Starting Secondary School?
It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves as you start secondary school.
We have lots of plans and support in place to make your transition to high school a smooth one.
Part of that includes helping you know what you can expect in high school and making sure you have the information you need as you navigate through secondary school.
Which secondary school should I attend?
Most students attend their home school - the school in your neighbourhood. Every secondary school offers high-quality education, caring staff and programs to help you build skills for the future.
As you begin secondary school, you can also explore specialized programs based on your interests, skills or career goals. Some require applications and may be offered at a different school.
Learn more about specialized programs and where they are offered.
If you are currently attending a French Immersion or Gifted program, then you have been set up for course selection at the secondary school offering the French Immersion or Gifted program serving your area. If you do not wish to continue in the program, please speak with your Grade 8 teacher advising you on your course selections.
What does a typical day look like?
Most high schools have two semesters. You’ll usually take four courses from September to January and a different four courses from February to June. Classes are about 75 minutes long (called “periods”).
Every student has their own timetable. You’ll receive yours before the school year starts. It tells you which course you have each period, which room to go to and who your teacher is. You’ll usually have a different teacher for every course.
Learn more about how to read your timetable.
Learn more about how to read course codes.
Your timetable will tell you when your lunch period is. High schools have a cafeteria you can eat in, or you can leave the school grounds at lunchtime. Students are expected to represent our school well in the community and return on time for their next class.
You will have a locker to store your personal belongings and you may carry your backpack if you wish from class to class.
On the first day of school, only Grade 9 students attend. You’ll have the school to yourselves. You’ll have a chance to meet other students, meet your teachers and find your classes. Staff are here to help you if you are not sure where your classes are.
Personalize Your School Experience
Every February, you’ll choose courses for the next year using My Pathway Planner.
Make sure you take the courses you need to graduate or meet any program requirements. You can explore the Arts, Skilled Trades, Business, STEM and more.
The good news is, you don’t have to decide alone - school staff are here to help.
Learn more about course selection.
There are so many options. You can join sports teams, bands and choirs, identity-affirming clubs, clubs based on shared interests, hackathons, skills challenges or student leadership. It’s a great way to meet new people, try something new and get involved.
We invite you to explore the specialized programs offered in secondary school in YRDSB to see which ones align with your goals, strengths and interests. Some can be combined with other programs. There are programs that let you build skills and experience, gain certifications and practical experience, all while earning your secondary school diploma.
Not sure what’s right for you? You can also explore these opportunities based on your areas of interest.
Develop Your Skills
High school courses are designed to build on the knowledge and skills you have gained in elementary school. Just like elementary school, some courses may have more homework than others. And just like elementary school, your teachers want you to be successful and are here to help. We have tips to help you with the skills you need to be successful including:
- time management
- homework success
- study skills
- and more
You have more independence in secondary school, but remember that the school staff is there to help.
You are responsible for keeping track of your assignments, test dates and extra-curricular commitments. Choose a method to use every day to manage your time, such as an agenda book or electronic calendar. Ask your family member, classroom teacher, or the Student Success Teacher at your school for some ideas.
Many high school courses have exams at the end of them. Like any other test, there are lots of things you can do to make sure you’re prepared.
Learn more tips for building your skills, including exam preparation.
Speak with your teacher or school staff, Student Success Teacher, Guidance Counsellor or Student Services Department if you require extra support with your course work. Find out if your school offers peer tutoring or other programs. This is a great opportunity to be proactive with your learning or ask questions.
There are many caring adults, mentors and student leaders in your school who want to see you succeed. Connect with someone.
Safe and Supported
We want you to be successful. High school has a support team for you.
- Administrators, educators and support staff are there to help. If you have questions or are struggling, whether academically or with your well-being, we encourage you to reach out to a trusted adult. We want students to feel safe, valued, welcome and to be successful.
- Guidance Counselors can provide support with course selection, post-secondary planning, well-being and more.
- Student Success Teachers help make sure you stay on track with your credits.
Elementary and secondary school staff meet before students start Grade 9 to ensure a smooth transition for students with Individual Education Plans. Similar to elementary school, accommodations and supports will be in place to support student success.
You may be interested in exploring the Transitions Hub. The YRDSB Transition Hub is a space created to support all students and their families during times of change, with specific information and strategies to support students with special education needs.
All teachers support the English language learning of a student, as well as their subject learning. Classroom/subject teachers provide accommodations to support students.
Additional supports may include:
- ESL courses
- ELD courses
Students should speak with their teachers/guidance counsellors about course selection and pathways to meet their post-secondary and career goals.
Remember, everyone else is starting a new school too. You may know students from your elementary school or community activities, and you will have lots of opportunities to meet new people - in your classes and through extracurricular activities.
There are many opportunities for you to get the most out of school. Classroom experiences, extra-curricular activities, and your school community are part of your growth. When you get involved at school, you will have the opportunity to build friendships and be more successful.
Making new friends is easier than you think. Consider getting to know the people in your class, near your locker and on your teams or clubs:
- Break the ice
- Say “hello!”
- Find someone with a common interest
- Invite them to join you for lunch
- Share exciting news
- Offer your help or ask for theirs
- Invite them to work with you on a project
The schools may be bigger, but community is still important. We strive to create spaces where everyone feels safe, welcome and valued. There are lots of opportunities to build your connection to the school. Join a club or team, volunteer in the school, attend events. Get involved.
Listen to or access school announcements so that you are aware of the many events and opportunities to get involved and make new friends:
- You can try out for a variety of competitive teams.
- Some schools also offer intramural sports for recreation and clubs such as fitness clubs where you can be active in a non-competitive environment.
- There are a variety of clubs and organizations based on subjects, interests and identities.
- Your student council and athletic council are also great ways to get involved, and they organize school functions such as dances, fundraisers and fun theme days for school spirit.
Volunteering is a great way to learn more about your community and to develop your life skills. Keep track of your Community Involvement hours for graduation and to build your resume.
Secondary School Transitions
Getting There
- We encourage active travel wherever possible (walking or cycling to school).
- Check your eligibility for school transportation at schoolbuscity.com. It can change when you start high school.
- York Region Public Transit (YRT) serves our school. Check the school routes and times at www.yrt.ca.
- If driving to school, please follow all posted signs and do not part in the kiss and ride or fire lanes.