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Ready, Set, HIGH SCHOOL! (formerly Grade 9 Orientation Program)

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Thank you for your interest in Ready, Set HIGH SCHOOL!, our Grade 9 Orientation Program!  We can’t wait to help all 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 and will be able 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!

These sessions 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 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!

Parents and students will receive a confirmation message in mid/late August 2025 about their orientation session and how to participate. 

Program Locations, Dates and Times

School Name  Ready, Set, HIGH SCHOOL! Grade 9 Orientation Date(s) 
Ancaster High School  August 25 & 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., both days 
 Bernie Custis Secondary School   August 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 
Dundas Valley Secondary School  August 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m. 
Glendale Secondary School  August 25, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 
Nora Henderson Secondary School  August 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 
Orchard Park Secondary School  August 28, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 
Saltfleet High School  August 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 
Sherwood Secondary School  August 25 & 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – noon, both days 
Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School  August 28, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School  August 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 
Waterdown District High School  August 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 
Westdale Secondary School  August 25 & 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., both days 
Westmount Secondary School  August 26, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 

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 2025
  • 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 25.

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:

Students participating in Ready, Set, HIGH SCHOOL!  should make every effort to complete the mini-assignments in a timely manner.  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 Ready, Set, HIGH SCHOOL! 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, July 08, 2025.
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