The school year started off strong with students jumping into GFESS after the excitement of the first week! Every year since Greater Fort Erie Secondary Schools’ opening in 2017, the school has been steadily improving, welcoming students back into school and providing them exciting opportunities and experiences. Especially incoming Grade 9s. As everybody arrived back to school, all of GFESS’ clubs worked hard to open themselves up to Grade 9s and bring excitement to all students.
Each year, to introduce the many opportunities GFESS has to offer, the school provides a club fair for students to explore and find something that excites them. On Thursday, September 4th, all Grade 9 students were invited to the school’s atrium for the fair, which was held throughout the day. Councils, committees, and clubs encouraged our students to join their forces. Groups such as the Student, Athletic and Arts Council, Cheer Team, and more even had their own representatives to promote themselves. All in all, this event was a major success, allowing students to see the intriguing possibilities and integrating the newest Gryphons into GFESS’ forces.
There are numerous communities for students to find their place in, discover more about themselves, and even build relationships. In addition, new clubs and returning ones are improving from last year. Arts Council chairs Gabrielle Cudmore and Olivia Desilest are working hard to grow their council, providing pathways for the arts to shine. Student and Athletic Council are recruiting students to expand their own forces, and clubs like Fashion Club, Ski Club, Debate Team, Board Games Club, Gryphons for God, Journalism Club, and more are showing GFESS students what they have to offer!
Just a day later was Grade 9 Day. This occasion, led by Gryphon Guides’ Chairs Tallis Felt, Daniel Alegrias, and Katie Potestio, brought all Grade 9s to Ferndale Park for a morning of fun and games. Volunteers from throughout the other grades assisted in being Team Leaders of different groups of Grade 9s. Student Council members ran stations for the Team Leaders to bring their groups too. The event was a major success where students enjoyed activities, with favourites being Chuck the Chicken, Huckle Buckle, and especially Tug of War. The entire morning provided chances from Grade 9s to bond with each other and the hosts of the event.
GFESS does a fantastic job at making their students feel welcome and providing them with so many amazing experiences to have throughout high school. Now that they’re set for the 2025-2026 school year, make sure to stay tuned to find out what excitement comes as the days and weeks progress.
Article By: Kendal Warren, Olivia Desilest, Rachel Natale
Photography By: Olivia Desilest and Grace Koscak