"Life in Grade 9"

“Okay, here we go. Just put one foot in front of the other… what could go wrong! Will I find my classroom, without being late? Where am I going to sit? There will be so many people I don’t know! I’m going to make a fool out of myself. “ If you are entering grade 9 this is possibly what is going through your mind on the first day of high school.

Grade 9 is one of the best years of your life, because you are starting a new chapter, with new experiences. Along with this, it is one of the most nerve-raking experiences, going from being the “big fish”, to the smallest fish in the pond. Once you get past the first week you will start to settle in and get to know more about the high school. There are so many groups, clubs, sports, and associations that high school has to offer. All you have to do is get involved, talked to people and put yourself out there.

Some of the groups and clubs we have are: Students Council, Athletic Association, S.H.A.R.E, Three Fires Confederacies, Peer Mediation, and Movie Club but that’s just the beginning. If you are very athletic, or just want to try out for a team and attempt a new experience, we have several sports such as: Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, X-Country and many more. High School can be a lot of fun! When you add extra curriculum activities to the workload, meeting new people and hanging out with friends, it makes going to school worthwhile.

Now that I have mentioned the fun stuff that you can do, it’s time to get down to business. Classes take up most of the day, working hard in the morning and afternoon. In each class no matter what it is, you should always give your best effort. Maybe it’s gym and you really hate exercise or working out. Maybe you don’t like taking notes or doing textbook work. No matter what it is, give your best effort and work hard to archive success in your eyes. Remember you can’t please anyone if you can’t please yourself.

I have been a grade 9 student and have gone through what the 2010-2011 grade 9’s are going through. Some of the things that I have learnt and will take with me through high school are; always do your homework, and ask questions. I know every single person will say that to you going into high school but it is very true. If you have no idea of what’s going on then how will you learn if you don’t let someone know.  The last thing that is one of the very, very, very most important things you can do is in everything that you do … have fun! Have a great year!!

– Liz Oswald