Grade 8-9 Information

Welcome Grade 8s and families!

There are a lot of opportunities for grade 8 students to meet the staff and students of Georgetown District High School as they prepare for grade 9.

First Day of School 2025-2026

Wednesday September 3, 2025 is the first day of the new school year for all GDHS students. We have reserved the morning for Gr. 9 Orientation from 8:54 am - 12:15 pm. Over the course of the morning students will meet new friends, participate in a variety of fun activities, pick their locker, and tour the school. There will be activities away from the Gr. 9 Orientation provided for those students in Grades 10-12 who attend in the morning. Classes will run during the afternoon of Wednesday September 3rd on a shortened schedule beginning at approximately 12:50 pm and ending at 3:21 pm.

Letter to Grade 8 Students

Key Dates throughout 2024-2025 for current Gr 8 Students & Families

For students currently in Grade 8:

Thursday, October 17, 2024: Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Information Evening
Friday, October 25, 2024: ALP Application opens on HDSB website
Thursday, November 21, 2024: Gr 8 Information Night, 6-8pm @ GDHS
Early December 2024: Guidance Counsellors visit Gr 8 classes to deliver Course Selection information
Monday, December 2, 2024: ALP Applications due via HDSB website
December 18, 2024: Course selection worksheets due to homeroom grade 8 teachers
Friday, January 10, 2025: Out of Area Transfer Request Forms for non-GDHS bound students due to home high school (ie: not GDHS) for students who wish to attend GDHS
January 2025: New Gr 8 registration packages (for students not in Gr 8 classes that are in school boundaries for GDHS) due to GDHS Guidance Office to secure course choices
Early January 2025: Grade 8s in classes bound for GDHS input course choices into www.myblueprint.ca/halton
May 23, 2025: GDHS student leaders host Transitioning to High School Orientation at GDHS
Late August 2025: Incoming grade 9 students receive their timetables via their HDSB email addresses. Students new to the HDSB receive their timetables directly from their Guidance Counsellor to the email address used at registration.
September 2025: Gr 9 Orientation (morning of the first day of the 2025-2026 school year). Students to have a shortened schedule of their Semester 1 classes in the afternoon.

Course selection materials for gr 9 courses

Course Selection Sheet

All gr 8 students intending on attending GDHS in Sept of their gr 9 year must complete this Option Sheet. Gr 8 students in classes bound for GDHS submit this sheet to gr 8 homeroom teacher

Grade 9-12 Program Book

Program Book

Course descriptions for all GDHS courses and specialized program information for Locally Developed, French Immersion, Gifted, and ALP, and IB programs

HDSB Guide to Secondary School

Guide to Secondary School

This handbook provides students and families a comprehensive overview on transitioning to high school, graduation requirements, regional programs, and more

Gr 8 Presentation

Gr 8 Slideshow

This slideshow is presented at the Gr 8 Parent Night and Open House at GDHS in November and to Gr 8 students when GDHS counsellors visit for course selection presentations

Accelerated Learning Program

ALP IB Website

For information about ALP, including the application form and timelines, visit this ALP/IB website

Selecting Courses for Grade 9

More Info

This document overviews diploma requirements and the types of courses offered in grade 9

Video Tutorials for Grade 8s

WE ARE GEORGETOWN

Gr 8 students experience a "Day in the Life of a Gr 9 Student"

WE ARE GEORGETOWN

Supporting the transition to High School

Navigator Leaders

All grade 9 students are connected to a Navigator senior student mentor in the school. These leaders help our grade 9 students as they transition to high school. They are positive role models and enhance our school spirit by helping to implement a year-long program that integrates new students into our school's community.

Navigators organize Gr 9 Orientation Day.