Link Crew Transition Program
“Strong Links Make Unbreakable Chains” – d’Y Link Crew
Link Crew is a transition program at d’Youville designed to help our new grade 9 students adjust to high school life. Link Crew is made up of a group of dedicated Grade 11 and 12 students from diverse backgrounds in our d’Youville community. Link Leaders are trained to act as positive role models and mentors steering grade 9’s in the right direction.
Amongst hosting Guys Night and Girls Night In, Link Leaders visit Grade 9 classrooms to deliver three acitivties throughout each semester. The visits focus on understanding why people make the choices that they do and how others perceive the choices we make. Leaders facilitate discussions to help grade 9’s understand the importance of using perception when making choices in school and in life. Students also receive information on which resources are available around the school in order to assist in their success in grade 9.
To help Grade 9’s prepare for their first set of high school exams, Link Leaders organize “Cocoa and Cram” - a study session designed to help ease the stress and anxiety of January exams. Students work closely with Link Leaders, having their questions answered and enjoy hot chocolate and snacks. A similar event "Lemonade and Learn" also runs in June.
Link leaders are also paired with grade 9 students as a part of our Peer-Mentorship Program. This program provides many grade 9 students the guidance and one-on-one support in order to be successful; Link Leaders work to develop a strong rapport with their protégé and work very collaboratively with staff to ensure development and growth.
In November, Link Crew hosts the Annual “A Day in the Life”. All grade 8 students from our feeder schools came to d’Y for the day while the current grade 9s participate in Take your kid to work day out of the school. Each grade 8 student followed the schedule of a grade 9 student with the guidance and support of our Link Leaders and grade 9 teachers throughout the day. Our grade 9 teachers do a fantastic job at giving the students a glimpse of what to expect in the subject area, as well as indicators to assist the students with choosing the appropriate level for their success in high school.
Once again, we will be offering a Link Crew Course for grade 11 students next year! Current grade 10 students who are interested in being Link Leaders for the next school year must select LEADRE on their registration and course selection submission to be considered for an interview. Please see any of the Link Crew Coordinators if you have any questions.
Special thanks to the grade 9 teachers who volunteered their time to provide support to the program and to the leaders. Thank you to Mr. Greco and the Administration Team for always supporting our endeavors to build successful young individuals.
P. McAllister, E. McPhee, M. Brum-Porto, and K. McMullin
ATTENTION GRADE 9s FOR SEPTEMBER 2015!!!!
Join us for GRADE 9 ORIENTATION on Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 from 9am – 2pm. This is your opportunity to meet other grade 9 students, meet grade 11 and 12 students who are here to help you be successful at d’Y, get your timetable and find your classes, and enjoy a BBQ lunch with the d’Youville community! Bring $8 (cash) to purchase your lock! |
Our Link Crew Leaders pledge to continue to be positive role models in the d’Y community. We look forward to the many events ahead of us in the upcoming years.
GRADE 9 ORIENTATION IMAGES