Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transition
Grade 8 Orientation Dates/Times
Key Dates
The HDSB is offering Grade 8 orientation sessions this Spring. Students are encouraged to attend to learn more about their secondary school and tour the facilities. Information about these sessions can be found below. Students do not need to register for these events; details will be coordinated between the secondary school and the student’s elementary school.
| School | Date | In Person or Virtual? |
|---|---|---|
| Abbey Park High School | May 8, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Acton District School | May 21, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Aldershot High School | May 9, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Burlington Central High School | May 14, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - Yes |
| Craig Kielburger Secondary School | May 14, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School | May 9, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Elsie MacGill Secondary School | May 8, 2025 | In-Person - No Virtual - Yes |
| Garth Webb Secondary School | May 8, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Georgetown District High School | May 23, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Iroquois Ridge High School | May 7, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| M. M. Robinson High School | May 16, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Milton District High School | May 28, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| Nelson High School | Nelson HS will be visiting elementary schools to speak with Grade 8 students in lieu of hosting a Grade 8 orientation session | In-Person - No Virtual - No |
| Oakville Trafalgar High School | May 8, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| T. A. Blakelock High School | May 14, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
| White Oaks Secondary School | May 27 & 28, 2025 | In-Person - Yes Virtual - No |
When Grade 8 students graduate to high school, support is provided for the student as well as their parents from their elementary and secondary schools to make the transition is as easy as possible.
Students Can Expect
- guidance visits to all elementary feeder schools
- Grade 8 information evening (parent and student)
- Grade 8 visits/tours
- orientation to secondary school with student mentors
- Grade 9 activities and events throughout the year
Parents Should
- know your teenagers timetable
- access school website and newsletters to get information
- encourage your child to participate in school events, clubs and activities
- connect with teachers at the school
- encourage your child to find solutions by talking to their teacher, guidance counsellor, student success teacher, special education teacher or Principal when they need help
- talk to your child about their day
What are Student Mentors?
Every secondary school has student mentors that act as role models for incoming Grade 9 students.
These mentors play a major part in planning activities for Grade 9 as they start secondary school. Students are grouped with the mentors to help them become familiar with life at high school. Events such as tours, dances, and BBQs help develop a strong sense of community for the student. Student mentors stay connected to Grade 9 students throughout the year to support academic success and community building.
Every student is encouraged to take full advantage of a wide range of activities, sports and clubs so they can experience all that high school has to offer.
