Transition Program for Ontario Public Schools Quest-I’m-on

TRANSITION PROGRAM The Transition Program: The Quest-I’m-on Transition Program unites the high school students involved in leadership courses or programs with the incoming Grade 9 students. It is a four-step program that integrates empathy and compassion while developing and practising leadership skills. It also aims to reduce isolation and increase success rate for Grade 8 students transitioning into high school. A nominal time commitment from each student will remove some of the barriers that cause segregation, fear and anxiety among students. The formation of stronger connections from this unifying, energetic and creative program cultivates positive school culture and spirit. Through this relationship building process between elementary and secondary students, increased enrolment numbers is also another by-product of the program. Increases student participation thus creating more student leaders Expands effective communication Promotes team building and team spirit Fosters healthy relationships Helps reduce the divisions and competition between grade levels Elevates student self-esteem and success levels Builds safer surroundings for students Instils tolerance, empathy and compassion Encourages a student-driven, positive school culture shift Increases student enrolment from elementary to secondary school

TRANSITION PROGRAM – THE STEPS

STEP 1 – QUALIFY – Preparing students to be leaders High school students in the leadership course/program take a 3-hour Quest-I’m-on workshop to prepare them as student leaders. In this workshop, the students will: Gain understanding that a strong leader doesn't look for followers but creates other leaders Learn to enhance and focus on personal empathy and compassion levels Learn how to create a safe environment for others to speak and be themselves Learn how to improve communication skills by the basics of active listening and creative questioning Learn how to create stronger bonds and relationships in a short time Learn how to facilitate a small group for future workshops

STEP 2 – EMBRACE – Getting to know other students Student leaders facilitate a 2.5-hour Quest-I’m-on workshop with the Grade 8 students. Through a series of interactive exercises, all students will: Get opportunities to create the foundation for relationships which will be built upon and carried over in the next 2 steps of the Transition Program and beyond Learn to enhance and focus on personal empathy and compassion levels Learn to lead exercises, play together and have fun Learn about responsibilities they have towards one another Gain better understanding of the causes and consequences of separation and alienation Get to share ideas on how to make school and people feel safer Get to exchange contact information ( , Facebook, MSN…) Student leaders will: Lead and facilitate conversations and activities with assigned groups Get to share personal experiences of high school Get opportunity to serve as mentor and positive role model Grade 8 students will: Get to share fears as well as accomplishments Gain better understanding of the challenges faced by high school students Establish contacts with student leaders of the high school

STEP 3 – SHARE – Sharing support, morals and values Student leaders and Grade 8 students meet for a follow-up 2.5-hour Quest-I’m-on workshop to further share experiences and enhance bonding on established relationships. From this interactive workshop, all students will: Develop stronger bonds as peers Develop an effective method to maintain contact with others Get a chance to demonstrate and exercise individual morals and values Receive tips on reducing or eliminating teasing, bullying and prejudices Student leaders will: Provide support and guidance to Grade 8 as they take more of a leadership role in their groups Facilitate team-building exercises Provide answers to ease fears andanxieties for the Grade 8 students Grade 8 students will: Learn how to lead a group of peers and student leaders Gain confidence and practise as leaders with the student leaders’ support Build allies at the new school Easier transition into high school

STEP 4 – TRANSITION – Transitioning Grade 8 students to new school At the orientation session at the beginning of the next school year, the student leaders meet with the Grade 8 (new Grade 9) students for a one-hour Quest-I’m-on workshop. Student leaders will: Be assigned to mentor a group of two to three new Grade 9 students using the N.I.C.E. approach that incorporates personal empathy and compassion levels learned in the previous steps: New comer – demonstrate an act of welcoming the members In contact – establish regular contacts with each group member within the first 6 weeks of the semester Circle of friends – introduce each member to at least three of their friends within the first month Extra activity – bring each member of the group to at least one game, practice, or any other extra curricular activity Use a questionnaire as a guide for conversations with the group Document any concerns or issues from members of the group Prepare and present a summary to the leadership teacher on their experiences with the members of the group and the Transition Program Find ways to encourage the new students to take the leadership course/program New Grade 9 students will: Gain comfort in the new school with a sense of belonging Gain confidence in expressing themselves Integrate quicker and better in the new school

Responsibilities & Time Commitments Transition Program Student Leaders Grade 8 Students Step 1 QUALIFY 3-hour workshop during school year Attend 3-hour workshop Step 2 EMBRACE 2.5-hour workshopAttend 2.5-hour workshop Step 3 SHARE 2.5-hour workshop (approx. 2 months later) Attend 2.5-hour workshop Step 4 TRANSITION 1-hour orientation workshop at the beginning of next school year 1. Attend 1-hour orientation 2. Meet with each member of the group – (15 minutes x 6 weeks x (3) students) 1. Attend 1-hour orientation 2. Meet with student leader (15 minutes x 6 weeks) Total Hours 9 hours13.5 hours7.5 hours

Transition Program - Requirements Number of students: Recommending 1:3 ratio (1 student leader to 3 Grade 8 students) – maximum 60 Grade 8 students. Workshop Location: Preferrably to be held at the high school where the Grade 8 students will be going to. Room Size: A room that can accommodate 80 students with chairs only (no tables/desks). Equipment: One chair per student One blank sheet of paper and pen per student A microphone (depending on room size)

Transition Program – Objectives: 1.Transition Program hours can be used towards the 40 hours of community service requirement set by the Ministry of Education 2.Incorporate and imbed the Transition Program into the regular school curriculum 3.To help increase the student enrolment from elementary to high school