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.