June 27, 2025
The Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) is pleased to announce a new Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services program at Stratford District SS (SDSS). The first of its kind in AMDSB.
Students in grades 11 and 12 can enroll in the newly designated Ministry of Education, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) to connect with community partners such as first responders, colleges and universities, government agencies and local law firms, as well as the AMDSB Indigenous Education team. Our SHSM students will also have the opportunity to learn from our wide scope of sector partners to experience facility tours, university and college campus tours, sit in on university and college classes, and preferential co-op education placement. In addition, students will be able to learn about the emerging field of Restorative Justice.
Stuart Wilson, program lead said: “The new SDSS Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services Specialist High Skills Major will be a launchpad for students interested in a career as a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, parole/probation officer, lawyer, court clerk, border security agent, or in the armed forces. Our new program will provide enhanced opportunities and experiences for our students with various public service community partners.”
SHSM programs offer students greater choice for customized, career-focused secondary school learning in a specific sector of the economy that meets their particular interests and talents. Focused learning experiences help students explore, identify and refine career goals and make informed decisions related to post secondary goals. Students are able to recognize the connection between secondary school learning and future employment by establishing relationships and networks in their chosen career field. Students gain confidence in their ability to be successful, improve their skills and work habits, in addition to earning sector recognized certifications leading to a specialized Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Full details about this new program are available on the board website: Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services Specialist High Skills Major.
For more information, please contact:
Chera Longston, Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-301-6363