The move from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is likely one of the biggest changes of a student's life, and hopefully one of the most exciting. To help students make a smooth transition to high school, students, teachers, and families are involved in an extensive planning process that takes place between January and August each year.

In January, Student Success Team members from secondary schools visit Grade 8 classrooms to explain course and program choices for next year. Students will have an opportunity to visit their new high school, and parents and guardians are invited to Grade 8 Parent/Guardian Nights.

These visits are important opportunities to talk to teachers to determine the best pathway to ensure success in secondary school. All pathways will lead to excellent opportunities in the future, and determining the best pathway is an important process. Students and families are encouraged to make use of the myBlueprint tool that allows students to plan and select high school courses, explore occupations and post-secondary option and record important information and reflections related to their career and education planning.

In August, students will receive Grade 9 timetables, and be given the opportunity to tour their secondary school to become familiar with classrooms, to be assigned lockers, and to pick up textbooks.

In September, there are many people available at the high school to support students in their chosen pathway. Administrators, teachers, guidance counsellors, success teachers, learning support teachers, adolescent care workers, and student mentors all want to make the first year of high school successful. Students and parents/guardians should not hesitate to ask questions and get help.