It is an exciting time for just over 100 grade seven students in School District 47’s elementary schools. In the fall, they step into a new world at Brooks Secondary School, a bigger school with bigger kids than they have grown accustomed to for the last eight years.
Counsellors from Brooks have been fanning out across the district, visiting grade seven classrooms to start preparing students for their transitions into grade eight.
According to Allison Burt, a Brooks counsellor since 2003, she talks to students about expectations, courses, programs and schedules, as well as answers any questions. She said that despite the bravado shown, students are quite nervous about entering the next phase of their education.
“The visits are mostly to put some of their fears to rest because while it’s exciting for parents and students, it’s also nerve-wracking,” said Burt. “It’s normal to have some anxiety or unease when it comes to the transition.”
At Edgehill Elementary School, grade seven students Chantal Carta and Emily Bird, both 13, said they are a little nervous about going to Brooks.
“I’m especially nervous,” said Bird. “It’s a bigger school and it’s a little bit like going back to kindergarten because it’s the lowest grade, and I’m worried about getting lost, which is probably going to happen.”
Carta said she is excited about going to high school, but she will miss Edgehill, especially the teachers.
“I’m excited to go because I know lots of my friends are there,” said Carta, “and because apparently they have really good food.”
Stephen Ball has been teaching for 28 years, the last five at Edgehill. He said the transition from grade seven to eight is different for every student.
“For some students it’s a little bit difficult the first couple of days,” said Ball. “Once they get settled, they have a support team over at Brooks, which is just great. They get settled in real fast and should have no problems getting accustomed right away.”
As she visits schools, Burt finds students are very interested in electives.
“I love it because they’re so exuberant and super excited and they’re full of energy,” she said. “They really add some innocence to our school.”
