Grade 8 students learn why PECI students are Proud to be Panthers

Mr. Ronan welcomes each school to PECI and gives a summary of what PECI is here to accomplish, which is to help students achieve their goals.

PECI’s annual Grade 8 Day event last week was the most successful yet!
PECI hosted schools from across the county such as CML, Pinecrest, Queen Elizabeth, Athol, and Sophiasburgh. The students were all given new Panther t-shirts and brought into the junior cafeteria where guidance’s Matt Ronan welcomed the students and told them a about PECI and all the wonderful things it has to offer. The Grade 8 students will soon be choosing their Grade 9 classes. The day is designed to help the Grade 8s become aware of what classes PECI has to offer.
“Choose the classes you want” Ronan said. “Don’t choose the ones that your friends are taking because if you do, you may not enjoy them.”
PECI co-presidents Cassidy Allison and Jessica Jones, welcomed the young panthers and spoke about the many extra curricular activities available at PECI.
“No matter what you do, try and get involved,” said Jones. “High school may feel intimidating now, but once you join a club or two it makes the whole experience that much better.”
The students then attended 15 minute classes and were showed around by volunteer Grade 9 and 10 students who helped answer questions and be a mentor for the day. The Grade 8s participated in many different classes, such as Matt Sheahan’s drama class, where they participated in a typical warm up and were told the benefits of taking drama.
“It was a lot of fun” said one Grade 8. “I’ll for sure be taking this class.”

After the students were shown around and had lunch, they were directed to the auditorium for the end-of-day assembly.

Ms. Wilson plays "How well do you know PECI?" A few students thought there were just eight teachers in the entire school!

The PECI Students’ Council members introduced themselves and helped to dispell some popular myths about PECI such as: “Grade 9s always get bullied.”
“Here at PECI, we are all friendly, nice people, and are always looking out for one another,” said Allison.

The PECI Proud to be a Panther lip dub – the shining glory of our first semester – was shown to the Grade 8s. Cassidy Allison produced, directed and filmed this wonderful work of school spirit that captures what PECI is all about: learning with pizazz!

Grade 8 Day wrapped as a booming success and all those involved need to be commended for their fantastic work and effort. I know I can say without a doubt that we have some very excited young students that can’t wait till next September because we showed everyone that PECI students are Proud to be Panthers!

-Sydnee Gael Mulridge