Tuesday,+October+4,+2011

Deer Parkians! –

Some of you may know me from last year, some of you might not, but my name’s Jillian. I’m pretty much here to give you weekly updates about typical things that just go on in high school, in this case, from my perspective at North Toronto. It’s really to give you guys all a glimpse at what you may be experiencing next year!

What’s high school like? How is the schedule planned out? Is it intimidating? Will I be able to make friends easily? What sports and extra-curricular activities are there?

Those were only a few of the countless questions racing through my head throughout the whole summer before high school. And having just started the Gr. 9 experience this year, a lot of those lingering questions were answered.

-It really isn’t what you see in movies, where people are getting slushies thrown in their faces, or where cheerleading girls rule the school, but rather a place that’s focused on your academics, involvement, and spirit. But for this question, you really gotta live it to know it.

-Schedules have 8 periods in total, with 4 periods a day, each approximately around an hour and 20 minutes.

- There are always those pre-jitters, but once you get used to the environment, you’ll be able to get past those jitters and enjoy each moment more.

- High school’s a huge transition from middle school, especially in the number of people. You’d be surprised to find out how nice people are. Just be open to meeting a variety of new people, but remember to stay close to your older friends as well.

-There are way too many to count; there are clubs that I’ve never even heard of. From field hockey, to fashion show, to Free the Children, to football, to reading buddies, to basketball, to magic club, to curling, to Graffiti, to improv, to rugby, to track and field (the list goes on and on…), there’s bound to be something for you.

More to come in the next week. Please feel free to ask any questions that you have. Post them on the main discussion board - the one with 690 posts (wow!). Let's get discussions started here!

J-Li