Get ready for what could be the most exciting and important years your child spends in school. After living with an elementary school routine for several years, the daily rhythm changes in grade 7 and 8 (Intermediate). Start here and get to know the building... then take a moment to explore the campus, trails and hockey arena that we regularly use via google maps.
It is completely normal for some students to be nervous about starting at a new school, some of our staff also get nervous at fall startup. Common concerns including increased homework, social pressures, getting lost, technology, making friends, finding classes, getting to the right OCtranspo bus, and using lockers can generally be mitigated by our Ambassadors program. Staff provide support and mentoring opportunities to ensure students are comfortable, safe and successful. They will also engage and address students in exploring the importance of mental health and well being, developing study habits and successfully preparing for assessments.
What happens on the first day of school?
Students will gather on the soccer field at the back of the school or in the Gym if rainy at around 8:50am, next to the Bell Arena. From there, students will meet their homeroom teacher (around 9:05am) and begin Orientation Week activities. This week is devoted to getting to know the building, busses, schedules, lockers, locks and building relationships with their class.
What's new for Grade 7 & 8?
At Bell, while our intermediate department sports, clubs and special events are often separate from those of the high school, we do have several shared events throughout the year. Here are a few key differences to expect when advancing to grade 7;
Intermediate students;
follow a different class schedule with different break times
have separate lunch time from grade 9 - 12 students
have separate sports teams, clubs and intramurals and have open gym available daily
have a choice of extracurricular activities and events
will use Chromebooks to access and share learning via google classroom, Gmail and have access in all classrooms
have access to the Cafetorium where they can eat a lunch brought from home or try some of the hot meals prepared and sold by the food staff
take a van or OCtranspo to and from school. There are no yellow school buses at Bell.
have access to homework support and academic assistance
Intermediate classrooms and lockers can be found on the second floor of the middle (English Dep't) wing
A few more advantages include; Indoor and outdoor learning commons access, a full size separate gym, fitness studio, spin room, specialized sports equipment, science labs, dedicated music and art rooms, dance studio, drama club, proximity to skating and hockey at the Bell arena.
Attendance
Getting to class on time and avoiding absences are critical if your child is to get the most out of school. Learning is cumulative. It builds on skills and concepts that were previously introduced. Missing classes for an extended period of time can make it challenging for students to learn classroom concepts and keep up with their studies.
Reporting an absence or Late arrival
If your child will be absent, please email (bellhs@ocdsb.ca), call (613-828-9101) or leave a voicemail with details.
Unreported absences
If a student does not arrive at the start of the school day, and the absence is not reported to the school, parents will receive an automated call and/or email advising them of the absence and asking them to contact the school.
Extended absences
Contact your school if your child will be absent for an extended period of time due to illness or travel.
Leaving school property
Students in grades 7-8 are not permitted to leave school property while unsupervised at any time during the school day.
Medications, Medical conditions/allergies
Students have several teachers and are changing classes throughout the day. Therefore they are generally expected to manage their own medication and allergy avoidance needs. It is important to keep the school informed of any changes to your child’s medical needs and verify the expiry date on any medication they carry (such as EpiPen).
Daily Schedule
Lobby - 8:50 - 9:05
Learning Block #1 - 9:05 - 11:05
Recess & Snack - 1105-1145
Learning Block #2 - 11:45 - 1:05
Recess & Snack - 105-145
Learning Block #3 - 1:45 - 3:25
Dismissal - 3:25