Barrie high school eases transition for ninth graders with mentor program

A new school year could be an exciting but nervous time for those making the jump from middle school to high school, which is why St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Barrie is pairing ninth graders with senior-level students for another year of its Senior Knight program.

The program involves more than 60 senior students mentoring nearly 300 new ninth-graders. Mentors are Grade 11 and 12 students who have shown qualities of being good role models and positive leaders.

"It's really comforting," said Grade 9 student Emily Hearns. "It's like a big sister, a big brother if you don't have one at the school."

The mentors have been wearing blue shirts for the first few days of school so that they could be easily found. They can answer questions and remain in touch with their assigned mentees throughout the school year.

"The bright blue T-shirts are amazing. You can just find your way around school, ask them about your locker, how to get to class and where things are," said new student Meryk Mullins.

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For the senior students, being a mentor is an opportunity to learn leadership skills and to return the favour of when they were mentored when they first began high school.

"I found that my Senior Knight mentor really helped me to kind of come out of my shell, meet new people," said Grade 11 student and mentor Lucie Cercone. "I wanted to do that for all the other kids that may be feeling the same way that I did."

The Senior Knight program also offers activities throughout the year, such as Fun Day on September 20, where students compete in various team-building games to promote community and build friendships.

"The mentors are just an amazing bunch of students this year," said Colleen McKinney, a program advisor. "[They're] great leaders and the Grade 9s have been awesome."

Many students often remain in touch with their Senior Knight mentors for years after finishing ninth grade.