Do you know of an Ontario Grade 12 student who stayed on to do a "victory lap" or fifth year of high school after he or she completed four years of school? (Poll Closed)

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  Steve Church - 3 months ago

  Good afternoon, all. Killing a bit of prep time in the P.E. office here.!
  In the 2010-11 year at this school, 322 students were enrolled in Gr. 12. This current year there are 40 odd students ( approx. 1 in 8 12's) returning for their victory lap for various reasons. Here we have stringent requirements for ones' return to complete diploma requirements.
  If for example, if one's aim is to come back and attempt to bump up a 75 percent average higher for post-secondary criteria, then the likelihood of return will be slim. This person has completed their OSSGD standards quite commendably and thus would be deemed to be taking up space. Concurrently, if one wants to return, take a couple of classes and play their 5th year of football or participate in the band, drama or other extracurriculars, then no-go. The victory lap is a safety measure typically for those who are 1) shy subjects this side of 30 credits or 2) were total flops, academically speaking, the previous year and would not be ideal candidates for community college entry at the very least. Both VP and guidance counsellor of the particular student carefully assess the situation on a case-by-case basis before allowing a victory lap. And that includes extracurriculars as well. At this school ,you cannot carry less than a 60 percent average with more than 1 failure and be allowed to participate in sports without scrutiny.
  For those returning due to low marks, you are automatically on academic warning-any Fall term tests will be under total review. First flunk and you're history, as some football players this season have discovered!
  The victory lap, properly implemented, gives students a second shot with a "year five" to make amends, as well to instill in them a culture of academic responsibility. This is how it should be.

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