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 Grade 8 students make a smooth transition to secondary school, students, teachers, and families are involved in an extensive planning process that takes place between November and August each year.

In January, Student Success Team members from secondary schools visit Grade 8 classrooms to explain course and program choices for the following year. Students will be automatically transferred to their home secondary school based on their current home elementary school. You can locate your child’s home secondary school by visiting the school locator tool and enter your home address under the School Eligibility. Students who have applied to Choices at 9 programs will be notified by January 24 and will need to confirm their acceptance by January 30. Students will have an opportunity to visit their new secondary school, and parents and guardians are invited to Grade 8 Parent/Guardian Nights. If you have further questions regarding this process please contact your child’s current elementary school. 

These visits are important opportunities to talk to teachers to determine the best pathway to ensure success in secondary school and beyond. 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 options, 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 secondary school successful and a positive experience. Students and parents/guardians should not hesitate to ask questions and get help.