New students enrolling in grades 9-12 at Island Pacific Academy had their orientation today on campus.
“The goal was to make sure the new students feel comfortable and welcomed into high school and to IPA,” explained Jackson Button, IPA senior and President of the National Honor Society (NHS), about Tuesday’s New Student Orientation. All new students and all incoming freshman were invited to an orientation hosted by IPA’s NHS students. “We just shared some of our own experiences and advice for being a successful student,” Button added.
The morning began with a few “ice-breaker” activities followed by an introduction to some of the key faculty and staff members. “It is important to know who can help you, like the MYP Coordinator, Mrs. (Michelle) Bradley. They (new students) should know that faculty are here to help them,” noted Ezri Yuen, senior and NHS Vice President.
The program continued as the students were divided into smaller, more intimate groups, each led by an NHS member, so that everyone would feel more comfortable talking. “I feel like, after awhile, I really got the opportunity to get to know my group members. The hope is that these new students will feel like they can come to us as mentors and/or friends and that they’ll already have a group of people they know from day one,” shared Button. “They were definitely more talkative as the morning went on, especially once we got into smaller groups.”
Incoming freshman, Steven Clevland, reported that he felt the orientation was a good experience. “It was definitely informative. Everyone was really nice and helpful.”
Incoming freshman, Steven Clevland, (’19) is welcomed by senior Rachael Harbourne (’16), and juniors Meghan and Jonah Boblin (’17).
