by Alexandra Wilson-Zegil
M’CHIGEENG—On Wednesday, August 30 incoming Grade 9 students from across Manitoulin Island came to Manitoulin Secondary School a week before their regular classes started. The reason? To attend the annual Grade 9 BBQ. The purpose of the BBQ is to acclimate new students to high school life. It features a variety of activities to help the Grade 9s get to know each other and their new school.
At eleven o’clock students and parents were settled into the gym bleachers to watch a short introductory presentation directed by Mr. Theijsmeijer. The principal, Mr. Wiwchar, delivered a land acknowledgment and a short welcoming speech. Behind them stood volunteering upperclassmen, Alexis McVey, Tessa Merrylees, Cameron Meawasige, myself, Alexandra Wilson-Zegil, Taylor Goodfellow, Aspen Debassige, Morgan Green, Mackenzie Green, Anika Smith and Zayne Raynes. Two of these students played a “guess who” game that had grade nines naming members of staff based on brief descriptions of them.
Staff then walked students through what their first day in high school would look like. This included opening their lockers, going to class, and navigating the cafeteria. Icebreakers took place shortly after and provided an opportunity for students to make friends with their soon-to-be classmates. One icebreaker had students lining up and saying their names and the names of everyone ahead of them, and in an impressive display of memorization some students came close to getting all the names correct.
At lunch there were free hotdogs and hamburgers served for both students and their families. These were cooked by staff and student volunteers. Meanwhile timetables were being handed out and tours were being offered to show incoming students around the school. This was also an opportunity for students to mingle and ask the older student volunteers questions about what high school is like.
After lunch, there was a short meeting discussing how the Guidance Department works including how to book guidance appointments, what guidance can do to help you, and what options students have. An important conversation about Manitoulin Secondary School’s mental health resources was also broadcast to those in attendance.
A mock school day took place where students had to find their classes and have brief discussions with the student volunteers inside the classrooms about various important topics. These “classes” were five minutes long–also known as every kid’s dream. In them Grade 9s learnt about growth mindsets, emailing, how to be successful in classes and how to ask for homework help.
After reconvening in the gym there was an MSS trivia game played on Kahoot. Students had the opportunity to win MSS swag if they got the most answers correct. Questions included things like when the school was founded (1969), or who to ask to join the robotics team (Ms. Bauer). After trivia, the volunteering students each gave advice to the incoming grade about how to make the most out of their high school career. Things like exploring interests, getting involved in student government, and shaping your own school experience were mentioned.
Making the jump from elementary school to high school is a scary but necessary one. It teaches you important lessons and skills that students may use throughout their life. For students, this is a time in their lives that they can come out of their comfort zones, even if it seems scary. There are many new friends to make and new adventures to be had.
The Grade Nine BBQ eases this transition between schools and prepares students with the knowledge to make the most out of their first year. This valued tradition at MSS will hopefully be carried on for years to come, helping many future students find their way both in this tumultuous time…and to their classes.
