Amasht Naqvy and Trinity Liu
1. Stay Organized By Using A Calendar To Prioritize Your Assignments
Do:
Use a digital or physical calendar to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and school events. It can help prevent last-minute panic!
Set reminders for upcoming due dates to avoid cramming the night before.
Break down larger projects into smaller tasks, and schedule time for each part so you're not overwhelmed and it seems more accomplishable.
Don’t:
Don’t rely solely on memory—high school workloads can quickly pile up!
Don’t procrastinate! Waiting until the last minute to start assignments often leads to unnecessary stress and lower quality work. It is a BAD habit.
2. Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone And Try New Activities
Do:
Join clubs, sports, or extracurricular activities, even if they’re new to you. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and explore your interests!
Embrace opportunities that challenge you, whether it's trying out for a team or participating in a school event!
Be open to discovering new hobbies or skills—high school is the perfect time to grow!
Don’t:
Don’t stick to only what you’re familiar with. Expanding your horizons can help you learn more about yourself and high school is the PERFECT time for doing so, especially grade 9!
Don’t fear failure or rejection. Trying something new builds confidence, even if things don’t always go perfectly.
3. Be Financially Smart: Manage Your Money Wisely!
Do:
Set a budget for yourself and keep track of your spending. Try to save a portion of any money you receive and save it.
Prioritize your spending on necessities before spending on wants.
Don’t:
Don’t spend impulsively on things you don’t need—small purchases can add up!
Don’t blow all your money at once on a single purchase. Learn to save for future needs or emergencies.
4. Build Respectful Relationships: Teachers and Classmates
Respect Teachers:
Do:
Be consistent, show up on time and participate in class, it’s worth it.
Ask questions if you don’t understand something, teachers are there to help you
Find your teacher’s grading methods and work according to it.
Don’t:
Don’t ignore or interrupt your teachers unless it’s a question. It’s disruptive and can impact your learning and others.
Don’t assume teachers don’t care. If you show respect and willingness to learn, they’ll be more eager to help you out.
Respect Classmates:
Do:
Don’t discriminate and bully against others no matter their background cultures etc.
Listening to others may on a group project as coordination is key, by meshing all your ideas you may be able to create something better than all of your original ideas
Resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully, and try to understand your peers’ perspectives.
Don’t:
Spreading rumors or being unkind can hurt your friendships and can embarrass your friends oven if the rumor wasn’t true
Don’t let peer pressure dictate your actions—stick to your values even if others don’t. This can include smoking, vaping, drinking or other inappropriate activities.
5. Practice Kindness and Empathy
Do:
Show empathy towards others, you never know what someone is going through
Get involved in community service or volunteer work, both in and out of school. It’s a great way to give back and make a meaningful impact.
Don’t:
Don’t overlook people who might need your help. You never know how much a small gesture of kindness can mean to someone.
Don’t underestimate the impact of your words. A kind compliment can make someone’s day, while a harsh comment can cause lasting hurt. Remember, words can make or break a person
6. Study Smarter, Not Harder
Do:
Reviewing notes and classroom material daily, even if it's not for a long time, consistency is key.
Use active learning techniques—create flashcards, summarize your notes, or teach the material to a friend to test your understanding.
Take breaks while studying! Focus for 45 minutes, then take a 10-15 minute break to recharge.
Don’t:
Don’t cram the night before a test. Spread out your study sessions over several days to reduce stress and improve retention.
Don’t just read your textbook passively—use practice problems, watch tutorials, or discuss topics with classmates to better understand the material.
Inside Tips:
Forgot Your Lunch? No worries! You can visit BIG TASTE, a nearby convenience store offering a variety of affordable food options to keep you fueled throughout the day
Looking for a Quiet Space? For a more peaceful setting, head to the Iroquois Community Center right next to the school. There are plenty of hidden seating areas around the building, perfect for studying or taking a breather between classes as well!
Stay Updated on School News: Follow the school’s official Instagram page @Irhs_official to stay in the loop on all school updates and announcements. For grade 9 specific information, make sure to follow Link Crew @official_irhs.linkcrew!
High School is What You Make of It!
Your freshman year sets the tone for your entire high school journey! Stay organized, keep an open mind to new opportunities, and focus on building real connections with the people around you. And remember, high school is more than just grades—it’s about discovering yourself, growing, and creating memories that you will cherish FOREVER!
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