Bishop O’Byrne High School
Bishop O'Byrne High School
Bishop O'Byrne High School, a respected Roman Catholic educational institution situated in Calgary, Alberta, operates under the jurisdiction of the Calgary Catholic School District. The school primarily serves the communities in the southwestern region, encompassing Millrise, Bridlewood, and Shawnessy, as well as the southeastern quadrants, which include McKenzie Lake, Midnapore, and Sundance.
At Bishop O'Byrne High School, their mission revolves around three crucial aspects: Discovering our Faith, Discovering Knowledge, and Discovering Ourselves. These principles guide the school's approach to education and shape the overall learning environment.
One of the Bishop O'Byrne High School core beliefs is the importance of fostering healthy and caring relationships within the teaching and learning process. Modeled on the life of Christ and our relationship with Him, the school places a strong emphasis on building meaningful connections between students and teachers. They prioritize knowing each individual student well and ensuring that the school community provides a safe and caring environment where students can flourish. Furthermore, Bishop O'Byrne High School values the collaboration between teachers, students, and parents. Working together, they create a solid structure for learning, which includes tailoring teaching strategies to address student needs and providing well-designed courses that promote engagement through hands-on activities and interactive experiences. Bishop O'Byrne High School holistic approach seeks to educate the "whole person," encompassing not only academic pursuits but also co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Programs in Bishop O'Byrne High School
At Bishop O'Byrne High School, students engage in diverse learning environments, encompassing their homes, schools, and communities. The school fosters a collaborative partnership among parents, teachers, and community members to support student learning. To enhance this cooperation, the school provides a dedicated section on its website, aiming to assist parents in understanding their child's education and learning journey at each grade level.
Bishop O'Byrne High School takes pride in offering a comprehensive and faith-based education, catering to the unique needs of each student. Complying with Alberta Education's core curriculum, the school also collaborates with numerous community partners to provide supplementary courses, options, and services. The values of the Catholic faith are integrated into all aspects of the school's programming, reflecting the essence of Calgary Catholic schools.
For students at Bishop O'Byrne High School with English as their second language, specialized support is available to enhance their English development. English Language Learners are assessed by an ELL teacher at the junior high or high school level, or at St. John Reception Centre, to determine their appropriate ESL level of instruction. It's essential to note that students may progress through English proficiency levels at different paces, influenced by factors like their initial English proficiency, background knowledge, literacy in their first language, and intended graduation pathway. Consequently, the time required to meet high school diploma requirements may vary, potentially extending beyond three years for some students.
To ensure a smooth academic path, ESL students at Bishop O'Byrne High School must complete ESL Level 4 before enrolling in ELA 10-1, EA 10-2, Social 10-1, or Social 10-2, or they should already be at Level 4 before registering at Bishop O'Byrne. At Bishop O'Byrne High School, students with diverse learning needs receive tailored support. The Educational Support I program is designed for high school students transitioning from the Junior High Educational Support - I Program. The curriculum is adapted to meet each student's needs, combining practical academic instruction with selected option classes over three years. The aim is to prepare students for independent living, and upon completion, they receive a certificate of completion, though not a high school diploma.
Similarly, the Educational Support II program at Bishop O'Byrne High School caters to high school students with developmental disabilities. Over three years, students receive instruction in practical academic skills, life and social skills, and may have the opportunity to gain work experience in the community. The program's focus is on enhancing functional academic, social, and living skills to prepare students for the possibility of independent living. As with the Educational Support I program, graduates receive a certificate of completion, and District Instructional Services personnel play a key role in student placement.
Bishop O'Byrne High School hosts GrACE, which stands for Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education. This organization's mission is to support publicly-funded Catholic education across Alberta, with the endorsement of the Alberta Bishops, Alberta Catholic School Trustees, and Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta. GrACE encourages all individuals dedicated to Catholic education to become advocates and champions for the success and future of Catholic schools. Through involvement in local GrACE teams in homes, neighborhoods, schools, and parishes, individuals can contribute to the cause and share their personal experiences of Catholic education.
At Bishop O'Byrne High School, an emphasis is placed on fostering students' physical, social, spiritual, and emotional development through its comprehensive Athletic Program. By promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, physical fitness, and dedication, the school seeks to create an environment of fair play and personal growth. As a proud member of the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association, the Bishop O'Byrne High School has a history of notable achievements in various athletic sport programs.
Additionally, Bishop O'Byrne High School collaborates with Hockey Canada to offer the Hockey Canada Skills Academy, an optional program designed to teach hockey skills, leadership, teamwork, and fitness to students in junior high, elementary, and high school. Certified teachers with extensive hockey backgrounds lead these programs, supported by resources and training from Hockey Canada. Students benefit from on-ice training sessions up to twice a week and one off-ice training session, making this program a popular choice among parents.
Moreover, Bishop O’Byrne High School proudly holds the distinction of being an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Offering a rigorous two-year course of study for motivated eleventh and twelfth-grade students, the IB program is known for its liberal arts curriculum with a global perspective. It includes unique components such as an interdisciplinary Theory of Knowledge course, community service activities, foreign language study, and an original research project. The program fosters critical thinking and a quest for knowledge, preparing students for university-level education and often granting preferential program placement and first-year credits at recognized universities.
Accommodation in Bishop O'Byrne High School
Bishop O'Byrne High School does not maintain accommodation facilities for international students. However, it offers several options to help students find suitable housing during their time in Calgary. For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience, the school provides a homestay program through trusted providers. This allows students to live with local host families, fostering an authentic Canadian experience while improving language skills. Homestay fees generally vary between $1,000 CAD and $1,500 CAD per month, and include room, meals, and vital support services.
Alternatively, students can explore renting an apartment or condo in Calgary, providing more independence and privacy while still being close to the school and amenities. Rental costs vary based on location and size, ranging from $800 CAD to $1,500 CAD per month. For those who enjoy shared living, rooming with fellow students or roommates is an option. This not only reduces living expenses but also promotes a sense of community and friendship. Many students choose to share apartments or houses, creating lasting memories with their peers.
Future Prospects after study in Bishop O'Byrne High School
For graduates of Bishop O'Byrne High School, a world of opportunities awaits, but the journey begins with setting a course towards higher education. Like a ship navigating uncharted waters, aspiring students must first pursue their educational voyage at esteemed post-secondary institutions like colleges or universities. This essential step acts as a compass, guiding them towards the coveted Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which grants access to invaluable work experience in Canada. With the PGWP program under their belts, these aspirant graduates are well-prepared to start on their journey into the real-world job market, armed with the skills and information they gained during their educational journey. As the winds of opportunity fill their sails, they sail towards a horizon of limitless possibility, where they may prosper in their chosen sectors and leave their imprint on Canada's broad tapestry of industry.
But that's not all! The journey beyond Bishop O'Byrne High School holds even greater promises. For those with dreams of permanence in the Great White North, the possibility of obtaining permanent resident status beckons. Canada's arms are open wide, offering pathways like the Express Entry system, provincial nominee programs, and family sponsorship, leading graduates towards a more settled future. Picture yourself embracing the Canadian way of life, embracing its diverse culture, and enjoying the warmth of a welcoming nation. Permanent residency means access to social benefits and a sense of belonging to this great land.
And if Canada's allure captures your heart completely, staying in the country permanently becomes a compelling option. With its flourishing economy, abundant opportunities, and high quality of life, Canada stands as a land of prosperity and dreams come true. Imagine weaving your dreams into the fabric of this thriving society, taking part in its growth, and contributing your unique talents. As permanent residents, graduates enjoy the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens, forging a meaningful future with endless horizons. But the journey doesn't end there. For those seeking to fully embrace Canadian identity, the possibility of Canadian citizenship awaits. Meeting the required residency and language criteria opens the door to becoming a full-fledged citizen, complete with the right to vote and a profound sense of national pride. It's a testament to the shared values and commitment towards building a strong and inclusive Canada.
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