LINK Orientation Helps Future Grade 9 Students Prepare for High School
On Thursday, St. Patrick’s Catholic High School and Ursuline College Chatham welcomed hundreds of incoming Grade 9 students for LINK, an orientation program focused on helping students feel prepared and excited for high school.
The day gave future Fighting Irish and Lancers a chance to get comfortable in their new surroundings through icebreaker games, connecting with future classmates, learning how to open their lockers and touring the schools.
New students also had the opportunity to attend Head Start at their respective high schools earlier in the week, another initiative that prepares them for secondary school.
Incoming Grade 9 student Poppy Burke is making the transition from St. Michael’s Ridgetown to UCC.
“Today we’ve been doing a lot of activities with partners and other people going into Grade 9 and hearing about the school,” Burke said on Thursday. “The principal came in a talked to us, which was really nice. I’ve seen a lot of people from the two days before. It really helps me get a lot more comfortable with the school, the students, and the teachers here as well.”
Activities and tours were led by senior student LINK leaders, who made it their mission to help Grade 9 students feel welcome as they begin high school.
“I wanted to be LINK leader because I know I’ve always wanted to help people,” said Josh Blundy, a fifth-year student at UCC. “I was scared coming here in Grade 9 even though I knew a lot of people and had seen the school before. It’s so much different on the first day seeing the hallways full. I want to make sure every Grade 9 feels comfortable and that they don’t feel overwhelmed so they can really focus on enjoying it rather than stressing about it.”
While first-day nerves are natural, there’s also a lot to look forward to when starting high school.
“I’m really excited about the classes here,” said Burke. “They have so many opportunities and clubs. I’m interested in the musical, science classes, and the arts.”
