I quite enjoy the amount of support that you're surrounded by here at Churchill. I found that the teachers made it very easy to adapt considering the switch from junior high to high school is very drastic. The best advice I could give you is to get involved. The first few days of school may seem intimidating I know, but trust me the faster you start talking to people and involving yourself in the school it becomes easier. The first week or so of school I barely spoke three words, I was simply too scared I wouldn't fit in. As soon as talked to people and engaged things became a lot easier. (FEO Alumna)

I like being treated more like a responsible young adult and being able to have more freedom and responsibility in this school. Pay attention to lessons, do your homework daily and you have the weekend free. (Tom Baines Alumnus)

I like being a Churchill student because of the learning environment. The teachers at Churchill are patient, caring, and are always there if you need any help. Everywhere you go there are motivated, hardworking, and welcoming students that made my transition into high school easier. Being a Churchill student means that everyday you are learning new topics and facing new challenges that push you to become a student you didn’t know you could have been before. I found interests in subjects that weren’t captivating to me in Jr High. Homework is very manageable and I even had time to play on a sport team at Churchill. Although a few rumours or movies have implemented that high school is scary, it doesn’t have to be. Yes, there might be daily homework, many more exams, etc. but I’d say, be brave; believe in yourself. You can achieve anything you want to if you set your mind on it and work hard. (Tom Baines Alumna)

I love the diverse, open minded community around me. No matter what your likes and dislikes are, their are always people who will stick and stand by you, whether it be a teacher, student, or administrator. I also love how many opportunities and supports we have as Churchill students, as they have made this transition from high-school fun and smooth. The pleasant surprise about being a student here was how easy it was to adapt and meld into the Churchill community. In junior high we were always told that high-school will be a very big step and it will be incredibly difficult and challenging to adapt and get good grades. It may be a big step, but high-definitely isn't as daunting as it was made to appear. Within the first week I was able to make new friends, and was already used to the pressure and workload of my different classes and clubs I joined. Although it took a little time to balance my workload and life, I have been quite comfortable in this environment from the first month of school. My advice for grade 9 students is to face high-school head on. Don't be scared about signing up for new clubs or about talking to new people, and don't be stressed about how other people think of you. If you be yourself, stick to your own values, make decisions without caring about what strangers will think of you, you will thrive in high-school. (CAPE Alumna)

One thing that I like about being a Churchill student is how there are different clubs and activities that students can take part in. One pleasant surprise about being a Churchill student is how there are many different resources and supports that are found all through-out the school. Advice that I would give to incoming Grade 9 students would be to always study before test/exam days, and to always reach out to teachers, and ask questions when things get confusing in class. An unnecessary worry that I had before coming to Churchill was about if I would be great enough to reach everyone's standards. I realized that the best thing to do in high school is to focus on my studies and my own personal development. (TB Riley Alumna)

There are a wide range of people that I have met and become friends wit through the many clubs that Churchill has to offer. Initially, I was nervous the large jump from middle school to high school. But, the teachers and staff have been so welcoming and made the adjustment much easier for us students! To all the grade 9 students, I would tell them to make the most of all the opportunities that Churchill has to offer. There are so many clubs and school sports available as well as great chances to be involved in the community through Volunteer Churchill. By being involved, it will make the experience so much more enjoyable! Coming in to Churchill, I was initially worried about whether I could handle all of the workload and expectations that come with being in high school . But, with all of the wonderful teachers and resources available to us students such as tutorials, it became much easier to get accustomed and has made my experience so very enjoyable! (Arbour Lake Alumnus)

The amount of clubs and opportunities that Churchill provided surprised to a great extent. There are a huge variety of clubs that provide every individual their interests ranging from extracurriculars to volunteering opportunities. Have good time management, I started the year without managing my time, which impacted a few of my assignments in the beginning of the year. Set up some calendars and plan everything out. One unnecessary worry I thought of when I first enrolled to Churchill was procrastination and stress. However, once I devoted more time into my studies and took some breaks at the gym, it allowed myself to clear stress. (Queen Elizabeth Alumnus)