From Grade 8 to Grade 9: Secondary schools host Information Nights

Grade 8 students and their parents/guardians are invited to mark
their calendars and plan to attend Information Nights at Rainbow
secondary schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin.  All students are
welcome to participate, regardless of which elementary school students
currently attend.

“Making the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is a big step in a young
person’s life,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Tyler Campbell.
“We encourage students and parents/guardians to take advantage of
upcoming Information Nights to find out more about the programs offered
in Rainbow secondary schools. We are here to help students make informed
decisions about their future.”

To help in the process, Rainbow District School Board has produced a
Guide for Students and Parents called “Making the Transition – Finding
your way from Grade 8 to Grade 9.” The guide contains information about
course codes, levels of study, timetables and tips. The guide can be
accessed online at rainbowschools.ca. Copies are also available by
emailing [email protected] or visiting area Rainbow secondary
schools.

Pathways for exceptional students

Each secondary school Information Night will highlight pathways for
exceptional students.  Grade 6, 7 and 8 students with special needs and
their parents/guardians are invited to learn more about programs, course
offerings and assistance. Administration, Special Education and Student
Services staff will be available to answer questions. Special Education
personnel in elementary schools may also attend the sessions in their
respective areas to assist students and their parents/guardians.

Course levels offered in secondary schools will be highlighted at each
Information Night. “We will assist students and their parents/guardians
to determine the most appropriate course level for various learning
styles and abilities,” said Margaret Stringer, Principal of Special
Education Programs and Services.  “Rainbow secondary schools offer
resource support, accommodations and courses such as the  ‘Learning
Strategies’ course that may be of interest to students with special
needs.”

The various pathways available to students will be explored, with a
focus on compulsory courses and optional courses. Participants will
receive detailed information about the requirements for an Ontario
Secondary School Diploma, a Certificate of Achievement, or a Certificate
of Accomplishment.


Opportunities in arts, athletics and academics

Rainbow District School Board’s secondary schools offer exceptional
opportunities in arts, athletics and academics, in English and French
Immersion, in all program pathways – independent living, work,
apprenticeship, college and university.

The Board also has four specialized programs – the Arts Education
Program, the Science Technology Education Program, the School of
Integrated Technology and the International Baccalaureate Program.
Busing to these programs is offered to students within Greater Sudbury.

“It’s important that students take the time to explore all of their
options,” said Rainbow District School Board Director of Education, Norm
Blaseg. “Tour our schools, meet the Principal, talk to teachers, see
the facilities, and learn more about the dynamic programs that are
offered in our secondary schools. The Guide for Students and Parents is
also an excellent source of information.”


MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND PLAN TO ATTEND!



Schedule of Information Nights

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Principal: Mike Mirka

3594 Highway 144, Chelmsford

Phone: 705-675-0225

Confederation Secondary School

Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 6 pm

Principal: Pablo Gil-Alfau

1918 Main Street, Val Caron

Phone: 705-671-5948

Lockerby Composite School

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 7 pm

Principal: Heather Gaffney

1391 Ramsey View, Sudbury

Phone: 705-522-1750

Lasalle Secondary School

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

6 pm – Pasta Dinner

7 pm – Presentation

7:30 pm – Tour of School

Principal: Jeff McKibbon

1545 Kennedy Street, Sudbury

Phone: 705-566-2280

Lively District Secondary School

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Principal: Leslie Mantle

265 Fifth Avenue, Lively

Phone: 705-692-3671

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 7 pm

Principal: Craig Runciman

275 Loach’s Road, Sudbury

Phone: 705-522-2320

Sudbury Secondary School

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Principal: Paul Camillo

154 College Street, Sudbury

Phone: 705-674-7551

Manitoulin Secondary School

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Principal: Laurie Zahnow

107 Bay Street, M’Chigeeng

Phone: 705-368-7000

Espanola High School

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 7 pm

Principal: Martin Punkari

147 Spruce Street, Espanola

Phone: 705-869-1590

For more information about program pathways and Open Houses in Rainbow Secondary Schools, visit rainbowschools.ca.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.