First Day of School (Gr 9 Tues Sept 4; Gr 10, 11 & 12 Wed Sept 5)

Posted On Thursday August 23, 2018

To help ensure a smooth transition of our students from elementary to secondary school, the Durham Catholic District School Board is providing a pilot Grade 9 Orientation Day on Tuesday, September 4.

The day is designed to set up all Grade 9 students for a successful school year. The day will offer students the opportunity to meet new friends, assemble for faith and liturgy, receive their timetable, find their lockers, meet their teachers and school staff, enjoy a BBQ lunch, and learn about St. Mary's clubs and teams. 

Grade 9 Orientation Day will be a regular school day (9am - 3pm). Students are expected to wear their school uniforms. School buses will be running as scheduled.  

For students entering Grade 10, 11 or 12 in September 2018, his/her first day of school will be Wednesday, September 5. 

Have a safe and relaxing summer! We look forward to seeing you in September as we celebrate 50 years of Catholic Education across the Durham Catholic District School Board. 

 

A Message from Guidance…

Welcome to the 2018-2019 School Year! Guidance would like to remind students that our school year will start on Tuesday, September 4th, for our Grade 9 students only. We will be happy to welcome our Grade 10, 11, and 12 students on Wednesday, September 5th. Please read the following as a reminder about our school start-up procedures.

Timetable Changes 

Students must fill out a Course Request Change Form in order to be considered for a timetable change. The form must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian and returned to Guidance for consideration. Students should follow their old timetable until they are called down for a new timetable. There are no appointments scheduled in the first week of school. We feel that the use of the form assists us to most efficiently manage the number of changes at the start of the school year. Only changes meeting the acceptable criteria will be considered.

  • Please be advised that there are no elective changes for students entering Grade 9 or 10.
  • There are NO teacher changes.
  • There are NO changes to spare periods.

Visit Guidance > Course Levels and Calendars for more information.

 

Opening Day Instructions 

September 4th, 2018 (GRADE 9 ONLY)

Our school day starts at 9am. We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. Once you enter the building, make your way to the Atrium area in front of the cafeteria and following the steps below:

  1. Find your name on the wall lists provided
  2. Beside your name, you will see a homeroom assigned to you (i.e., 09A, 09B, 09C)
  3. Find the row in the cafeteria labelled by your homeroom (i.e., 09A, 09B, 09C)
  4. Sit in the row assigned to you. You will be sitting with your first period class and wait for further instruction.

September 5th, 2018 (GRADE 10, 11, 12 students)

Students are instructed to check the wall lists posted around the hallways. They must find their name on the list. Beside the student name will be a homeroom and room number assignment (i.e., 10A-201 which means that your first period class is in room 201). Students are to proceed directly to the classroom assigned to them by the designated start time.

The first day of Grade 9 gives students an opportunity to interact with others and get comfortable with high school. You will receive your timetable in your first period class, and don’t worry if you do not know the process right away and/or it needs refreshing – there are so many people to help and answer all of your questions! Enjoy the rest of your summer – looking forward to seeing you soon!

Many Blessings,
Mrs. Stanesic