Career and Academic Counsellor

My name is Charlene Foster.  I'm the Career and Academic Counsellor at Heritage Christian Academy.  I am available to meet with students (and parents) on Wednesdays.  Sign up for an appointment by going to YouCanBook.Me and selecting a time on Monday (my day at HCA).  

Please visit my Career Page website for helpful tools and resources including:

- Calendar of university fairs and open house events

- Finance information including scholarships and financial aid

- Links to schools across Canada including virtual tours of numerous campuses

I also encourage you to take advantage of the resources in myBlueprint.ca, including the high school planner, post secondary planner, occupation planner and online assessments. If you don't already have an account, email me to request the activation key.  If you have an account but have forgotten your password, enter your email address and click the "forgot password" link.  Contact me if you have any problems or questions.  

Dual Credit

Student learning to fill prescriptions in the Pharmacy Assistant Certificate Dual Credit program.

Dual Credit provides opportunities for students to earn post-secondary credit and high school credit at the same time (without paying post-secondary tuition).  Students take post-secondary courses from skilled professors and instructors, getting a chance to explore programs and potential career options before they graduate from high school.

This year we have Heritage students involved in Pre-Employment Carpentry, Introduction to Business, Pharmacy Assistant Certificate and Medical Terminology.

We have several students currently participating in Dual Credit programs, and we are adding new opportunities every year.

Palliser Dual Credit in Calgary

Post-Secondary Open House Calendar

Making decisions about post-secondary education is a challenge.  Touring campuses and talking to people first hand about programs, admissions requirements and scholarships can be a huge help.  Check out the Open House Calendar below.

 Open House 2017 2018

RCMP Depot Youth Camp - August 7-11, 2017

The Depot Youth Camp is an all-expenses-paid week-long summer camp for students in Grades 11 and 12 (ages 16-19). Students selected for the RCMP Youth Camp form a co-ed group that is reflective of a typical RCMP cadet troop. By the end of the week-long camp, the group will develop a good understanding of the career possibilities offered by the RCMP. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Depot prior to submitting an RCMP application.

Student selection will be based on academic achievement, fitness and interest in a career in policing. While at camp, students will be issued parts of the RCMP uniform to wear and will be expected to act as a troop in training. They will be required to wake up early, keep dorms clean, and behave as a professional representative of the RCMP.

Apply by March 1, 2017.

For more details and the application form go to Career Page - RCMP Depot Youth Camp.

Updated University Events Calendar

Here's an updated list of University events taking place in Calgary over the next few months.

Oct. 28-29 - SAIT open house (submit one online application for free during the Open House, more info at sait.ca/future-students/visit-campus/open-house)

Oct. 29 - Mount Royal open house (more info at mtroyal.ca/Admission/OpenHouse)

Oct. 29 - University of Waterloo at Delta Calgary South (more info and registration at uwaterloo.ca/find-out-more/calgary)

Oct. 31 and Nov. 1- Memorial University information sessions (more info and locations at www.mun.ca/undergrad)

Nov. 3 - University of Lethbridge at Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre (more info at campaigns.uleth.ca/info-evenings)

Nov. 4,5 - Ambrose open house (submit one application for free during the open house, more info at ambrose.edu/openhouse2016)

Nov. 17 - University Fair field trip to Master’s College (15 institutions represented)

Nov. 19 - UBC at The Westin (more info at you.ubc.ca/tours-info-sessions/visits-canada/#alberta)

Nov. 19 - ACAD open house (more info at acad.ca/future-students/lets-get-know-each-other-better)

Nov. 30 - UVIC at Hotel Blackfoot  (more info at uvic.ca/future-students/undergraduate/connect/events/an-evening-with-uvic.php)

Career Notes - October 2016

Grade 11 and 12 Career Notes

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend.  I would like to encourage all of you to continue focusing on your top priorities.  Grade 12’s, you know that your marks are important as you apply for university.  Grade 11’s, keep in mind that most universities will use your grade 11 marks when they initially evaluate your applications.  Grade 11 marks are also used for numerous scholarships.

Remember you can stop by to see me when I’m at your school, or you can contact me by email (charlene.foster@pallisersd.ab.ca) or book an appointment (cfoster.youcanbook.me).

Charlene Foster

Career and Academic Counsellor

Open House reminders:

Are you hoping to study in the United States?

Education USA has helpful information on topics such as Standardized Tests (ACT or SAT), Information for Athletes and Financing your Education.  

If you would like a free 1:1 advising session with someone who specializes in helping Canadian students prepare to study in the US, start by completing this Pre-advising survey.

Looking for Scholarships?

Check out the Finance tab on the Career Page for links to scholarships including the Horatio Alger Scholarship (up to $10,000, Oct. 25 deadline), the 10 Words or Less Scholarship ($500, Dec. 1 deadline) and the Burger King Scholars Program (up to $50,000, Dec. 15 deadline).

Thinking of Medical School?

If Medical School might be in your future, check out the DITLOAMS (Day In The Life Of A Medical Student) event.  :

On Thursday, November 10th, 2016 the University of Calgary Canadian Medical Student Association will be hosting an annual event titled "A Day in the Life of a Medical Student", where we invite high school students from Calgary and surrounding areas to experience what it’s like to be a medical student for half a day! Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of simulated activities and get to meet current med students and ask them any questions they may have about medical school.

Due to space limitations, we are currently able to accept up to 5 students per school.

The deadline to register is Friday, October 28th. Students who register after this date will be placed on the waitlist. Confirmation of registration or placement on the waitlist will be sent shortly after Monday, October 31st. Please note that students will NOT require parent or teacher chaperones, as they will be guided all day by their med student leaders.

The registration fee is $10.  The event runs from 8:00-1:00 at the University of Calgary Health Sciences Centre (3330 Hospital Dr. NW).  Lunch is provided. Transportation is the student’s responsibility.   

No school staff will be attending this event. If you register to attend, you must let Mrs. Foster and your teachers know.  You are responsible for any work you miss.

Student registration link :

https://goo.gl/forms/PRQaCbyKgt5GJ1sH3

Career Notes - February 17, 2016

InspirAct Volunteer Fair Directory

Looking for youth volunteer opportunities?  Check out the InspirAct Youth Volunteer Directory for dozens of ideas.

RAP skilled trades nights

Start an apprenticeship during high school.  Learn about the Registered Apprenticeship Program and connect with employers and industry.  

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016 @ Lord Beaverbrook High School (South)

Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2106 @ Father Lacombe High School (East)

Thursday, Apr. 7, 2016 @ Bert Church High School (Airdrie)

All events are from 6:30-8:30pm. For more information phone 403-875-0281 or email dolesen@nextgen.org.

Want to be a heavy-equipment technician?

Apply for the two year ThinkBIG (Heavy Equipment) Service Technician program in Grand Prairie.  Finning will pay the tuition for this program for successful applicants and, upon commencement of the program, students will become employees of Finning.  As employees of Finning, students will receive benefits as per Finning’s benefits plan after completion of a three month waiting period.  Find out more at ThinkBig.

RCMP Depot Youth Camp 2016 (August 8 to 12, 2016)

Apply to be one of thirty-two students selected to attend the youth camp held at the RCMP’s Regina Training Academy. Students must be in grades 11 or 12 and possess a valid Class 5 driver's licence. You will learn what it’s like to be a police officer through activities including drill, driver simulator training, firearms, police officer scenarios, a tour of the training facility and RCMP museum, and much more!  Contact Mrs. Foster for an application form.  Application deadline: March 16, 2016

SAIT Summer Camps

SAIT Summer Camps are for youth entering grades 4-12.  Each year, the summer camps community consists of aspiring culinary artists, scientists, business leaders, athletes, engineers and tradespeople.  Most camps are one week in length and are linked to a SAIT Polytechnic career program. Find out more at SAIT Summer Camps.

Red Deer College Summer Camps

RDC’s week-long overnight camps offer something for everyone – visual art, music, film, game design, theatre and even animation! Become immersed in new activities while creating lasting friendships in a safe, encouraging environment. Go to RDC Summer Camps for more details and to register.

ACAD Pre-College Program (July 4-29)

Get a hands-on feel for college life with ACAD’s Pre-College Program. Make friends, earn ACAD college credits and build an awesome portfolio in four intense weeks of full-time, studio-based studies in art and design.  Pre-College is for 16-18 year old students who have completed grade 11 or 12.  Find out more at ACAD Pre-College.

U.S. University Admissions & Test Prep Overview

March 5th Time: 9:00am - 8:00pm at Rundle College Jr. Sr. High

Join educational consultant, Whitney Laughlin, Ed.D., and test prep expert, Eric Rath, of Applerouth for an overview of how grade 10 and 11 students should approach U.S. university admissions.  All events are free. We encourage both students and parents to sign up for the evening session.  You can attend one, two, or all three sections.  Registration is required. Go to Applerouth sign-up and enter the event code.  More details including event codes are available in the flyer posted at school.

Upcoming Dates

February 25   Ambrose Open House

March 5         King’s University Open House

March 9         Mt. Royal Information Evening

March 17-19   King’s Encounter Weekend

March 18-19   Trinity Western Preview Weekend

For more details about any of these items, visit the Career Page website or contact Charlene Foster.

website: Career Page

email:   charlene.foster@pallisersd.ab.ca

appointments: cfoster.youcanbook.me