First day of school for elementary students, and Grade 9s at KDSS Link Crew Day

School buses were back on the road, students were walking to school, and crossing guards were stopping traffic so students could cross the street, as the school year officially began, Tuesday morning, in Kincardine.

Stephanie Rutledge was back at her post, as the crossing guard on Russell Street, between Huron Heights Public School and St. Anthony's School, helping students get to school safely. Crossing guards were also on duty beside Ecole Elgin Market Public School, and on Durham Street.

Meanwhile, at Kincardine District Secondary School, teachers, staff and Link Crew leaders gave an enthusiastic and energetic welcome to the new Grade 9 students, during Link Crew Day.

Organized by teacher Peter Wolfe and his team, the event saw the Grade 9s gather for orientation in the gymnasium. This included several spirited activities and games, as well as "mixers" to get the students to learn other students' names and start making new friends.

Principal Mark Ozorio and vice-principal Suzanne Kennedy welcomed the new students and urged them to get involved in clubs, sports and activities at KDSS in order to get the most out of their time there.

Wolfe echoed that sentiment, and made special mention several times of the badminton club which he directs.

The 105 Grade 9 students were then divided into smaller groups, with their Link Crew leaders conducting more activities, and taking them on a tour of the school. After lunch, the Grade 9s had an opportunity to test-drive their own timetables to find their classrooms and become more familiar with the school.

KDSS students in Grades 10-12, start school Wednesday.

Ozorio told the Kincardine Record that there are six French Immersion students at KDSS this year and they will be following the Grade 9 curriculum, but including French Immersion studies instead of Core French which their colleagues are studying.

He expects the number of French Immersion students to double next year and the following year. With the increasing numbers, KDSS will be able to expand the subject offerings in French Immersion, he said, adding that this means students can stay in Kincardine to maintain their study in French Immersion, rather than travelling to Walkerton or Owen Sound.