Thank you for your interest in the Grade 9 Orientation Program! We can’t wait to help Grade 9’s get off to a great start in high school!
All Grade 9 Students will automatically be registered for the program at their Secondary School and will be able to participate.
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in the Parent Portal to receive important program updates!
These sessions help students make connections with new classmates and teachers, become familiar with their new schools and online tools, in addition to providing helpful tips for time management, study habits and other keys for success in high school.
No further action is needed from you at this point. Additional information will be emailed to you about your student’s orientation session. We’re looking forward to helping all our Grade 9 students feel confident and comfortable as they begin their high school journeys!
Your student will receive a confirmation message in mid/late August 2025 about their orientation session and how to participate.
Program Locations, Dates and Times
2025 program locations and dates are to be determined and will be provided below once determined. All programs will run in late August 2025.
Students will receive a confirmation message with program details closer to the start date for their session as well.
| School/Program location | Session Dates and times for August 2024 Program |
| Ancaster High Secondary School | August 27-29, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
| Bernie Custis Secondary School | August 29, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Dundas Valley Secondary School | August 27 & 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
| Glendale Secondary School | August 29, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School | August 28, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Orchard Park Secondary School | August 29, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Saltfleet District High School | August 27, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
| Sherwood Secondary School | August 29, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to NOON |
| Sherwood – Special Ed. Orientation to New Site | August 27 & 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
| Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School | August 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
| Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School | August 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Waterdown District High School | August 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Westdale Secondary School | Drop-in laptop pick up August 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
August 29, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
| Westmount Secondary School | August 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
Program Information
- FREE for students pre-registered to attend Grade 9 at an HWDSB Secondary School in September 2025
- Helps make the transition to secondary school less stressful and more meaningful
- Reviews of literacy, numeracy and learning skills
- Reviews learning-at-home skills
- Reinforces organizational skills, time management and work completion
- Good attitude, behaviour and participation is expected of every student
These programs are offered in connection with HWDSB Secondary Schools. The program dates will vary based on the school your student will be attending. Dates will be provided in the schedule above as they are confirmed.
The programs will be IN-PERSON. More details will be determined over the coming months and will be provided to parents in our confirmation emails to be sent in mid-August.
Other Important Information
Continuing Education reserves the right to cancel or relocate programs. Confirmations for programs and notices of cancellation will be sent in late July or early August.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Continuing Education Hill Park Learning Centre by phone at 905-561-2190 or e-mail us at [email protected]
Updated on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.