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Grade 7 to 12 Schools

Our Grade 7 to 12 Catholic secondary school model is available at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School and our Regional Arts & Media Program offered at All Saints Catholic Secondary School.

View our Grade 7 to 12 video to hear reactions from students, parents and staff.

Benefits of the Grade 7 to 12 secondary model

Students entering the model in Grade 7 and 8 continue in the intermediate program they currently experience in Kindergarten to Grade 8 schools. They also enjoy the following benefits of being located in a secondary school facility:

access to specialist teachers, guidance staff, program support staff, Student Success programs and services, and a school chaplain;
access to enhanced learning facilities/environments for Grade 7 and 8 students, such as a chapel, science labs, music rooms, technology facilities, an intermediate gymnasium, cafeteria, lockers and updated athletic facilities;
enhanced opportunities to access sports, arts and drama courses, instrumental music, intramurals, clubs and activities;
greater learning continuity and seamless transitions for students entering Grade 9 from the intermediate division;
improved interaction between all teaching staff in Grades 7 to12 to deliver the curriculum and coordinate the implementation of programs;
opportunities for students in Grades 11 and 12 leadership programs and courses to provide a range of functions including mentorship, tutoring, peer support, and organizing of co-curricular activities for Grade 7 and 8 students.

Questions and answers

The following are questions and answers about the Grade 7 to 12 model.

Do Grade 7 and 8 students enrolled in the secondary model attend school in the same building as students in Grades 9 to 12?

Yes. Students in Grades 7 and 8 experience a regular intermediate program with respect to curriculum, scheduling, supervision, etc. They are assigned to a class (as opposed to having individual schedules) that travels together through the instructional day in the Grade 7/8 wing of the school. Masses, assemblies and other school functions may include the whole school or particular grades as appropriate.

How are facilities for elementary students and secondary students kept separate?

Students in Grades 7 and 8 have their classrooms located in a separate wing of the school with its own washrooms. Rotation to specialized program rooms would be under the supervision of a teacher.

Will the intermediate school operate on a rotary basis for all subjects, some or none?

As with our traditional elementary schools, the decision of whether rotary is provided is made by the school team.

Is there a Grade 8 graduation or completion celebration for students attending a Grade 7 to 12 high school?

The completion of Grade 8 continues to be recognized as a milestone. Similar to traditional models, the details of how the event is celebrated is determined by the administration, staff and parents.

Is there a Grade 6 completion celebration in Kindergarten to Grade 6 associate schools?

This is a local decision. To support positive transitions to a new school, some form of recognition is appropriate.

What is the maximum class size for Grade 7 and 8 students in the secondary model?

As is the case with our elementary schools, there is no designated maximum class size. Class size will continue to be determined using the Ministry of Education's designated average class size for junior and intermediate levels.

Are there combined Grade 7 and 8 classes in the secondary model?

The principal, in accordance with regular staffing procedures and local enrolment numbers, determines classroom organization.

Can Grade 7 and 8 students take Grade 9 to 12 credits?

Grade 7 and 8 students are not permitted to access Grade 9 to12 credit courses, except in exceptional circumstances where appropriate, in accordance with a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Do Grade 7 and 8 students have their own extracurricular activities?

Intermediate students continue to be part of the DDECAA organized inter-school activities. Local co-curricular activities may be organized and offered as needed/determined by staff.

Is an administrator assigned to deal with elementary students and staff?

A second vice-principal with elementary experience is assigned to the Grade 7 to 12 school. The school principal determines the distribution of responsibilities of the administrative team.

Is there a separate parent council and staffing committee?

A Grade 7 to 12 school, like all other schools, has a single parent council. Representation from both OECTA Elementary and OECTA Secondary are welcome.

Are there separate announcements and bell times for elementary students and staff?

Bell times for Grade 7 and 8 students are different than they are for Grade 9 to12 students. Announcements are for the whole school.

What is the expectation in regards to parent-teacher interviews? Will the school year calendar be adjusted to coordinate all students?

The reporting process and expectations for Grades 7 and 8 continues to reflect the expectations of all intermediate teachers throughout the system. Grade 7 and 8 students and teachers follow the elementary school year calendar.

How is the lunch hour organized for the Grade 7 and 8 students?

Grade 7 and 8 students have lunch together and Grade 9 to 12 students have a separate lunch. Grade 7 and 8 students have 20 minutes in the cafeteria and 20 minutes supervised outdoor time in a designated area.

Student Voice

Grade 7 and 8 students at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School share their thoughts and ideas on the new service delivery model.