While much of the work has now moved inside, construction of the new 171,000-square-foot Kingston Secondary School is now 82 per cent complete. Exterior concrete, masonry and metal work is almost complete. Inside, work continues on the installation of fixtures including student lockers, and drywall and interior painting is about 55% complete.The contractor has been working on the sports field as weather permits including the demolition of the former city library branch which is now complete.

Four years ago, following the consolidation of the Kingston Collegiate & Vocational Institute (KCVI) and Queen Elizabeth Collegiate & Vocational Institute (QECVI), KCVI started a journey with the Class of 2020.

The plan was to bring together students from the nine KCVI and former QECVI feeder schools as well as new students coming into the pre-International Baccalaureate Programme in deliberate and meaningful ways to begin creating our new school culture.

It starts with a dynamic and engaging two-day introduction for all incoming Grade 9 students called “Get your BEARings." This orientation program is intended to allow new students to receive their timetables, lockers, complimentary city bus pass and walk through a typical day at KCVI. They have the opportunity to meet classmates and teachers before the first day of school and learn specific strategies for high school success. Student LINK Leaders help organize ongoing activities and experiences, face-to-face check ins with new students, and act as ongoing mentors and role models throughout the school year.

"We have seen firsthand the value of this program in supporting our new as they move through their high school career," says KCVI Student Services Head Bonney Morris Pocock. "Our students are fortunate to have already built our new school community within the walls of KCVI.”

These 240 students are indeed succeeding as a combined class at KCVI. Students now have access to growing programming options in all pathways and more students than ever before are heading to college, university, apprenticeships and the workplace. The school has built timetables that have met the needs of students in all pathways as well as expanding their opportunities in cooperative education, Dual Credits and School to Community programs.

“This important transition program between our newest students and more senior students has been so successful,” says Student Services teacher Tamiko Ferguson. “We look forward to seeing what the year ahead will bring for the classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023 as we prepare for our move to Kingston Secondary School.”