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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 8, 2007 - 25 Grade 8 student eager to begin high school By Omar Othman GRADE 8, HERITAGE GLEN More freedom, sports teams and getting away from that same teacher you met in Jindergarten. That is what every single Grade 8 student moving on to high school is thinking about. I can't wait for high school! I honestly don't know why grade eights going into grade nine are so nervous. I mean 99 per cent of students play a sport. From cricket to hockey, everyone has something they enjoy playing and this is a great way to "fit in", be part of the school. Let's face it; elementary teams don't really do it. I mean they are pretty limited. I will be going to Abbey Park and they have everything. I am so looking forward to trying sports that we did not have my school. I think that after eight years in one place the kids are ready for a change. In elementary school you have ages of kids spanning from six to 14. You really aren't treated "grown up". In high school you are treated more like an adult, and you have more freedom to do things. I guess that also means you have more freedom to make some pretty big mistakes, but that's also part of growing up. I have talked with a few people that are in Grade 9 this year who used to be at video games/computers or even cosmetology. What I am nervous about is not `fitting in', or peer pressure, and big tests, such as EQAO or as my brother says "Evil Questions Attack Ontario" in grade 9 and 10. I also have concern about the dreaded exams and large unit tests. People I've talked to tell me not to worry, but how can I not. I know that there will be stresses, but high school is also the perfect opportunity to find and make friends that are like you. These are the friends that you move on to University with and eventually the rest of your life. I really just want to say to all those grade 8's that are stressing about the big change: "Chilax, it'll be fun! Up to $1,100 in Carrier rebates! Up to $800 in government rebates! DON'T PAY TIL 2008! O.A.C. · · · · · Furnaces Air Conditioners Air Cleaners Humidifiers Duct Cleaning my school. They told me that teachers in high school talk to you like friends. They are interested in the student as a person and make connections. I don't think I have every had a teacher `friend' in elementary school, well maybe just the gym teacher this year, Mr. Row. He's pretty cool. I recently had the opportunity to go to Abbey Park for a sports clinic. This really pumped me up for high school. That day I saw all the opportunities for sports and this is the perfect opportunity to make high school the best it can be. Throw in you passion, whether it's sports, SPRING SPECIAL EXTENDED TO JUNE 15 BRENMAR HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING L TD. 905-608-9330 1-866-852-9330 www.brenmar.ca Escape to paradise AVOID L Park INE-UPS admis and pay garde sion at a ny na the fr rea and tak ee shu e ttle. Iris and Peony Celebration* SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS, June 9 and 10; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Laking Garden Explore the collections, perennial borders, Barbara Laking Heritage Garden and the hosta walk. · Classical music by Duo Nouveau and Serenata · Watercolour artists Barb Spanos (June 2/3) and Janice Opie (June 9). Art for sale · Children's crafts and activities, scavenger hunt, guided tours and Discovery Cart, refreshments, Sunday BBQ, and more BECOME A MEMBER Benefits include free admission to the Gardens, preferred access to Royal Botanical Gardens' special events, plus discounts and more. An annual membership starts at only $50. Sign up or renew your membership at www.rbg.ca. *SPONSORED BY: Tranquil Thursdays Thursdays, June and July; 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Laking Garden Reflect and rejuvenate -- enjoy live classical music, stroll the gardens and see the works of watercolour artists (art for sale). Wine and beer available for purchase with appetizers. DAY CAMPS FOR AGES 4­12, AND TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Brochure and registration available online at www.rbg.ca, at your local library or call 905-527-1158, ext. 270. RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road West, Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario · 905-527-1158