Seaway DHS adds new high skills major

nnIROQUOIS – Programming at Seaway District High School has received an increase with the addition of a new Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major at the school.nnThe Health and Wellness SHSM adds to the three program specialties already offered at the Grade 7-12 school: Automotive, Construction Technology, and Agriculture. Seaway was approved for the new program over the summer break.nnThe SHSM program offers the ability for students to tailor their high school learning towards university, college, and trades for post-secondary life.nnCore courses in math and English, along with elective courses, a co-operative education placement, and specialized training certification, results in students enrolled in a SHSM graduating with a red seal on their diploma. SHSM programs are open to Grade 11 and 12 students.nn“It opens up doors in the outside world showing that students already have training they would need for a job,” said Trevor Thompson, phsy-ed teacher and athletic coordinator for Seaway. Thompson heads up the new Health and Wellness program.nn“The real benefit of a SHSM program is making connections between students in the school and experts in the community,” he said.nnThompson said the addition of the Health and Wellness program is a benefit for any student look- ing to go into health science, recreation, or education fields.nnSpecific requirements for the Health and Wellness program includes four credits involving phsy-ed, health, kinetics, biology, or other “specific-knowledge” courses. A senior level math, English, and science credit is also needed, as is a minimum of a two- credit co-op placement. Students who already have taken some of those credits can apply them towards the SHSM program.nnIn addition to the school credits, students in this program also will receive Level-C CPR training (including automated external defibrillation), Infection Control, Standard First Aid, and WHMIS training. Students can then chose from between three and six elective certifications in subjects like Concussion Awareness, Mental Health First Aid, Fitness, or Safe Body Mechanics. There are 36 recognized certifications that students can receive.n

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