Incoming Grade 9 students getting situated to new schools

North Star High School student success teacher Kary Coulson, joined by peer mentors and vice principal Jason Lynn, addresses Grade 9 students at their orientation day last Wednesday morning.

School is back in session and for Grade 9 students, they are in a whole new environment.

At North Star High School in Amherstburg, students were welcomed to their new surroundings last Wednesday morning at Grade 9 orientation day. Student parliament and peer mentors were joined by staff at the school to guide the incoming Grade 9 students around the building and let them know what to expect.

Of the 128 Grade 9 students, about 120 were there for the orientation day.

Camryn Maxwell and Lauren Bondy were helping to head up peer mentor efforts for the day, with Bondy pointing out roughly 40 peer mentors assisted with the event.

“The goal is to make the transition a nice one for the students,” said Maxwell.

“We want to make the transition easier,” agreed Bondy.

Maxwell added they want to make the new students as comfortable as possible in their new surroundings.

Students were divided up and taken to various classrooms within the building in order so they can find their classes, learned how to find their lockers and how to unlock them, learned about programs and sports teams and played some games as well.

“Our peer mentors worked hard and showed dedication in organizing everything,” said Maxwell.

The Grade 9 students were welcomed by student parliament, including new student Prime Minister Lauren Kelly.

Vice principal Jason Lynn welcomed the new students and said they will spend a lot of time and make a lot of memories within the walls of North Star High School.

“You are going to meet a lot of great teachers,” said Lynn.

Lynn urged the students not to be intimidated by anything and to turn to staff if they need assistance. Kary Coulson, student success teacher at North Star, also encouraged the new high school students to seek out staff if they need help.

Coulson and physical education teacher Lisa Voakes also urged students to try out for sports teams and don’t believe they will be cut if they try out simply because they are just starting out in high school.

Incoming Grade 9 students getting situated to new schools

By Ron Giofu