The Journey from Grade 9 to 12

In the four years we will spend at Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary in Orillia a lot will happen. As a Grade 9 student we enter this building unsure of our place and where we will fit in. In four year’s time we will graduate as more confident 17 or 18 year olds. Many things change between your first and last years of high school.

In grade 9, students must deal with the transition from elementary to high school, and the many challenges that come with it. Elie S. is a Grade 9 student and she found the transition stressful at first. Spencer R., another Grade 9 student, said “it took time getting used to going into different classrooms for every subject.”

The majority of classes in the first year of high school are mandatory and may not appeal to individual interests, and the quantity of homework can become overwhelming. As the school year continues, meeting new people and joining extracurricular activities, such as band, sports teams, and special interest groups makes Grade 9 students feel more comfortable and welcome.

The final year of high school is marked with thoughts of, “what comes next ?” Just as everyone becomes comfortable with school and expectations, they must get ready to leave. Grade 12 students are seen as the leaders of the school. As Gabby T., a grade 12 student, states “there can be a lot of pressure on your mental health.” Taylor G., a Grade12 student, says he “usually has 3 hours of homework but I can do most of it at school, so I only have about an hour at home.” In Grade 12 students can take courses that appeal more to individual interests such as photography, philosophy, vocal music, guitar, calculus, creative writing, etc.

Each year of high school will present challenges and rewards to every student, but with the help and guidance of friends, teachers, and our faith, we can make each year better than the last.

University Information Program

What do you want to be when you’re older? What university or college do you want to go to? What program will you go into? These are questions asked of most grade 12 and even grade 11 students.

Meanwhile, students must find out the answers to things like, what courses are offered, what is residence like, and what are my study abroad options?

On October 20th, at Patrick Fogarty Secondary Catholic School in Orillia, a University Program Information Night was held. “Students are given the opportunity to have a personal experience with representatives from each university in Ontario”, said Mrs Healy, principal of Patrick Fogarty.

Abby M., a grade 11 student said, “It was great to speak to someone, and take a viewbook home from the universities that I have an interest in, so that I can compare one to the other.” For Kiara M., a Grade 11 student at Patrick Fogarty, the Information Night meant that instead of driving two hours to attend the University Information fair in Toronto, she could drive 10 minutes to her school to get the same information. Rachel M. also a grade 11 student at Patrick Fogarty said that it gave her t a better idea of which university she’d like to visit for campus tours later in the year.