Help Needed With a Shoplifting Charge

I am a 20 years old international student studying in Newfoundland, Canada and was caught today for shop-lifting at Sears. The items totalled to a value of about $100 and I was taken behind the store and the police were called. Also, I declared other items from 3 different stores, amouting to $15, all of which declined to press charges against her. I have no previous criminal record whatsoever, not even a parking ticket and am first-class scholarship student attending school. Moreover, during one such incident, I had accidently picked up 2 pieces of clothing worth $175 in a rush to receive an urgent phone-call. Upon realising that I went back and returned those items to the store that very day. They were appreciative of this and probably can issue a statement to me stating the same (as a proof of my civil behavior).
I was given an Appearence Notice and released on conditions to appear in court and also appear at the police station for photographs and fingerprints at a later date. I gave no statement to the police officer, practicing my right to remain silent.
I am deeply concerned about how this will affect my credit and public rating in the country and also whether my photographs and fingerprints, which are taken pursuant to the Identification of Criminals Act, will stay on file with the police indefinitely or if I could have them successfully destroyed.
I was told that I might be able to get Absolute Discharge, or get a certain probation period from a period of 6-12 months along with a fine.
Also, I would be obligated if you could provide with any advice on how to approach the situation now or any indication to what lies ahead for me.
Also, would diversion of the charge be a possibilty under the NFLD Provincial Law, keeping in mind that it was an under $5000 charge?
Is conviction without a trial a seemingly possible alternative?

Moreover, as I will start applying for work terms within the next year, will my employers find it out when doing a background search and will it appear on public record?

I would greatly appreciate any help or advice on the plight of my situation.

I don't really know much of anything about Newfoundland's law or court practices, other than their being in the common law tradition. You would have better luck posting in a forum which focuses on Canadian legal issues. A discharge or a deferment would be a good outcome, as they would leave you without a conviction.