INTERMEDIATE

Niagara Catholic students in Grades 7 and 8 have regular contact through their future Catholic secondary schools. These opportunities provide students with a sense of familiarity, belonging, comfort and confidence, so that the transition into high school becomes a positive experience.

Student Success Teachers for the secondary schools visit their elementary “feeder” schools and meet with students, parents and teachers. Some of the activities that our Grade 8 students are involved in are:

• Grade 8 Day at their future Catholic high school
• Sporting events such as football and basketball games
• Attending plays, concerts and musicals
• Secondary School Open House

Intermediate students also have the opportunity to continue to participate in Heritage and Science Fairs, chess tournaments, the annual Speak Out! public speaking competition and robotics programs.

Heritage Fair

The Niagara Catholic Heritage Fair is an educational initiative that provides an opportunity for students in elementary schools (starting in the Junior division) to explore any aspect of Canadian heritage and history in a dynamic and captivating learning environment. Niagara Catholic’s Heritage Fair takes place every April, and is held in co-operation with educators, local businesses, museums, heritage groups and community associations.

Speak Out!

Speak Out involves speech writing and a presentation opportunity that prepares our students in the skill of oral communication. Under the guidance of classroom teachers and with support from home, all junior and intermediate students complete a speech on a topic of their choice and present it to classmates. Classroom representatives compete at the school level and winners then move on to one of four site competitions. Winners from each site are then invited to a Showcase at the Catholic Education Centre.

Science Fair

All the budding scientists at Niagara Catholic are challenged to participate in the Board sponsored school Science Fairs. Through topic selection and inquiry, students are encouraged to research areas of interest relating to the field of Science. Junior and Intermediate learners are provided with guidance in their classrooms and independent studies. Students present their projects at school fairs with winners moving on to the Niagara Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Niagara Catholic offers many religious and spiritual opportunities for students in Grades 7 and 8.

Each spring, Grade 7 students participate in an annual Faith Festival. Father Tony Ricard is our regular guest speaker. A charismatic priest from New Orleans, Father Tony shares his faith journey with students in a way that connects with them on a personal level.

Students in Grade 8 have several opportunities to enrich their connection to God and their faith throughout their final year of elementary school.

Each Advent, Grade 8 students come together as a group with their future classmates at a special Mass hosted by their future Catholic secondary school. This is part of Niagara Catholic’s commitment to providing a seamless transition for our students into Grade 9.

Students in Grade 8 prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation of through various activities and conversations about faith with their teachers, parish priests and their elementary chaplaincy leader.

They also participate in a two-day, one-night program called Journey Retreat at the Our Lady of Grace Spiritual Centre in Ridgeway. While there, students participate in a number of activities which empower them to discover their own spirituality and witness God in creation, in others and in themselves.

At the end of the second day, parents and the parish priest join the students, teachers and principal for Mass and dinner. After the meal, the students share with guests the many lessons they learned about themselves and their relationship with God.