A great start to Grade 9 at The 'View
By CHANTAL CROWE Humberview school

The one thing I remember most about the first day of Grade 9 was how nervous I was; a new big school; new faces; a time table; and class changes. Wow, where do I begin? Well, I remember the Great Start program. Although the school did not participate until later towards to the end of the month, I did however, meet a lot of new faces. Some who later on became friends whom I still talk to this day.

Now I am in Grade 12 and have gone full circle. Looking back now, after participating on both ends, once in Grade 9 and this year leading the activities in Grade 12, I feel the Great Start program is an awesome way to start Grade 9 and contribute to the community.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Great Start program, it's a program to help build friendships and a stronger community. This year it's a six-week long program consisting of speakers talking about such matters as anti-smoking, bullying and drugs. On the first day of school for the Grade 9s we did a lot of fun group activities. One of my personal favourites was the appreciation circle where we cheer for people with talents or who are involved in the community. All the activities and games played always involve the group. They all require everyone to be enthusiastic and willing to take part.

For those of us that were lucky enough to be group leaders, we spent the last few days of summer up at Great Oaks Camp with the fabulous Blair and Mia of Adventure Works. The group of us, ranging from grades 10 to 12, spent two days together learning how to be leaders. I know I can say for everyone, we had a fantastic time, and would recommend everyone to participate in the upcoming years. It was a very rewarding experience, and I hope that we can positively influence some of the new students at our school.

Even if you are not in Grade 9, or have never participated in the Great Start program, I hope some of what I have expressed encourages you to think about those initial uncertainties and inhibitions the next time you walk past one of the new students in our school. Take just a second to remember what it was like that first class, that first day, and that first uncomfortable experience. Best of luck!

I look forward to continuing to participate in the Great Start program and creating many more new positive experiences.