Grade 10 students participate in games during the first ever Junior Day. Photo by: Sarah Z.
Thursday, September 19th, St. Joseph’s staff, teachers, and senior students welcomed the newest Lasers to the school during the first ever Junior Day. Typically, only grade nine students would partake in the day’s events, but this year, the staff were able to incorporate the grade tens in this fun filled day, since they didn’t have the opportunity to experience it last year, making it Junior Day.
In the morning, elections for the grade nine representatives took place in the cafetorium. Student council members introduced the nominees: Ella A., Michael A., Mia C., Dianne C., Dareen G., Hailey P., Aida R., Anthony S., and Anika Y. Each student delivered a short speech explaining why they deserved to win the position, and the rest of the grade nines voted for their top three choices. Michael A., a newly elected grade representative, loved the thought of helping out with school events, “I want to help out with pep rallies and other things that the school does and help put them together. High school has just been so amazing compared to grade school.”
Michael A. reads his speech during the Grade 9 Representative elections. Photo by: Sarah Z.
After the elections, the grade nines moved to different stations throughout the building. Games including Just Dance, Dynamite, and Duck Bang encouraged the grade nine students to get out of their comfort zones and meet new people. Outside, the grade tens were having a blast with activities led by the Leadership class. Some of the favourite games included Turtle Tag; Pip, Squeak and Wilbur; and Capture the Flag.
At lunch, the three winners for the grade nine representative position were announced. It was a close race, but the students chosen were Michael A., Anthony S., and Dianne C. Congratulations to these lasers on their success, and thank you to all of the other candidates who tried out.
In the afternoon, the grade nine students headed outside and the grade tens went inside. Activities such as writing reflections in the chapel and learning last year’s Muskoka dance gave students a chance to step out of their comfort zones and connect with their peers. Katelyn V., a grade ten student, was extremely happy to have participated in Junior Day, “It’s been an interesting day for sure. But I’m so glad I got to experience it since we didn’t really get to last year.”
Grade 11 and 12 leadership students pose in the football field during outdoor activities. Photo by: Sarah Z.
There were many people who ensured that the day was a success. A big thank you goes out to Mrs. Lalonde, Mrs. Fetter, and Mrs. Mastromattei for planning and organizing this event. “It’s a great way for the kids to bond on teams with kids from different classes and also a great way for 11 and 12’s to practice their leadership skills. I especially like how the grade 9’s get to meet [grade] eleven and twelve kids. This day is just a fantastic way to build community in the school,” said Mrs. Lalonde.
A special thank you also goes out to Mrs. Walls, Student Council, and the grade 11 and 12 leadership classes who ran the activities, organized the teams, and ensured that the students were participating.
Thank you to all the staff and students who made this day one to remember! Make sure to stay tuned to Laser News to hear about all the upcoming events!