Everyone remembers the first day of high school. So why not ensure a happy memory?
With this in mind, Bishop Ryan’s Celtic Circle joined forces with the student council to host the annual orientation day on Sept. 3 for incoming Grade 9 students.
With the addition of 400 new Grade 9 students, the school population has grown to over 1,640 pupils.
Sarah Ivanco, student council president and one of the founding members of the Celtic Circle peer mentoring group, said the students are coming to the best high school in the city.
During an assembly, Celtic Circle members shared information about uniforms, school co-curriculars, how to read their timetables and more.
“It was a lot of fun teaching the Grade nines how to open their locks,” added Emilie Suwala, an energetic Grade 12 student and Celtic Circle founding member.
“I still have trouble opening up my own lock.”
With a growing number of students coming from a different country, the Celtic Circle members work diligently to promote inclusivity for all.
“I know how hard it is to come to a new school. I came from Pakistan to Canada just a year ago and I remember how nervous I felt because I did not know anyone,” said Grade 12 student and new Celtic Circle member Ubaid Ur Rehman.
“Now, I feel really happy to be here at Bishop Ryan. Everyone has been so nice.”
Later, Rehman admitted that he still finds it very difficult to speak in front of many people, but he always strives to confront his fears. He shared how proud he felt of himself, especially after the principal publically acknowledged his efforts.
“I can’t wait to see the Grade nines with their uniform. I remember my first day and how proud I was to wear the green and black,” said Roberto Vasquez, a returning Celtic Circle member and past member of student council.
The students learned that one of the best ways to make new friends is to join a club or try out for a team. In fact, many of the members of Celtic Circle are great examples of how students can manage both academics and co-curricular involvement as most of the members are highly involved in the school community.
“I’m looking forward to joining (vocal group) BR Xpression and being able to participate in gym class,” said Vanessa Ventresca, a Grade 9 student coming from St. Mark Catholic Elementary School.
“I’m also not as nervous as I was before.”
After the assembly, the eager Grade 9 students were treated to a barbecue lunch provided by student council. During this time, both groups provided informative tours of the school to help students locate their lockers and classrooms.
“I really liked how everyone was so welcoming,” said Alyssa Zabez, a new Grade 9 student who moved from New York.
Led by student council teacher advisor Sarah Cobden and Celtic Circle teacher advisor Marisa Mariella, the orientation day was only one of many BR orientation events.
“We know how important it is for students to feel connected to their school. We work hard to build a network of support for everyone,” said Mariella.
Thanks to the celtic circle and student council, students left with their first happy memory of high school.
Everyone remembers the first day of high school. So why not ensure a happy memory?
With this in mind, Bishop Ryan’s Celtic Circle joined forces with the student council to host the annual orientation day on Sept. 3 for incoming Grade 9 students.
With the addition of 400 new Grade 9 students, the school population has grown to over 1,640 pupils.
Sarah Ivanco, student council president and one of the founding members of the Celtic Circle peer mentoring group, said the students are coming to the best high school in the city.
During an assembly, Celtic Circle members shared information about uniforms, school co-curriculars, how to read their timetables and more.
“It was a lot of fun teaching the Grade nines how to open their locks,” added Emilie Suwala, an energetic Grade 12 student and Celtic Circle founding member.
“I still have trouble opening up my own lock.”
With a growing number of students coming from a different country, the Celtic Circle members work diligently to promote inclusivity for all.
“I know how hard it is to come to a new school. I came from Pakistan to Canada just a year ago and I remember how nervous I felt because I did not know anyone,” said Grade 12 student and new Celtic Circle member Ubaid Ur Rehman.
“Now, I feel really happy to be here at Bishop Ryan. Everyone has been so nice.”
Later, Rehman admitted that he still finds it very difficult to speak in front of many people, but he always strives to confront his fears. He shared how proud he felt of himself, especially after the principal publically acknowledged his efforts.
“I can’t wait to see the Grade nines with their uniform. I remember my first day and how proud I was to wear the green and black,” said Roberto Vasquez, a returning Celtic Circle member and past member of student council.
The students learned that one of the best ways to make new friends is to join a club or try out for a team. In fact, many of the members of Celtic Circle are great examples of how students can manage both academics and co-curricular involvement as most of the members are highly involved in the school community.
“I’m looking forward to joining (vocal group) BR Xpression and being able to participate in gym class,” said Vanessa Ventresca, a Grade 9 student coming from St. Mark Catholic Elementary School.
“I’m also not as nervous as I was before.”
After the assembly, the eager Grade 9 students were treated to a barbecue lunch provided by student council. During this time, both groups provided informative tours of the school to help students locate their lockers and classrooms.
“I really liked how everyone was so welcoming,” said Alyssa Zabez, a new Grade 9 student who moved from New York.
Led by student council teacher advisor Sarah Cobden and Celtic Circle teacher advisor Marisa Mariella, the orientation day was only one of many BR orientation events.
“We know how important it is for students to feel connected to their school. We work hard to build a network of support for everyone,” said Mariella.
Thanks to the celtic circle and student council, students left with their first happy memory of high school.
Everyone remembers the first day of high school. So why not ensure a happy memory?
With this in mind, Bishop Ryan’s Celtic Circle joined forces with the student council to host the annual orientation day on Sept. 3 for incoming Grade 9 students.
With the addition of 400 new Grade 9 students, the school population has grown to over 1,640 pupils.
Sarah Ivanco, student council president and one of the founding members of the Celtic Circle peer mentoring group, said the students are coming to the best high school in the city.
During an assembly, Celtic Circle members shared information about uniforms, school co-curriculars, how to read their timetables and more.
“It was a lot of fun teaching the Grade nines how to open their locks,” added Emilie Suwala, an energetic Grade 12 student and Celtic Circle founding member.
“I still have trouble opening up my own lock.”
With a growing number of students coming from a different country, the Celtic Circle members work diligently to promote inclusivity for all.
“I know how hard it is to come to a new school. I came from Pakistan to Canada just a year ago and I remember how nervous I felt because I did not know anyone,” said Grade 12 student and new Celtic Circle member Ubaid Ur Rehman.
“Now, I feel really happy to be here at Bishop Ryan. Everyone has been so nice.”
Later, Rehman admitted that he still finds it very difficult to speak in front of many people, but he always strives to confront his fears. He shared how proud he felt of himself, especially after the principal publically acknowledged his efforts.
“I can’t wait to see the Grade nines with their uniform. I remember my first day and how proud I was to wear the green and black,” said Roberto Vasquez, a returning Celtic Circle member and past member of student council.
The students learned that one of the best ways to make new friends is to join a club or try out for a team. In fact, many of the members of Celtic Circle are great examples of how students can manage both academics and co-curricular involvement as most of the members are highly involved in the school community.
“I’m looking forward to joining (vocal group) BR Xpression and being able to participate in gym class,” said Vanessa Ventresca, a Grade 9 student coming from St. Mark Catholic Elementary School.
“I’m also not as nervous as I was before.”
After the assembly, the eager Grade 9 students were treated to a barbecue lunch provided by student council. During this time, both groups provided informative tours of the school to help students locate their lockers and classrooms.
“I really liked how everyone was so welcoming,” said Alyssa Zabez, a new Grade 9 student who moved from New York.
Led by student council teacher advisor Sarah Cobden and Celtic Circle teacher advisor Marisa Mariella, the orientation day was only one of many BR orientation events.
“We know how important it is for students to feel connected to their school. We work hard to build a network of support for everyone,” said Mariella.
Thanks to the celtic circle and student council, students left with their first happy memory of high school.