THURSDAY,+MARCH+22,+2012

**MYTH: “I’m going to get ninered by students in older grades.”** **REALITY:** This really doesn’t happen. Maybe it did when your parents went to high school, and maybe it still does in today’s movies, but the act of being “ninered” is far from reality. Sure you may get a little attitude from the older grades who think they “own the place” every once in a while in the halls, but it’s something that you can laugh off as it really has no effect. Physical violence such as being shoved in a locker or thrown into a trashcan just simply doesn’t happen. Through extra-curriculars, I’ve even met a bunch of people from older grades and most of them are really approachable and easy to talk to, so there’s no need to be intimidated!

**MYTH: “The workload will be enormous.”** **REALITY:** Compared to middle school, it’s a bit more stressful (especially since the importance of due dates is emphasized by teachers). I’ve had those days where I’m scrambling to get everything done. But to be honest, it’s not as bad in comparison to how most people expect it to be. If things do, however, get out of control, teachers are all extremely understanding – as long as you talk to them beforehand. Don’t leave it until the day the assignment is due to tell them. Approach them in advance and let them know. A lot of the homework is really simple, and in the end, the thing that makes it take much longer than it should is really just procrastination. So as long as you stay on top of everything and manage your time well (easier said than done, of course – but still essential), you’ll be good to go.

**MYTH: “I’m going to get lost every day trying to find my classes.”** **REALITY:** The school’s larger and consists of a few more staircases here and there, but finding your way around will become second nature in no time. There are floor maps taped on each floor to help guide you on the first few days, and whenever you’re in doubt, a floor map will always be there in your agenda! Besides, each floor’s simply just a rectangle, so you’ll end up in the same place even if you walk all the way around. It’s really nothing at all like the complicated maze that people tend to think it to be. So don’t even worry about it. On the first day, if you are feeling a little anxious, just meet up with a few of your friends and find your classes together.

**MYTH: “There are going to be clear social groups.”** **REALITY:** Jocks, nerds, geeks, cheerleaders, preps, skaters...those typical high school groups you see in movies and on television clearly exist in real life, right? Nope. Don’t worry, it’s not like in Mean Girls where there are lunch tables designated for certain people. No one is defined by these groups that present certain stereotypical traits. Of course each individual has his or her own preferred crew of friends, but that doesn’t mean anyone is better than another or that there isn’t socialization between different personalities. You’ll be surprised to find out how nice, outgoing, and approachable everyone is. They are people first and whatever else really doesn’t matter in the end.

**MYTH: “It’ll be easy to skip classes.”** **REALITY:** For those of you who are thinking of skipping class for the sake of skipping class...nice try. It’s really quite difficult to sneak your way out. Teachers are really tight about attendance and the concept of “nobody caring if you aren’t in class” will only get you in trouble you don’t need in Grade 9. All absences are recorded and a note signed by a parent as well as the office is required the immediate following class - teachers get pretty strict when it comes to these notes. People have tried to skip classes before, only to come back to find that they’re way behind on work and are in quite a bit of trouble.

*In the case of an illness, parents are required to phone in to the office prior to the start of the school, and students must once again, bring a signed note their first class back.

**MYTH: “The friends I have now are the friends I’m going to have throughout high school.”** **REALITY:** This is possible, but very unlikely. If anything, your circle of friends will expand! With so many people coming into one school, you’re bound to meet someone (if not, multiple people) new. Whether through classes, sports, or clubs, there are a variety of opportunities that introduce you to new people. As well, high school’s a period of time when people change and begin to discover who they are. Someone who you’d never imagine yourself hanging out with in Grade 8 may end up being your best friend in the middle of the ninth grade...who knows? Things just simply aren’t set in stone. By interacting with more people, you’re bound to meet new friends in addition to the ones you have now – and that’s a good thing!

**MYTH: “I did (SPORT / CLUB / ARTS) at Deer Park. High school seems too focused on marks and there are a ton more people better than me around so there probably won’t be any chance (or time) to get involved.”** **REALITY:** Getting involved is the first step to meeting new people, experiencing new events/activities, and enjoying high school even more. There are even more clubs/sports that pop up that weren’t available in Grade 8 (ex. rugby, field hockey, Language club, debate, fashion show etc.) If you’re really ambitious, you can even create your own! A lot of popular sports teams such as football, rugby, track and field, curling, and swim are all walk-on, so there’s no pressure. Even though you may have to tryout some other teams, coaches are always looking for committed Grade 9’s so that they can develop their skills throughout the years. As for clubs, there’s such a diverse variety so there’s bound to be one to suit you. Many Deer Parkers tend to get involved - opportunities are within your reach if you want them!