It’s a new school year with plenty of change at Eagle River Secondary.
For the 2017/18 school year, Eagle River Secondary welcomes new teachers, a new principal, a renovated foyer and gym and the addition of Grade 7.
Last week, the school hosted an orientation day for the Grade 7s and 8s, preparing them for life at high school. Principal Mark Marino, who joins Eagle River this year, was thrilled by the event and the student turnout.
“We had about 90 per cent of our incoming Grade 7s and 8s show up today for the school for all morning. It was awesome…,” said Marino. “The kids are curious and I think most kids are anticipating coming to school. They had the opportunity to come to their classroom, get a lock, go to their locker, connect with friends that they may not have connected with over the summer. Of course, we said we’d feed them pizza at noon, so it all worked out.”
Marino said he is excited with his new job and the transition this year of Grade 7 from Parkview Elementary to ERS.
“We’re going to be with them for six years and see them mature and grow and just become adults. I can’t wait to see that,” said Marino.
Grade 12 students are also playing a role in welcoming, and looking after the younger Grade 7 students. Marino said three Grade 12 students did an excellent job during the orientation as ambassadors, providing the newcomers insight and guidance.
“Part of the presentation today was for them to talk about what life at Eagle River is like, and then those students actually gave them the tour of the school. It’s important for us to make sure we use our seniors also as mentors,” said Marino, adding all Grade 12 students will be reminded of the presence of the Grade 7 students and the importance of being role models.
“From my understanding, it’s a strong grad class that’s really looking forward to kind of mentoring the younger kids, but also just improving school culture,” said Marino.
Joining Marino for their first year at ERS are three new teachers, two for the Grade 8s and one for Grade 7.
“Our Grade 7 teacher actually has the Grade 7s half a day all year long,” said Marino. “Plus, she’ll have them for French, and then she will have them for Foods, which is part of our exploration rotation, which is being exposed to woodwork, foods and then some computer aspects.”
Students entering the school for the first time this year will immediately see the newly renovated foyer.
Renovations on the school gym are also nearing completion.
“We’re actually not using the gym (this) week at school because the contractor still needs another week in there, which is fine,” said Marino. “We can do P.E. and have assemblies in other areas.
But we are getting a fresh look in the gym too. That will be the first phase… down the road, there will be phase 2 and phase 3 to the gym in the school upgrade.”