This information was produced by the Rainbow District School Board Parent Involvement Committee with funding from the Ministry of Education Parent Engagement Office.

Join us for "Finding your way from Grade 8 to Grade 9" in November 2013. This interactive information session is designed to help students make key decisions in the transition from elementary to secondary school.  Stay tuned for more info!

Watch the Making the Transition Videos:

A Day in the Life
Making it Real
Pure Joy

*Closed Captioning is available in all web browsers except Firefox.


To view the pages, follow the links below or click here for for the full booklet.

Secondary school terms and definitions
Decoding a course code
Decoding a timetable
Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Selecting courses
Questions and Answers
Definition of "At Risk"
Programs and resources
What parents need to know
How parents can help
Learning skills for Student Success
Ensure Success
Tips from secondary school students



Welcome to secondary school
, a new and  exciting time in your life where endless opportunities and pathways are yours to  discover.

Throughout this journey, caring teachers and supportive school administrators will work with you to help you maximize your potential and fulfill your aspirations.

As a secondary school student, you will have important choices to make that will open doors for your future. You will also be given opportunities to gain hands-on experience and explore careers of interest.

This guide will help you along the way. It contains information about course codes, levels of study, timetables and tips.

This guide will also be of benefit to parents/guardians, our partners in the learning process. Parental involvement improves student achievement and we thank parents/guardians for supporting their children as they make the transition into secondary school.

In Rainbow Schools, we are committed to giving students every opportunity to achieve success in learning and life.

Your  future begins here.

Enjoy the journey!