Grade 12 Parents - 2024-25

University and College Applications

DEADLINE TO APPLY TO COLLEGE 

The equal consideration deadline for applying to Ontario Colleges is February 1, 2025. For more information or to apply, go to ontariocolleges.ca. For step-by-step instructions on the application process, students may refer to the Grade 12 Guidance Resources Google Classroom. 

GRADE 12 STUDENTS APPLYING TO QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY 

Grade 12 students who are applying to Queen’s are strongly encouraged to apply by November 15th, 2024, especially if they are planning to apply for an MAA (Major Admission Award). For step-by-step instructions on applying to universities through OUAC, click here or go to ouac.on.ca. 

APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY

Grade 12 students are reminded that the deadline to apply to university through OUAC (Ontario Universities Application Centre) is January 15, 2025.  For step-by-step instructions, click here, or go to https://www.ouac.on.ca/videos/how-to-videos/  

Students who were unable to attend the lunch and learn in October may access step-by-step instructions on applying to Ontario universities here or on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre site. To access the slide deck from the October 1st Post-Secondary Information Night, click here. 

Commencement/Graduation

COMMENCEMENT DATE - June 26, 2025

The Commencement Ceremony will be held this year on Thursday, June 26th at Parkview Manor - 55 Barber Greene Road. The ceremony will begin promptly at 1:30 pm, but graduates will need to arrive no later than 12:45 pm in order to register and be organized into the proper order for the ceremony. Gown and Cap information can be found below.

Ticket Purchases:

🎫 Each guest ticket will cost $25.00. Grads do not require a ticket - we will all be there to celebrate you!!

🎫 Tickets will be on sale beginning on Wednesday, May 21st at 9:00 am.

🎫 Each Grad may purchase up to THREE (3) tickets using SchoolCash Online from Wednesday, May 21st to Tuesday, June 3rd.

🎫 Please print the receipt from your purchase or take a photo of the receipt showing the number of tickets purchased.

🎫 Starting Thursday, May 22nd, bring your proof of payment to Mrs. Kostopoulos in the Main Office at lunch, during your spare period, or after school. Mrs. Kostopoulos will then issue you numbered, hard-copy tickets for you to give to your guests. Please Note - We know May 22nd is the Prom, please know that tickets will still be available for pick up on Friday and every day after.

🎫 On Wednesday, June 4th, we will open up ticket sales on a first-come, first-served basis so that you may purchase additional tickets. The number of additional tickets will be limited to a maximum of 4.

Gowns for the Grads:

🎓 Each Grad must wear a gown for the commencement ceremony (practice for post-secondary graduations).

🎓 All grads will complete a Graduation Information Card 2025 indicating the gown size they will require. This form will be sent to all graduates who MUST complete the form by Friday, June 6th.

🎓 Gowns will be picked up by each grad from June 18th – 20th after each Exam session in the Library.

🎓 Students will be responsible for bringing the gown to the Commencement Ceremony.

🎓Every Graduate will also receive a Cap (to keep) with the graduation year tassel. These will be provided with the gown. It is your responsibility to REMEMBER to bring your Gown and your Cap to the Commencement ceremony - we do not have extras.

🎓 At the end of the ceremony ALL gowns must be returned, and graduates must sign that they have returned the gown.

🎓 Students who do not return the gown will be responsible to pay for the replacement cost of the gown.

Diploma Pick up:

Diplomas, Certificates, and Grad Composites will be available for graduates to pick up from the Main Office at Leaside HS on July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 7th – 10th, and August 25th to August 29th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - no appointment necessary. A parent or guardian with identification may also pick up on your behalf.

Please direct any further questions to Vice Principal Mr. Austin Pool or Office Administrator, Mrs. Rita Kostopoulos either by email, phone (416-396-2380) or in person.

GRAD HOODIES

Grad hoodies are here and better than ever! This year there are 3 awesome designs to choose from! The last day to place your order is December 9th, 2024. The link for the shop will be on the LAA instagram! (@lancerathlectics) or https://teamandspiritwear.com/LEASIDEGRAD/shop/home . 

GRAD PHOTOS START NOV 18 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 

November 18 – November 29, 2024 in room 104 (across from the Phys. Ed. Office).

Appointments are every 10 minutes 8:30 AM -11:50 AM & 1:10 PM - 3:20 PM BE ON TIME FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT!

Appointments only open up 2 days at a time. More days will open as appointments fill up.
How to Book?
Step 1) Register an account and fill in the required information. Be sure to have both your JOB ID & GRAD ID. This can be found on this Leaside High School Grad Photos Flyer!
Step 2) Select a date and time that works with your schedule!
Step 3) Confirm your appointment!

Be Prepared: Please bring your $35 sitting fee, which will be due at the appointment, cash or credit card. The sitting fee is non-refundable. the sitting fee includes your graduation photo session with a professional photographer, a set of proofs, and an 11x14 graduating class composite.

For best grad photo results, students are recommended to wear a white collared shirt. 

Prom

Grade 12 Prom has been booked for May 22 at Eglinton Grand 400 Eglinton Ave W from 5:00 – 11:00pm 

Ticket sales  - April 22 – extended to Monday, May 12 midnight Via School Cash Online - Cost $125.00 

Ticket distribution May 12 – May 21 in the main foyer.

Specific details for Leaside High School students: 

1.  Students will complete the Student Prom Contract. This contract outlines the behaviour expectations for the Leaside HS student while attending the Leaside High School Prom. 

2.  The Student Prom Contract will be signed by the student and parent/guardian/caregiver, along with parent/guardian/caregiver contact information. 

3.  The parent/guardian/caregiver will proceed to pay $125.00 via SchoolCashOnline. Each Leaside High School student is limited to ONE ticket - instructions for guests follow these instructions. This link will open April 22 and close on May 20. 

4.  Tickets will be distributed May 12 – May 21 in the main foyer. Students must hand in their signed Student Prom Contract and have proof of purchase to receive their ticket.
   
   

Specific details for Outside Guests attending Leaside High School Prom: 

1.  Outside guests will receive a Leaside High School Guest Application Form. 

2.  The application form will have 

• LHS student sponsoring the guest 

• The guest’s parent/guardian/caregiver name and contact information 

• Is to be completed by the Administration of the Guest’s School 

• LHS Administration completes the application by contacting the parent/guardian/caregiver and guest to re-enforce Leaside High School expectations. Application is approved or denied. 

3.  A special link will be sent to the parent/guardian/caregiver of the approved outside guest who will proceed to pay $125.00 via SchoolCashOnline. This is a different link than what Leaside High School students use to purchase tickets.

4.  Tickets will be distributed May 12 – May 21 in the main foyer to the host Leaside HS student who must show proof of purchase to receive their ticket.

NEED A PROM DRESS? If you want to go to prom, but are unable to buy a dress, please see your guidance counsellor by April 17th. Through the Corsage Project, www.corsageproject.ca , we may be able to get you a lovely dress and accessories for free. 

Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS - Quick Links

Quick Links: 

• Leaside Scholarship Guide 

• The Scholarship Report - NEW! The April Report Update has been posted! This includes upcoming major award deadlines, including University and Friday, April 4, 2025 College specific awards, as well as OSAP info, and many scholarship postings! Password: scholar678  

• Scholarship Info Video Password: webinar251

Listing of Scholarships

• The RBC Future Launch Scholarship is valued at up to $1,500! And is a very different kind of scholarship. This one asks for you to think about what you need to be set up for your future, and how $1,500 could help with that. It could be for post-secondary, or maybe you need an upgrading course to get there. Maybe you need a certificate to get a specific job. Whatever you need! Deadline: Accepting submissions all year. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

• NEW! Interested in History and funding for post-secondary education? The Valour Canada History and Heritage Scholarship is worth up to $1500. You will need to make a 4-6 minute video about a local war memorial, monument, or important place. The deadline to apply is June 11th, 11:59 PM. Click here for more information, and to apply.

• NEW! The Horatio Alger Vocational and Technical Scholarships are for those students enrolling in a vocational, technical, or trade program for Fall 2025, and who have demonstrated financial need. The deadline is June 15, 2025. Click here to apply.

• NEW! OJEN Bursaries are for those students pursuing post-secondary studies that lead to a career in the justice sector. There are a number available ranging from $1000 - $1500, and you only need to fill out one application! The deadline is May 28, 2025. Please click here, for an informational poster. Or click here to apply.

• NEW! The Irene Adler Prize is a $1,000 scholarship to a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution. You will need to fill out an application form, and write a 500 word essay from a selection of topics. Deadline to apply is May 30th. Click here for more info, and to apply.

CLOSED The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award is valued at up to $28,000! The most suitable candidates are those who demonstrate the ideals of Terry Fox, true humanitarians who are compassionate and altruistic, particularly if they have overcome a near insurmountable obstacle, and yet are still determined to help others. Deadline: December 1st 2024. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED  The Launchpad Scholarship by Tundra Technical is for women and non-binary folks going into the STEM field. You can win $1000 towards your choice of STEM program. The application requires a ScholarTree account (free) and they will ask you to write a research essay about a solution to a national problem. Get writing! Deadline: December 3th 2024, at 11:59PM. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are valued at up to $70,000 over four years, and there are 20 given out each year! They are for students who have shown exceptional leadership in making a lasting difference in their community. Winners are also offered summer employment each year they are in university! Deadline: November 13th, 2024 at 1 PM. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED The Western National Scholarship Nomination application is due to Mr. LeFresne by January 10th, 2025. Please see the Leaside Scholarship Guide (above) for details. -The Western National Scholarship is awarded for outstanding academic performance, exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities, and commitment to community service through ongoing contributions to school and community life. You must be attending Western (planning to). 

CLOSED Burger King Scholarship Program: Scholarships range from $1,000 to $60,000. Recipients are selected through an application process that takes into consideration their grades, work experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and financial need. In 2024 alone, the Foundation awarded over $4.5 million in scholarships to nearly 4,200 students. Apply to the General Track (unless you have a BK Employee in the family!) Deadline: December 16th 2024. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED - Deadline December 20th.The French for the Future National Essay Contest has prizes up to $28,000. You must write a 750 word essay in French. The prizes can only be awarded if you are planning on attending one of their 16 partner universities in a French program (or part-French program). Please click here for the list of eligible universities, and the essay contest details. 

CLOSED The Schulich Leaders Scholarship Nomination application is due to Mr. LeFresne by January 10th, 2025. Please see the Leaside Scholarship Guide (above) for details. -The Schulich Leaders Scholarship is awarded to students intending to enroll in STEM, and demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, charisma and creativity, an entrepreneurial mind, and pursuing a career in technology, engineering, entrepreneurship and business enterprise, or applied scientific research. 

CLOSED Toronto Metropolitan University offers a number of prestigious application-based entrance scholarships including: The President's Entrance Scholarship worth up to $40,000 over four years; The Terence Grier Entrance Scholarship, worth full tuition for first-year studies; and The Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science and the Ted Rogers School of Management also offer application-based entrance scholarships. TMU applicants can view details, deadlines and apply for all awards through the AwardSpring system. Deadline: February 1st 2024. 

CLOSED The EnergyRates.ca Scholarship is an essay contest - only 500 words and you could win $500! You need to write about an energy topic (nuclear power, green energy, etc.), but the specifics are for you to decide. The essay is due January 31st, at 11:59 PM. Please see this link for the details and to apply. 

CLOSED The Kin Canada Bursary is awarded for students with community and school involvement, and financial need. You also need to be aware of Kin Canada, including a local chapter, and what they have done in the community. Please read the "Application Tips" on their website carefully. You can be awarded a $1000 bursary. Deadline is January 31st. Please click here for more info, and to apply. 

CLOSED The Young Women in Public Affairs Award is given to those who show an active commitment to volunteerism, and have leadership experience (particularly in government, student government, or a workplace (paid or unpaid)). There is a local prize of $500, and an international level prize of $5000 USD. The deadline to apply is February 23rd. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED The World of 8 Billion Video Scholarship Contest awards prizes from $300 - $1,200, as a prize for the best video on a Global Population topic. Entries are due March 5. 

CLOSED The RE/MAX Quest for Excellence Scholarship recognizes graduating high school students for their ongoing community contributions and pursuit of leadership. There are 40 awards of $1,000 each. You will need to write and submit a 500 word (minimum) essay on one of the following questions:
-What does a “bright future” look like for you?
-How have you demonstrated leadership or charity within your community to make it a better place?
-How can we ensure fair and affordable housing for all Canadians?
The deadline to apply is March 9th. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED The Science Without Borders Scholarship Challenge is an art contest where you can win up to $500. You must submit an original piece of artwork on this year's theme "marine keystone species" - you can learn about this theme on the contest website. Submissions are due March 3rd - don't wait until the last minute! Please click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED The Connex Foundation Scholarship gives up to $5000 to those pursuing a career in the skilled trades - you must be enrolling as a full time student in a trades or facilities management program. You should also have a history of active extracurricular, volunteer, or work involvement. Deadline March 10th. Click here for more info, and to apply. 

CLOSED ONE City Scholarships are awarded to awesome TDSB students who have demonstrated financial need and/or significant personal challenges. You can also apply for the Olivia Wilks Scholarship for Black Graduates: If you are a Black student planning to study a helping profession— such as social work, sociology, psychology, nursing, or a social justice program just apply for a ONE City Scholarship and let them know if this is what you’re planning to study. You’ll be considered for both scholarships! The application is due March 20th. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED MAX Scholarship Fund (MSF) awards well-rounded Muslim High School and Post Secondary students who are eager to make an impact, learn and create. These awards are intended for Muslim students entering or currently pursuing post secondary education. They are students who have contributed to their communities and Canada at large, achieved above-average marks and are recognized by their peers. Select awards (there are a number of different awards) are open to both Muslim and other communities. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2025. For more information about the available scholarships and to apply, click here. 

CLOSED The State of Kindness academic scholarship program provides financial assistance to promising young students who want to further their education, achieve their goals and inspire others. Students with an academic willingness who have faced financial adversity become ambassadors to a connected network of diverse industry professionals, community leaders, mentors and program alumni. Funding is up to $15,000 per year, up to four years. Deadline to apply is March 31st. Click here for more information, and to apply. 

CLOSED The Kochhar & Co. Scholarship is for students who will be attending college or university on a full-time or part-time basis no later than September 2026, have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or greater during their last academic year, and submit an answer to the essay question no later than 11:59 PM EST on the day of the deadline. You can be pursuing any field of study, but will need to answer an essay question about Accounting. Value $1000. Deadline March 31. Click here for more info, and to apply. 

CLOSED Every year HE Parts Express offers a scholarship to students.  Looking for a quick and easy scholarship application and a chance to receive $500?  You just have to fill out your basic info, and answer a simple essay question in under 1000 words! The deadline is April 1st. For details and to apply, click here. 

CLOSED The Leaside Local Scholarship Application is open! There are a variety of scholarships available, covering a wide range of skills, experiences, and future plans. Please read the descriptions and criteria carefully, and in the application, explaining clearly how you meet those criteria. Firm application deadline is April 21, 2025, 11:59 PM. (This is the Monday of the long weekend, so finish early if you are celebrating or away!). Please click here for the descriptions, and here for the application form (download and fill PDF). 

CLOSED The Find Your Path Scholarship Program recognizes and supports courageous individuals who are the first in their family to pursue a post-secondary education. Winners of the Find Your Path Scholarship receive a $500 award and mentorship support from a current university or college student. Preference is given to students who demonstrate academic excellence and have positively contributed to their school and/or local communities. Deadline to apply is April 11, 2025. For more information and to apply, click here. 

CLOSED MyBlueprint Bursaries are for students who are the first generation in their families to attend post-secondary education, and who have demonstrated financial barriers to attending post-secondary. Preference is also given to students who can demonstrate resiliency, community-mindedness, and commitment to excellence. Deadline to apply is April 25, 2025 For more information and to apply, click here. 

CLOSED  53 Division of the Toronto Police Services is offering the Student Leadership Bursary Awards again this year. Two students from our school won last year, so it is a great one to apply to! You must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, exceptional community service and extracurricular involvement. Deadline: May 11, 2025. Please click here for more info and to apply.

CLOSED The Tom Tittel Memorial Award is worth $250, and is open to graduating students who: 

• • are pursuing post-secondary studies in the social services areas (child care, teacher, social worker, etc). 

  • have demonstrated a commitment to their academic studies 

  • have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the area of peer helping in the school. 

  • have demonstrated leadership in one or more community organizations.
    The applicant must prepare a 250-500 word overview of activities relevant to the social services area and which also demonstrates their suitability for this award. Deadline: April 28, 2025. Click here to apply! 

CLOSED The Meridian's Commitment to Communities Sean Jackson Scholarship recognizes and rewards community initiative, innovation and impact among Ontario youth. Students should apply if they are using energy, creativity and entrepreneurship to solve or address a vital problem in their community. Whether they are advocating for youth literacy or creating a solution for blue box lids, past scholarship winners have made a demonstrated community impact. Value: $10,000. Deadline April 30th. For more information and to apply, click here. 

CLOSED Scotiabank Scholarships give out $60,000 divided into 16 x $3,750 Scholarships in 4 Themes across 4 Regions. Themes are Diversity, Financial Wellness, Future Women Leaders, and STEM. Deadline to apply is May 7, at 11:59 PM. For more information and to apply, click here.