August 29th, 2022
WELCOME BACK RENEGADES!!!!!!!!
2022-23 Startup Communication to Students and Families
Welcome back Renegades! We hope your summer has provided you with new experiences and opportunities. We are looking forward to having you back at school to learn, play, practice and participate in all of the incredible events and activities that will make this year one of the best ever! Please ensure you read all of the information below in order to prepare for the first day of school.
Printable First Day Schedule, Sept. 6, 2022.
Printable Regular Day Schedule
Grade 9 First Day Instructions
Grade nine students should arrive at school and find their first period class (A Block) by 8:15am. It is a good idea to get here early. When students arrive at school they can find their name on the school lists posted near some of the main doors, in the front foyer and outside the cafeteria. These lists will provide students with the room number for their homeroom and period 1 (A Block) class. Students can then proceed to their homeroom and meet their teacher and classmates. There will be staff and leadership students around to help students find their names and get to their homeroom classes. Ask anyone for help if you need it. We are all friendly 🙂 For specific information regarding other questions please see the appropriate headings below.
Grade 9 Orientation
Grade 9 students will attend a welcome assembly designed just for them. At this time they will receive information about the first few weeks of school and how to get involved in extracurricular activities. Students will then have the opportunity to tour around the school with their timetables, meet other Grade 9 students and get some tips on how to have a successful Grade 9 year! To finish out the morning Grade 9s are invited to a free BBQ. Students are encouraged to still bring a refillable water bottle, lunch and snacks to ensure they are not hungry throughout the day as the BBQ will not be a full lunch.Â
Grade 10-12 First Day InstructionsÂ
Students in Grades 10-12 are not required to be in class until 11:50pm when their period 1 class (A Block) will begin. When students arrive at school they can find their name on the school lists posted near some of the main doors, in the front foyer and outside the cafeteria. Students can then proceed to their homeroom and meet their teacher and classmates. There will be staff and leadership students around to help students find their names and get to their homeroom classes. Ask anyone for help if you need it. We are all friendly 🙂 For specific information regarding other questions please see the appropriate headings below.
All students are welcome to be at the school at 8:15am in designated areas (especially if you need to take the bus). Students who arrive at school before the beginning of A block are welcome to be around the school grounds (especially if it’s nice out), go to the library and a number of designated classrooms will be available. The cafeteria and other areas of the school are not available in the morning because they are being used for the Grade 9 Orientation activities. See the Printable First Day Schedule, Sept. 6, 2022 for greater detail regarding the first day of school.
Timetable Information
All students will receive their class timetable in their first period class (A Block). Homerooms will be posted by last name throughout the school. Staff will be available to direct you upon arrival. Â
Timetable Changes
Students who need to make changes to their 2022-2023 timetable due to change in pathway plans, summer school results, imbalances etc. may do so by:
- Booking an appointment Monday August 29 to Wednesday August 31st using the online booking system grc.wrdsb.ca/academics/guidance. Simply scroll to your guidance counsellor based on your last name, click on book appointment and select a day/time that suits you.
OR
- Completing the Course Change google form. Guidance counsellors will prioritize students’ needs and book an appointment with you for the first week of school using google calendar. Please be sure to check your school email for your appointment time and come to the guidance office at that time.
Athletics, Clubs and Activities
Jr. and Sr. Football will begin practicing on Tuesday Sept. 6. Any interested players are welcome to change for practice and come to the field after school to meet coaches and participate. Players need to be fitted for equipment etc. so the first few days are very busy. Any players that cannot make arrangements to practice on Tuesday are welcome to join the team later in the week.Â
All other teams, clubs and activities begin throughout the first month of school. In general athletics will begin on Wed. Sept. 7. Arts, Music, Drama and other clubs start at various times. Students should look for advertising throughout the school, on our school website and on our school instagram feed @grandriversac.
Food Services at Grand River
Currently Grand River does not have food services in our cafeteria. There is no food for purchase on a regular basis. Students are able to leave the school during their lunch break and are encouraged to bring a healthy lunch to school. Grand River does have a Nutrition for Learning Program that will begin to run during September for students who need access to nutritious food in order to ensure they are not hungry.
Lockers
Students will choose their locker in their period 1 class. Lockers will be chosen based on your semester 1 period 1 class and will stay for the remainder of the year. Students with a period 1 spare can choose their locker through the main office. Lock combinations must be provided when the locker is chosen. Please make sure to bring a lock with you on the first day. Locks can be purchased at the main office for $5.Â
Bussing Information
Students and their families should check the STSWR website for bus route information. Most students will be able to take their assigned bus on the first day of school. However, due to issues beyond our control, some specialized routes may not be running until the second week of school. The school will reach out to families individually to discuss options for the first week of school.
Students whose address changed within the past 3 months will have access to bus transportation on or after September 19th. Parents are encouraged to make temporary alternative arrangements to get students to school until then.
Absences and Late to Class
When a student is absent from school, their guardian should call the school attendance line (519) 576-5100 and press 1 to leave a message, or email the attendance email grc-attendance@wrdsb.ca . Please include the date, the student’s name and the guardian’s name if the call is made outside of the office hours.Â
Students who are late to school should go directly to their class. Â
If a student needs to sign out during the school day, a guardian must provide approval for the student to be signed out. This can be done by email, phone or a note provided by the guardian.
 Chromebooks
Every student in the WRDSB receives a Chromebook for school use when they first arrive at school. This device will be your responsibility to take care of for the duration of your time at GRCI. Â
- Chromebooks for Grade 9 StudentsÂ
Your Chromebooks will be waiting in your homeroom classes on your first day of school. Please take and dispose of all packaging at home at the end of the first day and make sure that you bring your chromebook every day for the rest of the year fully charged.
- Chromebooks for All Other New GRCI Students
If you don’t already have a chromebook when you arrive at GRCI, then one will be provided to you. Your Vice Principal will request a chromebook for you when you register and it should arrive in your homeroom on your first day. If you do not have one, please let your homeroom teacher know.
Password and Chromebook Setup Instructions
Chromebook Letter, Instructions
- Chromebook FAQ’s:
How can parents and students find out more about the Chromebook 1:1 Initiative?
Parents and Students can find out more about the Chromebook 1:1 Initiative by visiting:Â Â
https://www.wrdsb.ca/learning/programs/secondary-school-information/chromebook-project/
How do we get help for technical issues with the chromebook?
WRDSB has created a help website for chromebooks. It can be accessed by visiting:
https://tech.wrdsb.ca/chromebooks/
Mr. Mayer is GRCI’s in-school technician and is also always available to help on-site.
