St. Patrick’s Catholic High School and Ursuline College Chatham welcomed hundreds of incoming Grade 9 students Thursday for LINK, an orientation program aimed at helping students feel prepared and excited for high school.
The day gave future students 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 meant to prepare them for secondary school.
Incoming Grade 9 student Poppy Burke, who is transitioning from St. Michael’s Ridgetown to Ursuline College Chatham, said the day helped ease her nerves about starting high school.
“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. “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 Ursuline College Chatham. “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.”
Burke said she is looking forward to the opportunities ahead in high school.
“I’m really excited about the classes here,” Burke said. “They have so many opportunities and clubs. I’m interested in the musical, science classes, and the arts.”
