Setting Down Roots in Grade 9

 

This week marked a historical moment for our Grade 9 class—it was the first time they stepped onto campus together as LCS students. A scan of their faces at the beginning of the week revealed expressions that ranged from excitement and energy, to quiet observation and perhaps a bit of nervousness. By the end of the week, however, things have changed. The excitement is still there, but as students begin settling in, the nerves are quickly disappearing.

The goal for our Grade 9 students during orientation is to develop a foundation for positive and healthy relationships while exploring the campus and community. Through a variety of fun team-building games and activities—experiences that encourage students to create strong connections and start new friendships—the orientation program is designed to help our students develop a comfort at LCS that they will carry with them throughout the year and hopefully beyond. The driving theme behind the orientation session was "The Confident Self" representing the first of four pillars of the Leadership, Character, Values program at LCS. It introduces our students to the idea of taking ownership of their learning experiences, among other things, by being curious, engaging in a variety of meaningful activities and working together.

On Tuesday, the group was introduced to Paper Houses by our graduating class when they were sorted into one of four houses Mackenzie, Sheldrake, Pullen or Lefevre and learned their house cheers. Paper Houses are comprised of co-ed teams representing a mix of both day and boarding students and events are a fun way for students of all grades to interact with each other while vying for the Paper House Cup.  Events range from Katchewanooka Rod in the winter, Gladiator Day in the spring and Spirit Week games, to various Friday evening events.

After discovering their Paper House groups, which they will stay in for their time at LCS, the Grade 9 students set off for an Amazing Race-style adventure through the Village of Lakefield. The group representing Sheldrake House mastered the different puzzles quickly and ran away with the first win.  Paper House challenges continued as the Grade 9s took on the world of dragon boating—a high energy activity which challenged our youngest students to communicate effectively with honest, positive dialogue while getting their oars in sync and making their way across Little Lake in Peterborough. It was great to hear the laughter and cheers throughout the session, and to watch the paddlers work together to make the 46-foot long dragon boat move swiftly down the lake.

Following some very active days our Grade 9 students shed their Paper House colours and spent their evenings together at the LCS waterfront enjoying s’mores (delicious treats with marshmallows and chocolate), playing frisbee, performing campfire skits and developing friendships that are sure to last a lifetime, as the sun set over Lake Katchewanooka.