Moving from grade 8 to grade 9 is a big transition because next school year will mark the beginning of your career as a high school student. High school is a whole new layer of education, excitement, and responsibility. High school marks the true beginning of your academic record. Grades will be kept and will be recorded on your transcript. Your transcript will be the record of your achievements; or lack thereof. These decisions will now be in your hands. 

   As you move forward please begin thinking about what path you want the rest of your life to take and make preparations to move in that direction. Begin making your plan with the end goal in mind and then develop your plan back to the present day. 

   Once you have completed this you can begin focusing and building all the steps that will be necessary to reach the end goal. You must be disciplined enough to know when you should choose to work over choosing to play. You should not feel that working toward your goal is something that you dislike or dread doing. Arnold Schwarzenegger was once asked why he is always smiling in the gym while others have long faces and look unhappy. He responded by saying “My goal is to become Mr. Universe so doing the next 100 push-ups, 100 bench presses, 100 squats are all things that I am very happy to do.” Think about what Schwarzenegger is saying here. He is happy to work hard to achieve his goal, the work is tough and challenging but it is enjoying because every move he makes bring him that much closer to his goal.

  Please move away from constantly needing your parents and head teachers. You are old enough and should be responsible enough at this point to ensure that your homework is completed on time, to clean up after yourself, to check Gradelink for your assignments, and as teachers for help when you need it. The next four years of your life will be very bright if you choose to make the best of every situation that you come across. High school is a wonderful opportunity to discover more about yourself and begin to pave the way for who you really want to be. In the words of Jim Rohn “If you want to do something, you’ll always find a way.  If you don't you will always find an excuse. So don't ever look for excuses always find a way to make things happen. Set-backs are a natural part of learning, and of life, but if you always try you will succeed.