Grade 8 students across the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) are beginning to look towards the next step in their educational journey. To help them, secondary schools are getting ready to share more information about how they support student learning.

Grade 8 Information Nights

Find information on each secondary school’s Grade 8 Information Night:

About Grade 8 Information Nights

These information sessions will focus on Grade 8 students’ transition to secondary school, including:

  • Course selection process
  • Programs available
  • Graduation requirements (OSSC and OSSD)
  • In-school student supports
  • Extracurricular activities
  • And more

English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) Magnet Program Information

Information for MLL Students Moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9

Details will be shared through MLL elementary teachers and elementary guidance counsellors. Families of MLL students are encouraged to connect with them for more information.


Bluevale Collegiate Institute (BCI)

Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Choose to Lead Program
  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs

Visit the BCI website.

Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute (CHCI)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs

Visit the CHCI website.

Eastwood Collegiate Institute (ECI)

Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs
  • Integrated Arts Program Magnet

Visit the ECI website.

Elmira District Secondary School (EDSS)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs

Visit the EDSS website.

Forest Heights Collegiate Institute (FHCI)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Extended French
  • Multilingual Language Learners (MLL) Program

Visit the FHCI website.

Galt Collegiate Institute (GCI)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – Afternoon

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • French Immersion
  • Multilingual Language Learners (MLL) Program

Visit the GCI website.

Glenview Park Secondary School (GPSS)

Grade 8 Information Nights:

  • Magnet Programs: Tuesday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
  • All Programs: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – Afternoon

The Magnet Night will include information about:

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
  • Fast Forward Program

Visit the GPSS website.

Grand River Collegiate Institute (GRCI)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, November 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Fast Forward Program

Visit the GRCI website.

Huron Heights Secondary School (HHSS)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: August 2024

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs

Visit the HHSS website.

Jacob Hespeler Secondary School (JHSS)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – Afternoon

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Fast Forward Program
  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs

Visit the JHSS website.

Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School (KCI)

Grade 8 Information Nights: Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • French Immersion
  • Fast Forward Program

Visit the KCI website.

Laurel Heights Secondary School (LHSS)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Fast Forward Program
  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs

Visit the LHSS website.

Preston High School (PHS)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – Afternoon

Visit the PHS website.

Southwood Secondary School (SSS)

Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – Afternoon

Visit the SSS website.

Waterloo Collegiate Institute (WCI)

Grade 8 Information Night: November 22, 2023

  • 6 to 7 p.m.: Magnet Programs
  • 7 to 9 p.m.: Mainstream Programs

Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

Visit the WCI website.

Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School (WODSS)

Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Visit Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – Time TBD

The Grade 8 Information Night will also include information on:

  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs

Visit the WODSS website.

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