St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School will be welcoming their new Grade 9s with an innovative program designed to reduce the stress of life in high school.

Link Crew, a mentoring program developed by the Boomerang Project and implemented all across North America, connects senior high school students with a small group of Grade 9s who meet regularly to offer support and encouragement, and help them navigate the difficult challenges of high school.

The transition from elementary to secondary school can be one of the most traumatic experiences in a young person's life, often affecting a student's academic career.

Students most likely will be moving from a small classroom of familiar faces to a school population more than five times the size. It's easy for a young person to feel lost and disconnected from school. Link Crew helps new students find a personal connection to high school with someone who can share experiences and offer practical advice.

The program begins with an orientation day on the first day of school, and continues throughout the year with academic support and social events.

The successful program has made positive cultural changes in the schools where it has been implemented.

"Link Crew helps create an environment where the Grade 9 students discover that people at the school care about them," said Glenda Leusink, vice-principal and one of the five staff co-ordinators at the school.

"Our Link Leaders remove any fears that a Grade 9 might have and replace it with support and a sense of belonging. It really makes a difference in the school's culture."

Link Crew deals with three keys to the transition process including safety, information and connections. By providing students with practical information about the school and survival tips for life at high school in a non-threatening environment, Link Crew provides a smooth transition for a difficult time in a young person's life. For more information, contact St. Benedict's Catholic Secondary School's vice-principal Glenda Leusink.