Simcoe public high schools welcome Grade 8 families: information night dates

If your son or daughter is in Grade 8, now is the time to start thinking about high school. The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB), the county's English public school board, is hosting information nights at its secondary schools from late November to early December. The sessions are for students entering Grade 9 in September 2027 and their families.

What happens at these nights

Each school welcomes families for a tour and a presentation on how high school works in Ontario. Parents usually meet school staff and guidance counsellors, learn about clubs and sports, and hear about program options, such as specialized courses and pathways toward university, college or the workplace. It is also the time to ask about school buses, schedules and support for students who are still learning English.

Dates and times published by the SCDSB

According to the board's official page, these are the dates for each school:

• Innisdale SS (Barrie): Nov. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Nottawasaga Pines SS (Angus): Nov. 24, 6-8 p.m.
• Banting Memorial HS (Alliston): Nov. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Barrie North CI (Barrie): Nov. 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Collingwood CI (Collingwood): Nov. 25, 5:30-8 p.m.
• Georgian Bay DSS (Midland): Nov. 25, 5-7:30 p.m.
• Nantyr Shores SS (Innisfil): Nov. 25, 5-7 p.m.
• Orillia SS (Orillia): Nov. 25, 6-8 p.m.
• Bear Creek SS (Barrie): Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m.
• Bradford DHS (Bradford): Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Elmvale DHS (Elmvale): Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m.
• Twin Lakes SS (Orillia): Dec. 2, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Eastview SS (Barrie): Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.
• Maple Ridge SS (Barrie): Dec. 3, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Stayner CI (Stayner): Dec. 3, 5 p.m.

The SCDSB itself advises families to confirm details on each school's website, as times and format may change. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, call the school: staff can arrange another way to connect.

Why it is worth going, especially for newcomer families

The Canadian system is quite different from the Brazilian and Latin American ones. In Grade 9 students already choose some of their courses, and some decisions shape their path until graduation. The visit helps you understand terms you will hear all the time, such as credits, OSSD (the Ontario Secondary School Diploma), de-streamed courses and SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major). Your child also gets to see the building, meet teachers and feel more confident on the first day.

How to prepare

• Find your area school using the school locator tool on the SCDSB website.
• Bring your child: the visit is as much for them as for you.
• Write down questions in advance: ESL (English as a Second Language) support, school buses, specialized programs, sports and clubs.
• Ask when and how Grade 9 course selection happens and who helps students with it.
• If English is still a challenge, ask the school whether interpreters or materials in other languages are available.

What about Catholic or French schools?

Catholic schools (Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board) and French-language schools hold their own Grade 8 events on different dates. Check the website of the board your child attends.

Attending one of these nights takes less than two hours and can save a lot of confusion next year. Find your school's date, put it in your calendar and use the chance to talk with counsellors about your child's future in Canada.

Source: Simcoe County District School Board, High School Information Nights page. Also reported by Innisfil Today.

Need help with English for the family? See language schools in the guide, with the service language listed on each profile.