Grade 8 Day

On Tuesday May 31, 2016, all registered students entering grade 9 in September of 2016 were invited to Assumption College to experience the high school atmosphere before their first real day. Planned and executed by Student Council with the help of Mr. Allen’s Business Leadership Class, sign in and registration began bright and early at 9 am. By 10 am, all 250 grade 8 students were brought into the cafeteria where Haley Down and Tracy On – Assumption’s current Student Council co-prime ministers, along with Robyn Zettler – the Student Trustee for our school board, kicked off the day. After introductions from Mrs. Hayes, Constable Gibson, and Mrs. Surette, Student Council members led the students around in coloured groups to various rotations where they had the opportunity to explore the school. Games such as dodgeball and musical chairs were played, but there were also opportunities for learning thanks to Mr. Hare’s grade 12 biology classes, who showcased their Passion Projects to the grade 8’s. Everyone regrouped back in the cafeteria where they enjoyed a free lunch thanks to Student Council and the grant money they earned through the Speak Up Project Grants. The kids had the choice of a customized sandwich from a local deli or pizza – it was a crowd pleaser. After lunch the students were brought to the gym where they watched a “Day in the Life of an ACS Student” video starring Sam Sibbick, along with a video highlighting all of the amazing clubs and teams that Assumption has to offer. When the kids returned to the cafeteria, they were in for a show. With a special guest appearance by Mr. Brophy, Student Council hosted a “What Not to Wear” fashion show for the grade 8’s, showing them the DO’s and DON’T’s of uniform. All in all, it was a great chance for grade 8’s to see their future home and to ask all of the questions they never had the chance to, ultimately relieving any stress or anxiety they may have about entering high school. Special thanks goes out to Mr. Calabrese and Ms. Difrancesco, the Student Council advisors who ensured that this day ran smoothly, along with Mr. Allen, for allowing us to utilize his class for this day and especially to Shanoon Nawab and Kimberly Sumanis-Froud from Mr. Allen’s Business Leadership class, who showcased true leadership, organization and dedication to this event.