Welcome to Symmes Junior High School
Use the menu below to check out videos and FAQs that will answer all of your school related questions.
Do you still have unanswered questions? Please email a guidance counsellor.
Your First Day
How do we know when we start?
All information about start dates will be made available on symmesdarcy.com, as well, information packages will be sent home.
Where do we go when we get there on the first day?
All students can go to the cafeteria. If you take the school bus, the bus will drop you off right outside the doors (so come right in!). If you arrive at the front of the school, walk down the bike path to the lower parking lot and enter the cafeteria doors. If you arrive inside the front doors, someone will help make sure you get to the cafeteria.
What do I do once I get to the cafeteria?
Students will find their name on the class lists, which will be posted on the cafeteria windows. Once you find your name, you will head to the gym (right beside the cafeteria), and find the teacher you have been assigned to, according to the list. From there, the orientation activities will begin.
Do my parents/guardians need to come with me?
Although it’s a big day (for both you and them!) they can drop you off and we will make sure you are well on your way.
What should I bring on the first day?
Come prepared! Bring your backpack, some binders, paper, pens/pencils, a lock for your locker and your lunch (or lunch money if you will be buying lunch in the cafeteria). Teachers will get you your textbooks and tell you what additional supplies you may need in class (such as a dictionary, duo-tangs, notebooks, etc.).
How do I know what classes I have?
You will get your timetable the first morning you arrive at school and a teacher will help you go over it so you know how to understand it, as well as what classes you have and when.
How do I know where my locker is?
Once you arrive at school on the first day, you will be given your locker number (and shown where your locker is located) when you go with your group to do the orientation activities. You will also be given time to get your locker set up and organized.
Will we get a tour of the building?
Absolutely! All grade 7 students will tour the building to find out where their classes, the washrooms, the cafeteria, the front offices, the gym, etc. are all located.
Will I have classes on the first day?
Although the schedule is slightly modified on the first day (since we you will be doing orientation activities), the bells will still ring so that you get an idea of how the day flows. Come prepared though, and ready to work!
Can I stay with my friends on the first day?
You will be in your groups that are assigned on your timetable; although you may be lucky enough to have some friends in your classes.
What happens if I get lost?
It’s normal! We know it’s a new building, schedule and routine. We are more than happy to help you find your way. There will also be staff circulating a lot so please ask us any questions.
All information about start dates will be made available on symmesdarcy.com, as well, information packages will be sent home.
Where do we go when we get there on the first day?
All students can go to the cafeteria. If you take the school bus, the bus will drop you off right outside the doors (so come right in!). If you arrive at the front of the school, walk down the bike path to the lower parking lot and enter the cafeteria doors. If you arrive inside the front doors, someone will help make sure you get to the cafeteria.
What do I do once I get to the cafeteria?
Students will find their name on the class lists, which will be posted on the cafeteria windows. Once you find your name, you will head to the gym (right beside the cafeteria), and find the teacher you have been assigned to, according to the list. From there, the orientation activities will begin.
Do my parents/guardians need to come with me?
Although it’s a big day (for both you and them!) they can drop you off and we will make sure you are well on your way.
What should I bring on the first day?
Come prepared! Bring your backpack, some binders, paper, pens/pencils, a lock for your locker and your lunch (or lunch money if you will be buying lunch in the cafeteria). Teachers will get you your textbooks and tell you what additional supplies you may need in class (such as a dictionary, duo-tangs, notebooks, etc.).
How do I know what classes I have?
You will get your timetable the first morning you arrive at school and a teacher will help you go over it so you know how to understand it, as well as what classes you have and when.
How do I know where my locker is?
Once you arrive at school on the first day, you will be given your locker number (and shown where your locker is located) when you go with your group to do the orientation activities. You will also be given time to get your locker set up and organized.
Will we get a tour of the building?
Absolutely! All grade 7 students will tour the building to find out where their classes, the washrooms, the cafeteria, the front offices, the gym, etc. are all located.
Will I have classes on the first day?
Although the schedule is slightly modified on the first day (since we you will be doing orientation activities), the bells will still ring so that you get an idea of how the day flows. Come prepared though, and ready to work!
Can I stay with my friends on the first day?
You will be in your groups that are assigned on your timetable; although you may be lucky enough to have some friends in your classes.
What happens if I get lost?
It’s normal! We know it’s a new building, schedule and routine. We are more than happy to help you find your way. There will also be staff circulating a lot so please ask us any questions.
Daily Schedule
What is the daily school schedule?
Click here to see the daily schedule listed on our website.
Every day there are four classes. School starts at 9:00 a.m. every day.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays the classes are about 75 minutes long with a 10-minute break between classes one and two, and classes three and four. Your lunch break starts at 11:48 a.m. and will last 55 minutes.
On Wednesdays, classes are 55 minutes long and you will have all four classes back-to-back before you have lunch at 1:00 p.m. You will have a 5-minute break between classes one and two, a 10-minute break between classes two and three, and a 5-minute break between classes three and four. The day will end at 1:30 p.m. and the buses will leave at 1:45 p.m.
How much time is there between classes?
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, you will have a 10-minute break between classes one and two and a 10-minute break between classes three and four. On Wednesdays, you will have a 5-minute break between classes one and two, a 10-minute break between classes two and three, and a 5-minute break between classes three and four.
Are Wednesdays shorter days?
Yes, in order to permit a weekly period for staff to develop curriculum, the school day has been extended four days per week and students are dismissed after lunch each Wednesday. Click here to see the Wednesday schedule.
On Wednesdays, school starts at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 1:30 p.m. Buses leave at 1:45 p.m.
How many courses do students have in a day? In a week?
You will have four courses per day, plus your lunch. The number of courses you will have per week will depend entirely on your course timetable. Please see your guidance counsellor for further information once you receive your timetable.
Do the students attending Symmes and D’Arcy have lunch at the same time?
Yes, all of the students have lunch at the same time.
Symmes-D’Arcy operates on a 9-day cycle, in contrast to a Monday to Friday schedule.
Symmes-D’Arcy operates on a 9-day cycle, in contrast to a Monday to Friday schedule. This means that the classes you have will vary from day to day depending on which day of the cycle it is. Take a look at an example linked here. If you are not sure what day of the cycle it is on any particular day, you can look at the school calendar in your agenda, and the little number next to the date will tell you which day of the cycle it is. If Day 4 falls on a Monday, then Tuesday will be Day 5, Wednesday Day 6, and so on.
Click here to see the daily schedule listed on our website.
Every day there are four classes. School starts at 9:00 a.m. every day.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays the classes are about 75 minutes long with a 10-minute break between classes one and two, and classes three and four. Your lunch break starts at 11:48 a.m. and will last 55 minutes.
On Wednesdays, classes are 55 minutes long and you will have all four classes back-to-back before you have lunch at 1:00 p.m. You will have a 5-minute break between classes one and two, a 10-minute break between classes two and three, and a 5-minute break between classes three and four. The day will end at 1:30 p.m. and the buses will leave at 1:45 p.m.
How much time is there between classes?
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, you will have a 10-minute break between classes one and two and a 10-minute break between classes three and four. On Wednesdays, you will have a 5-minute break between classes one and two, a 10-minute break between classes two and three, and a 5-minute break between classes three and four.
Are Wednesdays shorter days?
Yes, in order to permit a weekly period for staff to develop curriculum, the school day has been extended four days per week and students are dismissed after lunch each Wednesday. Click here to see the Wednesday schedule.
On Wednesdays, school starts at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 1:30 p.m. Buses leave at 1:45 p.m.
How many courses do students have in a day? In a week?
You will have four courses per day, plus your lunch. The number of courses you will have per week will depend entirely on your course timetable. Please see your guidance counsellor for further information once you receive your timetable.
Do the students attending Symmes and D’Arcy have lunch at the same time?
Yes, all of the students have lunch at the same time.
Symmes-D’Arcy operates on a 9-day cycle, in contrast to a Monday to Friday schedule.
Symmes-D’Arcy operates on a 9-day cycle, in contrast to a Monday to Friday schedule. This means that the classes you have will vary from day to day depending on which day of the cycle it is. Take a look at an example linked here. If you are not sure what day of the cycle it is on any particular day, you can look at the school calendar in your agenda, and the little number next to the date will tell you which day of the cycle it is. If Day 4 falls on a Monday, then Tuesday will be Day 5, Wednesday Day 6, and so on.
Classes & School Success
Can we select our courses?
In grades 8 to 11, students will have some choices to make with respect to their course selection, but in grade 7, you do not get to choose your classes. Every grade 7 takes the same eight classes:
Do we get to choose the groups we are with?
No. Students are not able to request to be in a particular class or with a particular teacher. We would not be able to accommodate all such requests given the large number of students in the school and because of the many factors that need to be considered when creating the schedules.
Will we have classes on different floors?
Yes, students will potentially have classes on each of the three floors of the building. For example, the school gym and the music room are on the bottom floor, and other classrooms are on the second and third floors. Here is how you can determine which floor your class is on:
Look at the room number listed on your schedule. The room number can be found on the bottom right corner of each specific block in the schedule (see example of a schedule here).
What if we get lost in the halls?
This is definitely something that a lot of new students worry about. Please know that it is normal to sometimes get a bit lost on your first few days in a new school, and your teachers and other staff members will be there to help guide you. If you do get lost, your teachers will understand if you are a little bit late for class, especially during the first week. If you are unsure where your classroom is, please don’t hesitate to ask someone. We will bring you to your class or point you in the right direction. It shouldn’t take too long at all to become familiar with the building but remember that teachers and staff members are always there to help you with any concerns you may have!
Will the children receive their schedules before the first day of school?
Students will receive their schedules on the first day of school. The first day of school will be organized a bit differently than the regular schedule (see First Day section of FAQ), so there is no need to worry about what class you have first. Teachers will be guiding you to the correct classroom at the beginning of the day where you will then receive a copy of your schedule.
Do we have a homeroom?
No, at this time, Symmes students no longer have Advisory or Homeroom in their schedule. The school day begins with Period 1 (see Daily Schedule section of FAQ).
What should I do to be successful in grade 7?
There are probably a lot of skills and habits that you have learned throughout your elementary school years that will serve you well in your transition to junior high and high school. Here are a few tips that we recommend:
Where can I get help with schoolwork?
If you are having trouble with any of your schoolwork, here are some of the steps you should be taking:
How do you help children with anxiety or other social-emotional concerns?
It is normal to experience some stress and anxiety every once in a while. But if those feelings become overwhelming and are making it hard for you to feel good on a regular basis, please let a trusted adult know. For example, if you talk to your parents about it, they can contact the school and get you the support that you need. At school, here are some ways to let someone know you need support:
There are also other wonderful services that you can access at school, such as meeting with a social worker, indigenous success coordinator, drug and alcohol technician, nurse, or community police officer. We are all here to help!
Lastly, if you would like to connect with support outside of school, here are some options:
In grades 8 to 11, students will have some choices to make with respect to their course selection, but in grade 7, you do not get to choose your classes. Every grade 7 takes the same eight classes:
- English Language Arts
- French (Regular or Enriched)
- Mathematics
- Geography (or Géographie if in French Immersion)
- Science and Technology (or Sciences et Technologies if in French Immersion)
- Ethics
- Physical Education
- Art, Music, and Drama (students rotate through all three courses throughout the year)
Do we get to choose the groups we are with?
No. Students are not able to request to be in a particular class or with a particular teacher. We would not be able to accommodate all such requests given the large number of students in the school and because of the many factors that need to be considered when creating the schedules.
Will we have classes on different floors?
Yes, students will potentially have classes on each of the three floors of the building. For example, the school gym and the music room are on the bottom floor, and other classrooms are on the second and third floors. Here is how you can determine which floor your class is on:
Look at the room number listed on your schedule. The room number can be found on the bottom right corner of each specific block in the schedule (see example of a schedule here).
- If the room number starts with a 0, that means it is on the bottom floor (same floor as the cafeteria and gym)
- If the room number starts with a 1, that means it is on the main floor (second floor of the building, same floor as the principals’ offices, and student services area)
- If the room number starts with a 2, that means it is on the top floor (third floor of the building)
What if we get lost in the halls?
This is definitely something that a lot of new students worry about. Please know that it is normal to sometimes get a bit lost on your first few days in a new school, and your teachers and other staff members will be there to help guide you. If you do get lost, your teachers will understand if you are a little bit late for class, especially during the first week. If you are unsure where your classroom is, please don’t hesitate to ask someone. We will bring you to your class or point you in the right direction. It shouldn’t take too long at all to become familiar with the building but remember that teachers and staff members are always there to help you with any concerns you may have!
Will the children receive their schedules before the first day of school?
Students will receive their schedules on the first day of school. The first day of school will be organized a bit differently than the regular schedule (see First Day section of FAQ), so there is no need to worry about what class you have first. Teachers will be guiding you to the correct classroom at the beginning of the day where you will then receive a copy of your schedule.
Do we have a homeroom?
No, at this time, Symmes students no longer have Advisory or Homeroom in their schedule. The school day begins with Period 1 (see Daily Schedule section of FAQ).
What should I do to be successful in grade 7?
There are probably a lot of skills and habits that you have learned throughout your elementary school years that will serve you well in your transition to junior high and high school. Here are a few tips that we recommend:
- Use class time wisely: Try to stay focused and engaged during class. Ask questions if you don’t understand something. If your teacher gives you time to do some of the work in class, do the work then because you will have help from the teacher if needed, and less homework to do later on.
- Stay organized: In junior high you will have a lot of different classes and teachers, which takes some getting used to. Try to stay organized right from the get-go:
- Use your agenda—bring it to every class and write down homework, tests dates, and projects deadlines.
- Have a different binder or notebook for each class, if suggested by your teacher. If you prefer to use a few larger binders, make sure that the sections are well-divided and put work from different classes in the right spot.
- Have a calendar or white board at home where you can keep track of upcoming due dates.
- Keep your backpack and locker tidy (do a clean-up once a week).
- Find a system that works for you (e.g. to-do lists, colour coding, phone reminders, etc.).
- Take care of yourself: Starting high school can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful at times. Some of the key steps to managing that stress is to take care of your brain and body by getting adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Taking care of your physical health is also very important for learning and academic success. Try to get enough sleep, eat regular meals and snacks, and be physically active throughout the week; doing this will give your brain the fuel it needs to be able to learn, focus, remember, and problem solve, which will allow you to do your best in school.
- Time management: This is a skill that can take some effort to develop, but it is certainly worth it! Here are some things to consider trying:
- Make a plan. When you have a lot of projects and tests coming up, it can be helpful to create a study/homework schedule so that you can make sure to complete things on time.
- Start early and avoid procrastinating. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete things. One way to do this is to break big tasks into smaller ones so they seem less overwhelming.
- Create a distraction-free workspace. Have a quiet, organized place to do homework and try to stay off your phone while you are trying to do school work.
- Take smart breaks. When you are studying or working on a project, try taking short breaks periodically to do some other small tasks unrelated to school. This can help you be more productive by switching gears for a bit and allowing your brain to rest before going back to work.
- Strive to have balance in your life. Take a look at how you spend your time. Are you playing video games for hours each day? Are you staying up too late on social media sites? Be honest with yourself and try to make small changes if things are out of balance.
- Ask for help: This is an important one. If you are having difficulty (whether that is academically, emotionally, socially, or otherwise), please let us know as soon as possible; we are here to help! Speak to your teachers if you are worried about your school work. Go to extra help at lunch. Visit the Student Services department if you need support or have questions about anything at all! The teachers, guidance counsellors, support staff, principals, and vice-principals are all there to help you—please don’t hesitate to let us know if you need something!
Where can I get help with schoolwork?
If you are having trouble with any of your schoolwork, here are some of the steps you should be taking:
- Speak to your classroom teachers. You can go see them at lunch during the days that they have extra help.
- For Math specifically, there is extra help every day at lunch (see Symmes Math Help schedule).
- You can also drop in to the Resource room at lunch to receive support for any subject.
- Sign up for free online tutoring through Learn Quebec https://www.learnquebec.ca/home
- Talk to your parents about hiring a private tutor (see Guidance website for list of recommended tutors).
- See your guidance counsellor or check out the guidance website for tips on how to study effectively, stay organized, and manage your stress.
How do you help children with anxiety or other social-emotional concerns?
It is normal to experience some stress and anxiety every once in a while. But if those feelings become overwhelming and are making it hard for you to feel good on a regular basis, please let a trusted adult know. For example, if you talk to your parents about it, they can contact the school and get you the support that you need. At school, here are some ways to let someone know you need support:
- Come to the Student Services area at break or at lunch and ask to make an appointment with a guidance counsellor or technician.
- Use the Guidance website to send a message to the guidance team (you can even report anonymously if you are worried about a friend).
- Tell any staff member that you feel comfortable talking to, and they will make sure you get the support that you need.
There are also other wonderful services that you can access at school, such as meeting with a social worker, indigenous success coordinator, drug and alcohol technician, nurse, or community police officer. We are all here to help!
Lastly, if you would like to connect with support outside of school, here are some options:
- CISS Outaouais: Call 811 press 9 for English and option 2. They provide crisis support and a link into services
- Tel-Jeunes: Call 1-800-263-2266 or text 514-600-1002 or live chat https://www.teljeunes.com/Home
- Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868 or download “Always there” app to your device https://kidshelpphone.ca/
- Hope for Wellness: Counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
Symmes Junior High School / D'Arcy McGee High School
925 Boulevard du Plateau, Gatineau, Quebec J9J 3G2
Phone: 819.684.7472
Fax: 819.684.7521
925 Boulevard du Plateau, Gatineau, Quebec J9J 3G2
Phone: 819.684.7472
Fax: 819.684.7521
