Grade 9 Orientation Letter

July 7th, 2021


Dear Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s),


Re:  Information Regarding Your Transition to Grade 9


We are looking forward to having you begin your high school experience with us at St. Mary’s High School!  We are praying that we can safely return in person and that the COVID restrictions will continue to lift allowing you to enjoy your high school experience to its fullest. 


We would like to formally invite each of our new grade 9 students to our Transition to Grade 9 Program which will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021. 


This will be the eighteenth year that we have offered the program. Students who have attended in the past have found the program very beneficial. This Transition Day will help you to learn more about your school and to meet some new friends before regular classes begin. Your transition to high school is a critical time in your life, and we want to make sure that you get off to a good start.  


To register, please complete this SMHS Google Form https://bit.ly/3hVEniz


You can also find the link to this form on our school website: smhs.bgcdsb.org


As the summer progresses we will receive new information from Public Health informing us how to safely offer our Transition to Grade 9 Day.  We will keep families updated and informed as the date approaches.


Below are the details for the day:.

  • Thursday August 26, 2021
  • Shuttle bussing will be provided to students all day.
  • If students have BGCDSB devices please bring them.
  • We are hopeful to distribute devices to our new students from other school boards.
  • Masks will be required on the bus and at school.
  • More specific details will be shared when the date approaches.

Lastly, please pencil into your calendar the evening of Thursday, September 9, 2021 for Grade 9 Parent Information Night.  We will need further guidance from Public Health before we can commit to this event, however we are hopeful we can offer something.  Please stay tuned.



Information Included in This Package:

  1. A copy of your draft schedule for next year. At the Transition Program you will get an updated timetable showing the classrooms and teachers. Should changes to your schedule be required, please contact our guidance department (extension 117). Our guidance counsellors will also be available for appointments during the first week of September.  You are also welcome to email [email protected] during the summer regarding your schedule.
  2. A copy of the school dress code - Please read the dress code carefully before completing your back to school shopping.
  3. A list of suggested supplies and approximate costs to expect in Grade 9.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact SMHS Office Administrator, Melissa Martin at (519) 376-4278 x102. Phone messages will be checked throughout the summer, however the office officially will open on August 16th, 2021.  


Have a safe and happy summer.



Sincerely,




Mike Kirby,

Principal