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Grade 9 Orientation

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We can’t wait to help all incoming Grade 9 students get off to a great start in high school!

All students entering Grade 9 will automatically be registered into the Orientation Program at their secondary school to participate in this IN-PERSON program.

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in the Parent Portal to receive important program updates!

Orientation help students make connections with new classmates and teachers, become familiar with their new school 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.  Additional information will be emailed to you about your student’s orientation session.  We’re looking forward to helping all our incoming Grade 9 students feel confident and comfortable as they begin their high school journeys!

Parents and students will receive a confirmation message in mid/late August 2026 about their orientation session and how to participate. 

This is a non-credit program.

Program Locations, Dates and Times

Check back for Summer 2026 dates and times.

School Name  Grade 9 Orientation Date(s) 
Ancaster High School 
 Bernie Custis Secondary School 
Dundas Valley Secondary School 
Glendale Secondary School 
Nora Henderson Secondary School 
Orchard Park Secondary School 
Saltfleet High School 
Sherwood Secondary School 
Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School 
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School 
Waterdown District High School 
Westdale Secondary School 
Westmount Secondary School 

Watch your HWDSB student email and your primary parent email for additional details coming mid-August!

No registration is required!  All incoming HWDSB Grade 9 students are encouraged to join in!

Program Information

  • FREE for students pre-registered to attend Grade 9 at an HWDSB Secondary School in September 2026
  • This is an IN-PERSON program
  • No registration required
  • 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. Programs will run the week of August 31, 2026.

See Program Locations, Dates and Times for your school’s detailed dates and times.

This program is 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

BEHAVIOUR:

Respect for teachers, peers, and all staff members is essential to maintain a positive learning environment. Failure to meet these expectations may result in disciplinary actions, including being asked to leave the program. Your cooperation and commitment to these guidelines are appreciated.

SUPPORT:

Special Education Resource Teachers are not available to make modifications to, or create accommodations within, the Grade 9 Orientation program.  Every effort will be made by the participating teachers to support and enhance the learning of each student.  Students with individual learning needs are welcome to attend and participate with the above understanding.  HWDSB is committed to protecting your personal 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 by phone at 905-561-2190 or by e-mail at [email protected].

 

Updated on Tuesday, December 02, 2025.
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