On September 22, Gravenhurst High School (GHS) Grade 9 students engaged in a full day of learning at Camp Tawingo in Huntsville.
Guided by Grade 10 student leaders, the Grade 9s worked together on tasks that pushed them out of their comfort zones and challenged them to communicate with one another and problem solve in unfamiliar circumstances.
Beyond team building, the initiative allowed these new-to-high school students to gain valuable peer-led guidance on supports available, including practical “top tips from tens” for thriving in high school.
“Throughout this experience, our Grade 9s built relationships while learning about healthy stress and how learning happens when we are in the “challenge zone,” said GHS vice-principal and event planner, Clare McLean-Wilson.
“For many students, the transition into high school can be a challenge. This Grade 9 class will be together for the next four years, so establishing positive relationships early is important. It was amazing to see how this group bonded throughout the day,” added GHS principal, Ian Patterson.
