On Thursday, August 29th, UCC and St. Patrick’s high schools held their annual LINK day, welcoming new Grade 9 students into their school communities. This orientation day is designed to ease the transition into high school by pairing incoming students with senior mentors, known as LINK leaders, who guide and support them throughout the year.
Grade 9 students participated in a variety of engaging and helpful activities, including an energetic welcome-to-school pep rally, school tours, timetable reviews, and mastering their locker combinations. These activities provided opportunities for new students to familiarize themselves with their school, meet peers, and connect with senior student leaders who will continue to support them as they navigate their first year.
LINK day has been particularly beneficial for students coming from different school boards, offering them a chance to meet teachers, staff, and future classmates before the official start of school. The program extends beyond orientation, with events like “Cocoa and Cram,” where students prepare for exams together, and a LINK dance, further strengthening the connections formed on LINK day.
Scott Johnson, Director of Education, expressed his pride in the program, stating, “The LINK program at UCC and St. Patrick’s is a shining example of what makes our school communities so special. The energy, enthusiasm, and genuine care shown by our senior students in welcoming their younger peers is truly inspiring. It’s more than just an orientation—it’s the beginning of a journey where every student is embraced, supported, and set on a path to success. I couldn’t be more proud of the leaders who are making such a positive impact on the lives of our Grade 9 students.”
Victoria Devlin, an English teacher at St. Patrick’s, highlighted the program’s importance, saying, “LINK is a unique leadership program that gives our senior students the opportunity to connect and bond with our new Grade 9 family. It’s a great way for them to be introduced to our community, to feel comfortable and included, so that when they start high school they feel more confident and prepared.”
The program not only supports new students but also offers senior students valuable leadership development opportunities. Grade 12 student Jacob Tavares reflected, “We needed this when we were in Grade 9, so it’s great to pass it forward. LINK Day is definitely the best part of the program—we all have a great time.”
Grade 11 student Audrey Shortridge added, “Being a LINK leader is about helping the Grade 9s get to know the school and their new environment because they don’t really know what’s going on yet. My LINK day was really similar to today. I still remember it, and it really helped me because I still see people around the school who I recognize from my LINK group.”
Grade 12 student Mekhi Cuffie shared, “For me, being a LINK leader is about helping the Grade 9s feel comfortable so that when they come to their first day of school, they already have a group of people they know, making that transition easier.”
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Erica and Ethan from the St. Pat’s Media Team, along with Emma, Grace, Jorja, Dom, and Evan from the UCC Media Team, for capturing the essence of these incredible Link days with amazing photos.
