Our grade 9 teaching team will work collaboratively with students and families throughout the year to prepare for the transition to grade 10. 

Information on high school open houses, course selection, registration etc. will be communicated throughout the school year.

If you have any questions, please contact Tanya Miller.  She can be reached via email, talmiller@cbe.ab.ca or phone, 403-777-7360. 

Grade 9 | High School Transitions 

As we continue to work with the Grade 9s in planning their transition to high school, it’s also important for parents to be prepared for the

transition. Below are some suggestions in how you can best support your child as they move towards another significant stage in learning and life!!! 

Supporting Your Child with Their Transition to High School 

Transitioning to high school marks a significant milestone in a young person’s life. It is a time filled with excitement, opportunity, and, inevitably, a fair amount of uncertainty and maybe even stress. For many students, high school represents a new arena of academic challenges, a more diverse social environment, and a growing need for personal responsibility. As such, this period can be as daunting as it is thrilling. 

For parents, understanding the dynamics of this transition is crucial. Your guidance and encouragement play a critical role in helping your child navigate these formative years successfully. The move from middle to high school brings a host of changes: the academic pressure increases, the social dynamics shift, and the opportunities to engage in new and varied extracurricular activities expand. Each of these elements can significantly impact your child’s stress levels and overall well-being. 

Recognizing Opportunities

Transitioning to high school isn’t just about facing new challenges; it’s also about embracing the numerous opportunities that come with this phase of your child’s life. These opportunities can foster significant personal growth and development, setting the stage for future success both academically and personally.

Broadened Horizons

High school offers a wealth of new life experiences. With a variety of subjects that are often more specialized than in middle school, students can explore new academic fields that may not have been available to them previously. This exploration can spark new interests and passions that may influence future educational and career choices. Additionally, high school is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, providing students with the chance to meet and learn from diverse groups of people. This exposure is invaluable in developing empathy, cultural awareness, and social skills.

Increased Autonomy 

High school students are often given more autonomy than they experienced in earlier school years. This increased independence can help them develop crucial life skills such as time management, self-discipline, and decision- making. Being responsible for their own schedules, homework, and even managing part-time work or extracurricular activities teaches them how to juggle various responsibilities effectively. This doesn’t come without mistakes, do-overs and other additional challenges but encourage them to navigate this with an open mind and a willingness to try again. Failure is also an important of learning!!

Career Exploration

Many high schools offer programs and courses specifically designed to prepare students for future careers. These might include vocational training, internships, or advanced placement courses that provide college credit.

Participating in these programs can give students a head start in their chosen fields and help them make informed decisions about their career paths.

Potential Negative Outcomes of Stress

The transition to high school often comes with increased stress for students, who may face higher academic expectations, peer pressure, and a busier schedule. It’s important for parents to recognize the potential negative outcomes of this stress so they can take proactive steps to mitigate its impact. Here are some common issues that stressed students might encounter:

Academic Burnout

High school students often experience academic burnout due to increased workload and pressure to perform. Signs of burnout include chronic fatigue, decreased interest in schoolwork, and a drop in academic performance.

Long-term effects can include a reduced interest in learning and diminished academic aspirations. Parents should watch for these signs and encourage their children to take breaks, emphasize the importance of sleep, and maintain a manageable schedule.

Social Withdrawal or Negative Social Shifts

Stress can lead students to withdraw from their social circles, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression. Alternatively, stress may drive students toward unhealthy peer groups that negatively influence their behavior. Parents should maintain open lines of communication and encourage their children to engage with supportive friends and activities that promote a positive self-image.

Mental Health Issues

Stress can significantly contribute to the development of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Symptoms to watch for include prolonged sadness, excessive worrying, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Early intervention is crucial, so consider seeking professional help if these symptoms persist.

How Parents Can Support the Transition

Supporting your child as they transition into high school involves more than just academic encouragement. It encompasses fostering open communication, setting realistic expectations, promoting balanced schedules, and providing appropriate resources. Here are some strategies parents can use to guide their children through this significant change:

Open Communication

Encourage regular conversations about school experiences, friends, and any concerns your child might have. Establish a routine where open discussions are the norm, not the exception. This can help your child feel comfortable sharing their feelings and challenges with you. Ask specific, open-ended questions that go beyond “How was school?” to prompt more detailed responses.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Help your child set achievable goals by understanding their strengths and areas where they may need improvement. Discuss what they hope to accomplish during their high school years and what steps they need to take to get there. Emphasize the importance of effort over perfection and reassure them that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.

Encouragement of Balanced Schedules

Assist your child in managing their time effectively by encouraging a healthy balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and social time.

Teach them how to prioritize tasks and use planning tools, such as calendars or digital apps, to keep track of their commitments. Stress the importance of downtime and ensure they have time to relax and enjoy hobbies.

Providing (or reminding them of . . .) Resources

Remind your child of the academic support offered at school, such as peer tutoring or study groups, help rooms. If your child is struggling with their coursework it will be really important that you encourage them to self- advocate for their learning needs. Additionally, be aware of mental health resources available in your community or through the school, so you can guide them to professional help if needed. Early intervention can prevent more serious issues from developing. High school guidance counselors are also there to support all aspects of learning and wellness. Your child can see them for everything from guidance with course selections, career guidance, personal wellness/mental health, self advocating, learning supports etc. 

If you have questions regarding the transition to high school and how to support your child with this, please contact Tanya Miller in Student Services (talmiller@cbe.ab.ca).