For the second straight year, Grade 9 Ursuline College Chatham students are getting a personal introduction and welcome to their new school through Lancer Link.

The orientation, held Thursday, not only showed students where their classrooms are, it connected groups of Grade 9s with two senior students — Link Leaders — to form their own Link Crew.

Caitlin O'Brien, one of the UCC teachers behind Lancer Link, said the students stay linked with their leaders throughout the year, who are there to help them with problems or simply give directions to their next class.

Having had a year to see the impact of the program, O'Brien said, "we saw some amazing improvements in many aspects last year."

Many Grade 9s quickly became comfortable in the classroom and participating in groups, she said.

"We saw some of them come out of their shells so much sooner," O'Brien said, adding many Grade 9s can be hesitant to participate and try out for things at the school.

From an administrative perspective, she said attendance "was greatly improved," including having less classes skipped and fewer students being late for school.

O'Brien said many of the Grade 10 students who experienced Lancer Link last year, became part of the A-Team – to assist in the background to help make the orientation day go smoothly. She added they are now "leaders-in-training."

Grade 12 student Paige Butt wishes this program was there for her three years ago. It's a big reason why she became a Lancer Link Leader.

"I thought I'd be the help I never had when I was in Grade 9," she said.

Noting she didn't know who to ask for help during her first year, she believes it will benefit her Link Crew knowing they can talk to her about an issue or ask for help.

The motto of the Lancer Link program said O'Brien, is "students helping students succeed," which includes being kind, caring and looking out for each other and supporting each other.

"Eventually we're going to have had our entire school go through this program and keep it going," she added.

Rachel White, 14, said she was feeling nervous about starting high school, but that has lessened after the orientation and she is feeling more comfortable.

"I think it's pretty cool," she said of Lancer Link. "If you ever need help, you can go: 'Hey, where is this class?' And they'll help you out. You don't have to be worried."