A collage showing the front of the four Monsignor Fraser College campus buildings: Midland, Isabella, Fraser and Norfinch.

Our School

Supervised Alternative Learning

Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) is an option under the Education Act that allows alternative programming for secondary students aged 14-18, who find they are not benefiting within the regular school system. It is the parent's decision to apply to SAL, in consultation with the school social worker and administration, by completing the appropriate application process and creating a SAL Plan (SALP).

The SAL Plan outlines goals in three specific areas:

  1. Education

  2. Work

  3. Personal Goals

The SAL Committee of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) consists of a Supervisory Officer, a Trustee of the Board and a Community Representative. This committee reviews each application at a monthly meeting, and grants the applicant approval to attend the transitional SAL program.

Who Comes to SAL?

SAL is a transitional program that works in conjunction with schools for students who may present with the following challenges:

  • Chronic absences from school

  • Disengaged from school

  • Difficulties coping with the traditional structured classroom

  • May benefit from a practical, short-term employment experience

  • May benefit from different life experiences to help gain personal awareness and knowledge, develop skills for problem-solving, decision-making and goal setting

Why Come to SAL?

When given approval for the SAL program, the student may continue his/her learning in any of the following ways, as outlined in their SAL Plan (SALP):

  • Full-time or part-time employment

  • Part-time employment and part-time school

  • Enrollment in one or more courses

  • Participation in employment-readiness programs

  • Participation in community-based youth programs

  • Participation in community-based counseling to address barriers to learning

  • Participation in life skills and personal life management non-credit classes

  • Engagement in volunteer experiences and other activities that will help students set short- and long-term goals to transition back to regular school, enroll in alternative school or prepare for the world of work

When Do I Leave SAL?

SAL is a transitional program. All SAL Plans expire at the end of the school year, with the possibility of renewing for one more year. SAL expires on the student's 18th birthday, or by June of the year that the student turns 18 years of age.

Where is SAL Located?

SAL is offered at two locations:

SAL Northeast
The Divine Infant Catholic School
30 Ingleton Blvd.
Scarborough, ON M1V 3H7
Phone: 416-397-6018

SAL Southwest
St. Rita Catholic School
178 Edwin Ave.
Toronto, ON M6P 3Z9
Phone: 416-393-5872