seek out support and help.

What Is Cooperative Education?

• Cooperative education is a program that allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement in the community.
• A student’s co-op program consists of the cooperative education course, which is monitored by a cooperative education teacher, and the related curriculum course (that is, a course in any discipline, such as business studies, mathematics, or technological education). Every student in a co-op program must have a Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP), which shows how the student’s related curriculum course is being applied at his or her co-op placement.
• The cooperative education course consists of a classroom component and a placement component. The classroom component includes 15 to 20 hours of pre-placement instruction , which prepares students for the workplace and includes instruction in areas of key importance such as health and safety. The classroom sessions held at various times during and after the placement provide opportunities for students to reflect on and reinforce their learning in the workplace.
• Cooperative education allows students to participate in valuable learning experiences that help prepare them for the next stage of their lives, whether in apprenticeship training, college, community living, university, or the workplace.
• Co-op placements are arranged for students by their school and must follow Ministry of Education policy and guidelines.

How Does Cooperative Education Benefit Students?

Cooperative education gives students the opportunity to:

• make connections between school and work and to “try out” a career of interest before finalizing plans for postsecondary education, training, or employment;
• see the relevance of their classroom learning in a work setting;
• develop the essential skills and work habits required in the workplace and acquire a direct understanding of employer and workplace expectations;
• gain valuable work experience to help build their résumé for postsecondary programs and future employment;
• experience authentic and purposeful learning outside a traditional classroom setting.

plus you will earn credits towards your OSSD

If you require more information about Glendale Coop, please contact Mr. Laporta, Mr. Bramer, Ms Ajdinovic, or Mrs. Gilchrist by email or stop by the coop office.

Class of 2026—Important Information

Commencement vs. Graduation

2026 Cohort vs. Potential Graduate

All grade 12 students who entered grade 9 in 2022 are known as the 2026 cohort or the Class of 2026. All grade 12 students of the 2026 cohort are eligible to participate in this year’s Commencement Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, June 24 at Liuna Station on James Street North.

If you wish to participate in the ceremony, you must purchase a graduation gown from School Cash Online—no students will be eligible to walk across the stage without a gown and the package must be purchased through Glendale. You are only eligible to participate ONCE, and your name is in the program for the year of your cohort.

There may be students participating in the Commencement Ceremony who have not met all their diploma requirements—and that is ok. While we encourage you to complete everything before the end of the year to receive your diploma, some students may be returning to Glendale in September to complete these requirements. Because your courses are not yet complete, there will be no awards presented at the Commencement Ceremony, nor will they be included in the distributed program.

All the following requirements must be met in order to receive your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (which will be available for pick up in July):

• You must have earned a minimum of 26 credits by the end of semester 1
• You must be scheduled to take the remaining courses needed to complete the 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits for a total of 30 by mid-term semester 2
• You must have submitted documentation of 40 hours of community volunteer activities by May 1, 2026
• You must have successfully completed the Ontario Secondary School Literacy requirement or be scheduled to take the literacy course in semester 2.

We are very proud of the commencement ceremony we provide for the Glendale community.  It takes countless hours of planning and preparation to run this event and requires funds as well.

As a result, there is a fee of $80 which covers the expenses of the following:

• grade 12 student breakfast
• gown, cap and tassel purchase
• Commencement Ceremony program
• tickets and invitations
• music and decorations for the ceremony
• ceremony facility rental

This price includes ONLY TWO GUEST TICKETS for each grade 12 student. Unfortunately, due to the venue limitations on the number of people, this year, there will be no additional tickets available. Should you be unable to pay the fee in full or part, please contact Ms. Miminas in the Student Services department or call 905-560-7343 to discuss payment plans.

Class of 2026 Checklist

What do I need to graduate?

• 30 credits
• OSSLT (successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test or Course)
• 40 volunteer hours
• 2 elearning credits (you may opt-out of this requirement by completing and returning the form here: Elearning Opt Out Letter)

For more information, please make an appointment to see your counsellor.

Click on the link to see the specific requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma

OSSD

Elearning Opt-Out: Elearning Opt Out Letter

Applications for entry into the Audition-Based Program of the Arts for the 2026-27 school year have now closed and successful candidates have been notified. Please connect with the ABPA program coordinator at [email protected] for more information. For the 2026-267schoole year, Glendale remains CLOSED to Out of Catchment students.

A message from Ms. Long:

Hello all!  I am Ms. Long, head of ESL here at Glendale Secondary.  I am so excited to be a new part of Glendale and to work with all the fantastic English Language Learners here.  We have students from every corner of the world, including China, India, Pakistan, Syria, Liberia, Iraq, Egypt, Nepal, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Nicaragua, Cuba, the Philippines, Mexico, Albania, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and more!! I work with an excellent team of teachers and administrators here at Glendale.  Our English language classes are taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers:  Ms. Chau, Ms. Hewitt, Ms. Simpson, Ms. Gill, Ms. Foster and myself, Ms. Long.  We are fortunate to have such skilled and dedicated instructors working with our newcomer community.  Our principal, Ms. Sgambato, and our vice-principals, Ms. Chan and Mrs. Seiler, support us every step of the way. There is always plenty of support and help for newcomers at Glendale!

Support for ELLs and their Families:

English Language Learners at Glendale benefit from support from their teachers, but they are also lucky to have support from three settlement workers.  Fariha Ali, Kim Cheung and Ayah Mosawe are settlement workers from the YMCA in Hamilton.  They support students and their families with any settlement issues they may be experiencing.  Fariah, Kim and Ayah can be found in room 232 (2027) and are happy to help students in Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and of course English!  You can find Ayah on Mondays and Tuesdays, Fariha on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays and Kim on Fridays. The Newcomer’s Guide to Secondary Schools in Ontario is a document created by Settlement Workers in Schools and can be very helpful.

Glendale ESL:  Information

Glendale’s English as a Second Language program is a dynamic program that provides all levels of ESL / ELD courses, meeting the language needs of beginner to advanced learners of English.  Our English Language Learners include newcomer students from all over the world; we also have a growing number of International Students from China, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico, Libya, and Korea.  Classes for English Language Learners are offered in many compulsory and optional courses, including Math, Science, History, Geography, and the Arts.  These courses provide the opportunity to earn credits in a variety of subject areas while focusing on the acquisition of vocabulary and writing skills particular to that subject.

The ESL program at Glendale is active in supporting our English Language Learners both academically and socially by providing a caring, attentive, and fun environment for all!

Newcomers and the Welcome (Assessment) Centre:

If you are new to Canada, you will likely be involved with the Welcome (Assessment) Centre.  They are there to assist newcomers with information about elementary and secondary education.  In order to become a student at Glendale, the Welcome (Assessment) Centre will book an appointment for you to determine what credits you have already received in previous years and will give you a test in Math and English to determine your level.  This will assist in deciding your academic path at Glendale.  With the assistance of our ESL Department, newcomers can transition easily to our secondary school, meet other students who are new to this country and make many friends, all while earning credits to becoming a graduate.  You can connect with the Welcome (Assessment) Centre at 905-527-5092 ext. 2309 to make an assessment appointment.  You can also speak with someone from Glendale by calling 905-560-7343.

Contact all ESL teachers at [email protected]

Meet our English as a Second Language Teachers:

J. Long, Head (ESL Department Head)

A. Chau (ESL Assistant Head)

P. Gill (ESL and ELD)

A. Foster (ESL and ELD)

M. Hewitt (ESL and ELD)

A. Simpson (ESL and ELD)

A. Theysen (ESL)

Our language courses:

ESL AO    and    ELD AO
ESL BO    and    ELD BO
ESL CO    and    ELD CO
ESL DO    and    ELD DO
ESL EO    and    ELD EO

Grade 9:

MAT1L1S – Locally Developed ESL Math

MTH1W1S — Destreamed ESL Math

SNC1W1S – Destreamed ESL Science

CGC1W1S – Destreamed ESL Canadian Geography

BEM1O1S – ESL Business

Grade 10:

CHC2L1S – Locally Developed Canadian ESL History

CHC2P1S – Applied Canadian ESL History

CHVGLCS — ESL Civics & Careers

MAT2L1S — Locally Developed ESL Math

SNC2P1S — Applied ESL Science

SNC2D1S – Academic ESL Science

ASM2O1S — ESL Media Arts

Welcome to Glendale Secondary School!  Glendale is a top destination for international students looking to learn English, earn a Canadian high school diploma, and prepare for university or college in Canada.

Glendale offers a full range of courses to interest and challenge any international student.  All levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered and taught by qualified and dedicated teachers.  As a school that specializes in ESL, we also offer language-supported courses in most other disciplines, such as ESL Math, ESL Science, ESL Business, ESL Arts, ESL History and Geography, etc.  At Glendale, we are always looking to meet the needs of our student population; as a result, this year we are offering English Presentation and Speaking Skills.  This course is a credit course that teaches ESL students how to speak confidently in English when both conversing in English and making presentations in classes.  At Glendale, we pride ourselves in offering personalized attention and support to our international student community.

If you are a new international student coming to Canada, you will likely be involved with the Welcome Assessment Centre.  They are there to assist newcomers with information about elementary and secondary education.  In order to become a student at Glendale, the Assessment Centre will book an appointment for you to determine what credits you have already received in previous years and will give you a test in Math and English to determine your level.  This will assist in deciding your academic path at Glendale.  With the assistance of our ESL Department, newcomers can transition easily to our secondary school, meet other students who are new to this country and make many friends, all while earning credits to becoming a graduate.  You and your custodian or homestay family can connect with the Assessment Centre at 905-527-5092 ext. 2309 to make an assessment appointment.  You can also speak with Ms. J Long, our ESL Department Head.

The Secondary Social Communication Program (SSCP) utilizes a cognitive behavioural approach and a collaborative proactive solutions approach to provide intensive support to some students with Autism.  These students do not automatically assimilate the unwritten rules of social interaction. Students diagnosed with high-functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome must be directly taught how to have successful interactions at home, at school and in their community.

The Secondary Social Communication Program’s focus will be to teach and enhance students’ ability to understand the thoughts, feelings and motivations of other people. Social communication goals are collaboratively developed between school, student and parent/caregiver. Skill areas to be addressed will include understanding emotions of self and others, communication, relationship development, understanding of self as a learner, and self-advocacy. Transition supports to post-secondary and community opportunities will be planned and facilitated.

A customized timetable is created for each student. Structured opportunities and instruction to increase social communication and understanding the perspective of others will be provided for a minimum of one period each day. Thus, the timeline for earning a high school diploma may be extended. Explicit planning is provided to facilitate generalization of skills in all environments. The Secondary Social Communication Program teacher and classroom teacher will support students in their subject-specific classes as needed.  Please note: this is a system-based program and availability and eligibility is decided by the HWDSB system team.  Contact Ms. J. Smyth (at [email protected]) for more details.

Thank you for attending our Grade 7 & 8 Information Night on November 13, 2025. The slide deck is posted here: New Glendale Grade 7&8 Welcome Night 2025

If you are a student at Lake Avenue, Sir Wilfrid Laurier or Viola Desmond Elementary Schools, you will be completing an option sheet for Glendale. Here are the next steps:

• Glendale Specific Option Information Night—Grade 8 Option Sheets will occur on Thursday, January 15, 2026 6:00-7:00 pm in the auditorium–CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW STORM
• PRESENTATION HERE: 2026-27 Grade 8 Course Selection Process
• Option Sheets to Homeroom Teacher (January) who will give to students/parents (paper copy has been delivered to students)
• Option Sheets (paper copy) returned to Homeroom Teacher (January 30)
• School Visits for MyBlueprint Option Entry with assistance from elementary teachers and ESSTs (February) (from paper to online)

Course Selection for Grade 8s with myBlueprint–video instructions

Course Selection for Grade 8s with myBlueprint–written instructions

The application for Audition-Based Program of the Arts at Glendale has now closed. Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions or if you are interested in the HWDSB Strings Program.

Our department is comprised of five areas:

• alternative education
• cooperative education
• guidance
• student success
• courses–Careers (GLC2O3)

Alternative Education Staff:

please connect with the guidance office

Cooperative Education Staff:

Mr. Laporta, Mrs. Gilchrist, Ms. Ajdinovic, Mr. Bramer

Guidance Staff–Counsellors:

Mr. S. Ireland –  Assistant Department Head supporting students with last names A-G

Ms. T. Gates – Guidance Counsellor supporting students with last names H-M

Ms. K. Miminas – Department Head supporting students with last names N-Z

Student Success Teachers:

Ms. M. Burnell – supporting Grade 9 students

Guidance Office Administrator:

Ms. E. Dubec– 4657

Mrs. C. Habran

Careers Teacher:

Please connect with the guidance office.

IMPORTANT GUIDANCE INFORMATION

Attendance/Registration Letters

We are more than happy to provide you with a letter proving that you are registered with us at Glendale.  Please make sure to bring your original request.  Letters can take up to 24 hours to be prepared.  Letters of attendance will include your name, your date of birth, your attendance, your address and parent/guardian information.  Please be sure that you inform the office if you have any changes to any of the information mentioned above.

Withdrawing

Planning on leaving Glendale?  If you are 18 years of age or older, or are self-supporting, please email your Counsellor to start the withdrawal process.  If you are under 18 years of age, please have your parent/guardian contact the Main Office to start the process.  And don’t forget to return your iPad and textbooks to your teachers or to the main office.  Otherwise, you will be sent an invoice so that we can replace the book/technology.

Transcript Requests

You may request copies of your transcript in Guidance by asking the Office Administrator as long as you are a current, active student, or you have been a student no longer than one year from the time of your withdrawal.  There is no charge for this service.  Former students and graduates (more than one year removed) can obtain a copy of their transcript of marks by contacting the Office of Student Records, 905-521-2523. You will need to provide identification such as a driver’s license, health card, or birth certificate when making the request.

Volunteering and Community Involvement Hours

You must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement while in high school. Please review the HWDSB policy and guidelines available here.

To submit your hours, please complete the fillable form here: Community-Service-Form

For a quick facts downloadable sheet, please check out this document: Community-Service-Facts

Take Our Kids to Work Day 

To all Glendale Grade 9 students/families,
 

Take Our Kids To Work is Canada’s annual career exploration event, where Grade 9 students across Canada spend the day in the life of a working individual.  

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Glendale students have the opportunity to participate by attending the workplace of a parent or guardian or family/friend (either in person or virtually): 

The Take Our Kids To Work Day – Permission Form 2025 will be distributed to Grade 9 students in their period 1 classes next week. Grade 9 students planning on participating must complete and return the completed permission form to their period 1 teacher no later than Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.   

If you have any questions regarding this program, please do not hesitate to contact our Co-op teacher, Marta Gilchrist at [email protected]. Participation in this event is voluntary and for students not participating, classes are still running, and attendance will be taken. 

At Glendale, we strive to offer students an abundance of resources to access in order to achieve their academic goals.  There are still areas of the school that are still being renovated and will soon be available to all students. It offers an excellent environment for them in which to excel.

In Learning Resource, laptops, SEA equipment, and other learning tools are always available for students to use, and staff is always present in order to provide assistance to students in need; we are located in the front room of the Library Learning Commons.

The Library Learning Commons is an inclusive environment that promotes learning and positive reinforcement.

Staff – contact at [email protected]

Mrs. A. Feere – Assistant Head of Learning Resource – Students last names A-K

Mrs. S. Cuicani – Head of Learning Resource – Students last names L-Z

Mrs. M. Starcevic – Teacher Librarian

Special Education

G. Adamson

M. Grant

D. Morgan

Our Virtual Library/Databases are now available in the Library Course through “The Hub.”  Go to “Library-01-Learning Commons Glendale” for everything that you need.

Visit System Learning Commons for more!

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test must be written by students in their grade 10 English class for students who are in grade 10. Students who are previously eligible to write the OSSLT will be contacted by Ms. Burnell to notify them when they will write. There are two sessions for the OSSLT each year and students will know their results by the end of the semester in which they write.

Grade 11 and 12 students will be informed as to their status by the end of February so they can plan for the OSSLC if necessary.  Students can use the following resources to help with their preparation for the OSSLT:

www.eqao.com

OSSLT Prep Info

Social Work Support

• available through referral only–please see your child’s guidance counsellor

Ontario Works – Youth Case Manager

Ontario Works is a financial assistance program for shelter expenses and basic needs.  This program is available for youth 16-18 years old that meet specific criteria of being in special circumstances, and their parents are unable to provide for them.  If you have any questions, please call Ontario Works directly  at 905-546-4800.

Breakfast/Lunch Program

As a school, we try to support our students, both socially and emotionally so that they can pursue their academic interests.  As such, Glendale’s Breakfast & Lunch program supports over 1000 enrolled students by offering a daily breakfast and lunch with no costs associated for students.  Food is available on rolling carts in the front foyer before class and at lunch–students are invited to grab a snack during this time.  If there is an urgent need during class time, the rolling carts are in the cafeteria just outside the Student Success room.  Food is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Food 4 Kids

Students are also welcome to register with the Food 4 Kids program that delivers food weekly to students in need.  These individually packaged snack bags assist students who may have difficulty procuring food for the weekend.  Please see Ms. Burnell in the Student Success Room for more details and to sign up.

Learning Opportunities Bursary

Within Glendale, we have access to funds that are intended to remove barriers for students to help with their learning.  The Learning Opportunities –Bursaries are designed to assist students financially. Students must have good attendance, be progressing well academically and demonstrate a financial need.  See a guidance counsellor for the form and for more information.

Walk-In Closet

Students are invited to visit our Walk-In Closet where they can find a variety of clothing from jeans to coats to shoes and boots – all at no cost.  Some toiletries are also available.  The Walk-In Closet is found across from the Guidance office.  There is also a variety of canned goods and non-perishable food items available to students.

LGBTQ,  Friends & Allies – ACE

In keeping with the HWDSB’s commitment to prioritize “Positive Culture and Well-Being,” ACE’s goal is to ensure that all staff and students at Glendale “feel safe, supported and accepted… at work and at school.” We aim to foster well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and two-spirited members of our school community. By providing a safe space, planning special activities and recognizing important events, we hope to ensure that Glendale’s LGBTQ2S+ students and allies see themselves reflected and honoured in our school community. By recognizing and celebrating their presence, ACE hopes that its members feel welcome at Glendale Secondary.

Useful Numbers

Employment Information

YMCA Summer Jobs for Youth Program 905-526-8452 ext. 221

Youth Employment Centre 905-522-9668

Job Connect 905-575-2177

Crisis and Support Hotlines

Alternatives for Youth  Counselling for family, friend, or yourself experiencing difficulties related to the use of substance abuse 905-527-4469

Contact Hamilton Access to children and youth mental health services 905-570-8888

If in crisis, call the youth COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) program at 905-972-8338

COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) 905-972-8338

Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, Family Support 905-777-9921

CAS (Children’s Aid Society) 905-522-1121

CCAS (Catholic Children’s Aid Society) 905-525-2012

INASMUCHHOUSE–Shelter and support for women with or without children in crisis due to abuse or temporary homelessness 905-529-8600

John Howard Society of Hamilton/Burlington & Area–Manage probation issues, crime prevention, victims of crime, diversion for youth  905-522-4446

Kids Help Phone (24 hours, confidential) 1-800-668-6868

Legal Aid 905-528-0134

Provincial Victim Support Line 1-888-579-2888

Ontario Human Rights Commission 1-800-387-9080

Ontario Rental Housing Tenant Protection Act 1-888-332-3234

Canadian Human Rights Commission 1-888-214-1090

Health

Community Health Bus–Mobile healthy/medical/dental clinic 905-546-2424 ext. 2974

Hamilton Urban Core–Free services for counselling and parenting 905-522-3233

North Hamilton Community Health Centre–A teen health clinic providing 11-20 year olds with primary health care 905-523-6611

Public Health Dental Services 905-546-3566

Information Line (Public Health)–Phone counselling about STD’s, safer sex, birth control 905-528-3541

HIV, AIDS Testing (Public Health)–Confidential, anonymous testing by appointment 905-546-3541

Sexual Health Awareness Centre–Doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses available for pregnancy testing, birth control and counselling 905-528-3009

The Well–Meeting place for LGBTQ Youth and their friends and allies 905-525-0300

Looking for work can be difficult for anyone, especially when you’re just leaving high school and transitioning to work.

At Mohawk College Community Employment Services, we can help you make it a smooth transition. The best part? All of our services are free!

How can you help me?

We work with job seekers (that’s you!) to help them set goals, develop action plans, create resumes and cover letters and gain the confidence to enter the world of work. We’ll support you during every step of the job search process.

Getting started

If you need a little help getting started or are unsure where to begin, we’ll help you explore different career paths, find potential job matches, and narrow down your search.

Access to certifications

We can help you access different types of training and certifications that you can add to your resume. Employers are always happy to come across a candidate who already has their certifications up-to-date.

Upskilling and training

Do you need to brush up on some skills before looking for a job in your area of interest? We’re connected to a range of programs and services that can help you develop or refresh your skills and abilities!

Resume and interview advice

We’ll work with you to help build your resume and cover letter to best represent who you are and what you have to offer.

As far as interviewing goes: it’s awkward and stressful… for everyone. The best way to deal with that is to be ready for it. We can help you prepare for all kinds of interview questions, from the common ones to the ones that are a little bit sneaky. We have tips and tricks to help you be professional, dress the part, manage nerves, and nail the interview!

Employer network

We work directly with employers who are looking to hire and create awareness of in-demand careers. This helps us connect you with suitable job opportunities! You can check out our Community Job Postings page regularly to see the latest openings.

Visit our Resource Centre

Book an appointment to visit one of our Resource Centres in person. You’ll be able to use our computers, printers, and Internet, with support from a qualified staff person when you need it.

Are you ready to get started?

Become a Community Employment Services job seeker to access our free services and supports. Register here!

Do you have questions?

Call: 905-575-2177      Email: [email protected]      Text: 905-870-3631

Follow: @CESMohawk on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to see what we’re up to!