Grade 8’s Entering Into Grade 9: Kick Start Program

Kickstart Program – Reach Ahead for Grade 9 Students

📅 Dates: July 2 – July 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: The YCDSB High School the student is registered to attend in September 2025

Start High School with Confidence!

The transition from elementary to secondary school can be both exciting and overwhelming. The Kickstart Summer Program is designed to help incoming Grade 9 students adjust smoothly to high school life by building key academic skills, confidence, and connections before the school year begins.

What Will Students Gain?

🎓 Earn a Grade 9 Credit – Successful completion of the program grants students one high school credit (GLS101 – Learning Strategies, Grade 9).
📖 Stronger Literacy & Numeracy Skills – Prepare for the academic expectations of high school.
💡 Pathway & Goal Planning – Develop time management, study skills, and stress management techniques.
🏫 Familiarity with Their High School – Get to know teachers, classrooms, and make new friends.
🧘 Student Well-Being Focus – Engage in mindfulness activities, self-advocacy, and resilience-building.

Important Program Details:

🚍 No transportation is provided – Families must arrange drop-off and pick-up.
🍽 No cafeteria service – Students must bring their own lunch, snacks, and refillable water bottle.
👕 No uniform required – Students should wear school-appropriate clothing, including a hat, running shoes, and sunscreen.
🏃 Physical activity may be included – Participation is expected.

Attendance is Mandatory

As this is a credit-bearing course, students must attend all days to successfully complete the program.

🚨 Note: Some high schools may be undergoing construction during the summer. If your high school is unavailable, you will be notified in advance.

Due to planned construction and activities, the Kickstart program will be relocated from the following sites to neighboring schools:

  • St. Augustine CHS – Classes will be held at St. Monica CES
  • Father Bressani CHS – Classes will be held at St. Gabriel the Archangel CES
  • St. Joan of Arc CHS – Classes will be held at Father John Kelly CES
  • St Elizabeth CHS – Classes will be held at St Giovanni Battista Scalabrini CES
  • St Robert CHS – Classes will be held at  St. Rene Goupil CES

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.