Welcome to Grade 9 at Dr. J. M. Denison
Welcome to Dr. J.M. Denison S.S. We are a school with a strong sense of community and an emphasis on support and connection.
We look forward to welcoming you into our school. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our school and what we offer.
On this page, find information about:
our school population
school year structure
information about transitioning to Grade 9, including course selection
where to learn more about our school
School Year Structure
The school year has two semesters.
Students take four classes each semester. See the timetable for more information.
- Each class is 75 minutes each.
- Students have a 75 minute lunch. All Grade 9 students have a common lunch in period 3.
- Final exams in January and June
School Population
Transitioning to Grade 9
We know the transition to secondary school is an important time and we are here to help. We support your transition to secondary school before you get here!
- Take your Grade 8 to high school
- Denison Open House Evening
- Positive Pathway visits to elementary schools
- Course Selection visit to elementary schools
- Link Crew Visit
- On the first day of school, only Grade 9s attend, giving you a chance to find your classes and get to know the school before other students join.
- Grade 9 fall experience - expect opportunities to build community and participate in Grade 9 trips and activities, including a trip to Camp Robin Hood.
Our student-led Link Crew will visit our feeder schools and get to know your child(ren), and then support them with their new beginning in high school.
Grade 9 Course Selection
Students are required to take five compulsory courses and select three elective courses in Grade 9. These count towards their graduation requirements.
Review the information below to learn more.
Select courses after speaking with parents/guardians, Grade 8 teachers, high school Guidance Counsellors. Students should do an honest self-assessment, matching their ability with their interests and aptitudes.
It is important to remember Course and Post-Secondary Pathways are changeable and flexible.
In Grade 9, students are required to take the following five compulsory courses that count towards their graduation requirements.
- English: De-streamed or Locally Developed or ESL A, B, C, D, E
- Mathematics: De-streamed or Locally Developed
- Science: De-streamed or Locally Developed
- Geography: De-streamed
- French: Academic or Open
These elective (optional) courses could include:
Course and Course Code | Description |
|---|---|
Instrumental Music - Band (AMI1O1) | Learn to play an instrument in a band ( |
Repertoire - Band (AMR1O1) | After school band course (1 day per week for the school year) |
Dramatic Arts (ADA1O1) | Acting, memorizing lines and presenting |
Visual Arts (AVI1O1) | Drawing and Painting |
Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (BEM1O1) | Introduction to business using a variety of computer software |
Food and Nutrition (HFN1O1) | Introduction to cooking and healthy living - cooking labs |
Learning Strategies (GLE1O1) | Students must have an IEP |
Health and Physical Education (PPL) |
|
Technology and the Skilled Trades (TAS1O1) | Introduction to technology and using the tools in the woodshop |
Communication Technology (TGJ1O1) | Working in a computer lab on design and editing software |
Denison Cares
We want all of our students to feel supported and to be successful, and have lots of supports in place, including:
- Student Services
- Student Success
- Guidance
- Snack and breakfast program
- Food pantry
- Free store
Blended Learning
Students have a unique opportunity to enrich their educational experience through an interactive, hands-on, digital learning initiative, while learning the Ontario Curriculum
Students are asked to bring a device; notebook, laptop or tablet to classes daily. Loaner laptops are available through the Library and can be used for the entire school year, semester or day.
Newcomers to York Region
Are you new to York Region? We have many supports in place to welcome you to the area. Our school hosts a Newcomer Club for students, as well as International Night for families. Success and joy are our goals for our school community.
You may also be interested in information for newcomers.
