HJ Cody School’s Leadership team welcomed new students from all walks of life to the school during the annual New Student Luncheon last Thursday afternoon.
New students who began classes at HJ Cody earlier this month were identified as having come from a plethora of different backgrounds, schools and even countries.
Leadership team members gave them an insight into the opportunities the school offers academically, athletically and artistically.
“We just want you to be aware of all the different things you could participate in at HJ,” said student Josh Howse. “We have a wide variety of activities in the performing arts, sports and academics.”
Student Jocelyn Mosset elaborated on the school’s athletics program, noting students can take part in football, curling, basketball, volleyball, archery, soccer, badminton and track.
Principal Dave Elwood said the idea for the luncheon arrived four years ago to ease the transition into the school for new students. In that time, he feels it’s proven an effective way of helping them settle into their new surroundings.
“We realize when you move from a school to another school, that’s really tough Ñ especially when you do it in high school,” he said. “One of the big goals of this is to connect you with some people in your grade.”
Ensuring all students feel connected, he added, is key to ensuring a healthy high school social environment.
“The one thing we don’t want is anybody to be left alone,” he said. “High school is a social place, (and) is a place to come and see your friends and go to classes, but we really want you to get connected with a least a couple of other students.
“We are super excited to have all of you here.”
Several songs were performed throughout the luncheon by students of both HJ Cody and Fox Run School.