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We started with a special Orientation Day and felt like we were drowning in a sea of almost 700 intimidated Grade 9s. The look on every Grade 9s face was the same: blank confusion and ner- vousness. I had no idea where I was going or what to expect, reflected Jasmine Brioux. I was really scared because I thought everyday at school would be that hectic, added Michelle Lau. Then, the first day of high school arrived. Lets just say that well remember that day forever. The Grade 9s were hanging out in tight- knit groups mostly peers from elementary school and clutching their schedules, which was their only indication of where to go. Yasmin Pehlvi remembers that she met up with people who were going to the same classes and had to ask people where to go. I didnt know what to expect from the teachers and classmates, and I didnt know how diffi- cult the classes would be, said Simran Mann. We all real- ized that its not nearly as terrify- ing as we thought it would be. Our teenage minds had blown it all out of proportion. Glenn McAleer pointed out, I thought it would be more intimi- dating, but I felt right at home after a couple of days. It was really fun getting to know people and new teachers, said Pehlvi. Not long after settling in at high school we discovered, with relief, that we have so much more free- dom. At elementary school, we couldnt wear hats, listen to music or walk down the hall during class time without being chastised by our teachers. Now, when were on our lunch break we can go outside and sit on the grass, hang out in the cafeteria, study in the library or pretty much do whatever we want. Compared to elementary school, There are a lot more people to meet and cooler courses to take commented McAleer. You find people who have more in common with you, added Lau. Brioux is excited that there are tons of clubs to join its hard to choose. I didnt think I would get used to school so easily and make friends so soon. Now that were settled in, we can give some advice. Lau suggests getting a map, using your agenda, being prepared for class and eating a big breakfast. We will learn so much in high school. Former Ontario Lieutenant Governor, James Bartleman, learned from his favourite high school teacher a motto that has shaped his life: "Remember, every challenge that you overcome makes the next one easier." And finally, Mann concludes that starting high school is a fun experience. You will remember it forever. By Hazel Garde Grade 9, White Oaks S.S. Okay, weve made it through the first few weeks of high school. Weve met our teachers, made new friends and are generally into the rhythm of our classes...although still trying not to get lost. Were a bit more com- fortable with high school, but there is still so much to learn. BigNamesSmallTheatre Dan Cooper presents Dan Cooper presents RON SEXSMITH October 22 HOWARD JONES October 25 & 26 All performances are at THE OAKVILLE CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS To order tickets call: 905-815-2021 or 1-888-489-7784 For more information go to www.oakvillecentre.ca w w w .i n si d eH A LT O N .c o m O A K V IL LE B EA V ER Fr id ay , S ep te m be r 30 , 2 01 1 2 6 At first overwhelming, high school is a fun challenge 289-681-1033 OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-4 SIGN # 216299 $784,000 1299 Hillview Crescent Oakville 905-338-0703 JUST LISTED SIGN # 216121 $429,000 1211 Leewood Drive Oakville 289-813-0507 SOLD SIGN # 216582 COMMISSION SAVED* $9,825 *Money that would have been paid to an agent if our customers had paid a 5% commission A+ Rating 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 *See dealer for details 9 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER BEST PRICE GUARANTEED FURNACE & AIR CONDITIONER GET UP TO IN REBATES *$3240 + + UP TO GOVT. REBATE $1040 UP TO OPA REBATE $650 UP TO CARRIER REBATE $1550 *Call for details. FURNACE DIAGNOSTIC ONLY NORMALLY $99 $4900 turn to the experts sm The YMCA of Oakville and ArtHouse have teamed up for a program that will engage children in music, theatre arts and fitness enrichment. The five-week Off Broadway program will be held at the Y Saturday afternoons, begin- ning Oct. 22. The cost-free program is for children aged seven to 11 and is available for up to 30 participants. Off Broadway will encourage children to lead creative and healthy lives, develop strong communication and team building skills, make new friends and lasting relation- ships and experience a culturally rich com- munity setting. ArtHouse now provides seven totally cost- free programs to more than 200 children in seven locations in Oakville. ArtHouse launched four cooking programs recently and more are expected to come. ArtHouse raises funds through concerts so that all children are able to participate in arts-based programs. Registration for the program can be done at the YMCA at 410 Rebecca St. Off Broadway program for children ? (DV\ DFFHVV WR WKH 4(: 6HULHV KLJKZD\V ? &RPSHWLWLYH OHDVH UDWHV ZLWK WXUQNH\ DOORZDQFH ? $PSOH IUHH VXUIDFH SDUNLQJ ? 6SDFH DYDLODEOH IURP 6) XS WR 6) ? $YDLODEOH 6SULQJ CB Richard Ellis Limited, Real Estate Brokerage ZZZ FEUH FD PFOVJ %URNHU 6DOHV 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH )RU IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FDOO *DU\ :LOOLDPVRQ JDU\ ZLOOLDPVRQ#FEUH FRP &UDLJ :LOOLDPVRQ FUDLJ ZLOOLDPVRQ#FEUH FRP (OOLRW *ROGVSLQN HOOLRW JROGVSLQN#FEUH FRP OAKVILLES PREMIERE OFFICE SPACE 1320 CORNWALL ROAD