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Pizza, Panels, and Practical Advice: Grade 9 Community Day a Success!

School News
Pizza, Panels, and Practical Advice: Grade 9 Community Day a Success!

Our newest Senior Years students gathered for a special Community Day designed to warmly welcome them into high school on September 17, 2025. The day was crafted to foster connections, introduce them to our vibrant Senior Years environment, and equip them with essential tools for navigating high school.

The day began with an enthusiastic greeting, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. Students were given opportunities to familiarize themselves with new spaces and schedules. Students bonded over a pizza lunch, a perfect opportunity to forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones.

The Grade 9 Community Day featured a series of practical workshops, aptly themed “How to Survive High School.” These sessions provided invaluable insights and support, addressing key areas of high school life:

  • Academic Supports and Tips: Strategies for effective study habits and utilizing school resources like Google Classroom.
  • How to Grow Your Faith: Encouragement and practical advice for spiritual development in Senior Years.
  • Emotional Support: Tools and resources for managing stress and maintaining well-being.
  • Legacy and Good Conduct: Discussions on making a positive impact and living out our school’s values.
  • Staying Healthy and Getting Involved: Information on extracurricular activities, fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.

Another highlight of the day was our Grade 12 student panels, where senior students shared their wisdom, experiences, and advice, offering a relatable perspective on navigating high school challenges and triumphs. This peer-to-peer mentorship underscored the strong, supportive community found within our Senior Years program.

Senior Years Vice Principal Andrew Fast was so excited to officially welcome our Grade 9s. Community Day embodies our commitment to building relationships and providing a nurturing environment where students feel supported academically, emotionally, and spiritually from day one. Students also enjoyed an afternoon at Activate – where more connections and community building activities occurred.

The day was filled with new friends, practical knowledge, and a clear sense of belonging as they embark on this exciting new chapter. We look forward to seeing our Grade 9s thrive!

A session on “staying healthy and getting involved in school life”
Josh Dalzell (Spiritual Care and Campus Life) led workshops on “how to grow your faith in high school”
Senior Years staff served pizza
Mrs. Chantelle Byrnes (SY Resource) shared academic and google classroom tips
Team building activities in the Courtyard
Current Grade 12 students offered advice and answered questions during a panel discussion
Small group settings for panel discussions