Bluewater school board marks 10th anniversary of Link Crew Day, Sept. 6

It is a milestone year for what has become a hugely-successful back-to-school tradition in the Bluewater District School Board area.

Link Crew Day will mark its 10th anniversary, Tuesday, Sept. 6, with all 10 secondary schools co-ordinating a variety of activities to welcome incoming Grade 9 students.

The purpose of Link Crew Day is to ensure a smooth transition for the Grade 9s as they enter secondary school for the first time. Senior secondary students, who have been trained as ‘Link Leaders,’ provide guidance, mentorship and support to help alleviate some of the stress that can sometimes accompany the introduction to secondary school life.

In addition to establishing lasting connections with senior students, new classmates and staff, Link Crew Day provides orientation opportunities that are designed to ‘break the ice’ and boost school spirit. These include school tours and assemblies, as well as a host of fun and engaging games and activities that serve to showcase a welcoming and positive learning environment.

“We are very proud to be celebrating 10 years of Link Crew Day success in our Bluewater secondary schools," says Blair Hilts, learning services administrator, student success. "This is such an engaging program that really resonates with our first-time secondary students by setting a positive and supportive tone as they enter their formative secondary years.”

With Grade 9 students attending Link Crew Day, Tuesday, the first official day of school for Bluewater students entering Grades 10, 11 and 12 will take place Wednesday.

All elementary school students return to classes Tuesday.



Kincardine District Secondary School Link Crew team from 2011; photo by Liz Dadson