Transition News for Grade 7&8May 2014

See below for the latest about the renovations and transition activities as we prepare to receive the Gr. 7&8s in September;

- Stage one of the renovations is near completion and we will be operating from the new offices, Learning Commons and Student Services effective June 2nd

- Renovations on Gym 3, 3 classrooms, fitness area and 3rd floor classrooms will begin in June.

- 7 of the 10 classrooms are ready to receive new student desks and chairs.- Check out our Virtual Tour at our website or any of the Perth school’s website

any time after May 22nd.- Where Everyone Belongs : A new program will start next year to enable student

leaders in Gr. 10 to work with our new students each year. The goal for WEB is to provide social and emotional support to all intermediate students.  Studies have shown that students who have a successful intermediate school transition, have a substantially increased rate of success during intermediate school.  Each grade 7 & 8 student, during the 2014-2015 school year, will be matched with two grade 10 WEB leaders.  Throughout the school year, WEB Leaders will encourage and motivate PDCI's intermediate students, to make positive personal choices.  The WEB Leaders will be organizing social gatherings, as well as facilitating classroom activities geared towards building self-worth and social belonging. 

- During the weeks of June 9- 20 th , I will bring current Gr. 9 students to elementary schools to work with the students who are currently in Gr. 6, 7 & 8. The small group format will enable good opportunities for students to ask questions from existing students.

- We have worked closely with the staff members at each of the elementary classes so we could develop class lists for September.

- We have four Gr. 7 classes and five Gr. 8 classes, including one Gr 7FI class and two Gr. 8 FI classes. Immersion and non-immersion students will be blended for subjects taught in English.

- The current front doors of the school next year will serve as the drop off point for Gr. 7&8s who ride buses to school. The front entrance will be at the new offices at the opposite end of the school.

- DON’T FORGET: Often students at ages 14 and 15 require 10 year booster vaccinations. Once received, please contact the Health Unit.

- August (Last week); plan on a whole day of integration activities for your son or daughter going into Grade 7&8

- August (Last Week): A whole day of activities for students going into Grade 9.- Staff Members : Once the staffing is complete, our staff list will be posted on our

website.- If you have any questions, please contact me at john.gow@ucdsb.on.ca or 613-

267-3051 ext. 1105