Sept. 8 is Link Crew Day for Grade 9 students in Bluewater School Board

All 11 high schools in the Bluewater District School Board area are once again ready to open their doors and welcome new Grade 9 students as part of the ninth annual Link Crew Day, Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Link Crew Day, which has become an increasingly popular tradition, assists students entering Grade 9 with the pivotal transition to secondary school life by establishing connections and providing mentorship opportunities with senior secondary students who are trained as ‘Link Leaders’. The senior student leaders are able to draw on their own personal experiences to offer guidance and support to their new Grade 9 peers.

A variety of orientation activities have been planned for Link Crew Day, including school tours, assemblies, and opportunities to meet new classmates, teachers and support staff.

"We are very excited to once again honour our Link Crew Day tradition in Bluewater secondary schools," says Blair Hilts, learning services administrator - student success. "Many former Link Crew student participants have recounted the positive experience of a seamless and welcoming entry into secondary school as well as the lasting friendships that were established as a direct result of this excellent program.”

With Grade 9 students attending Link Crew Day Tuesday, the first official day of school for Bluewater students entering Grades 10, 11 and 12, will be Wednesday, Sept. 9.