My First Day at a Canadian High School: A New Journey Begins

 My First Day at School in Canada – A New Experience

Starting school in a new country was an experience I’ll never forget. From the very first day, I noticed some major differences between how schools function in India and Canada. It wasn’t just about the subjects or the schedule—it was about the overall atmosphere, the way students and teachers interact, and the entire learning experience.

A Different School Environment

One of the first things that surprised me was how relaxed students are here. In India, students often have a certain level of fear or hesitation when it comes to teachers, but here in Canada, that’s not the case. Students are confident, they express their thoughts freely, and they aren't afraid to ask questions or share opinions. The respect between teachers and students goes both ways—teachers genuinely value students' ideas and treat them as individuals rather than just learners.

My Subjects and Semester System

In Canada, the academic year is divided into two semesters. For my first semester, I had:

• Period 1: Geography

• Period 2: Mathematics

• Period 3: French

• Period 4: Instrumental Music (I play percussion, specifically drums!)

For the first week, everything felt simple because I had already studied most of these subjects back in India, except for French. Learning a new language was confusing at first, but with time, I got used to it. The teachers were always friendly and helped whenever I asked for support.

However, there was one thing that made me feel a bit sad initially. In India, I was in Grade 10, but here, the rule is based on birth year, meaning since I was born in 2010, I had to be placed in Grade 9. It took some time to accept, but eventually, I adjusted.

Semester 1 went by so fast! Even though it lasted for four months (September to January 27), it didn’t feel long. After the semester ended, we had a three-day break before Semester 2 started. Now, my schedule is:

• Period 1: Gym (Physical Education)

• Period 2: English

• Period 3: Religion (since I am in a Catholic school)

• Period 4: Science

Right now, I am still going through Semester 2, and I’m not sure how it will go, but I am hoping for a great experience just like the first one!

School Timings & Daily Routine

Classes here are 1 hour and 20 minutes long, with a 40-minute lunch break in between. I need to be in school by 9 AM, and the day ends at 3 PM. Compared to India, school here feels like it ends faster, probably because the study pressure is much lower. In Canada, students are encouraged to learn at their own pace without too much stress.

Differences Between Indian and Canadian High Schools

There are a lot of differences between the school systems in India and Canada, and both have their own unique ways of shaping students. Here are some key differences I noticed:

• Study Pressure: In India, academics are often the top priority, and students face a lot of pressure to perform well in exams. Here in Canada, there’s more flexibility, and students are not forced to study all the time. The focus is more on practical learning and understanding rather than memorization.

• Homework & Assignments: Back in India, daily homework is a must, and assignments are usually completed at home. But in Canada, most of the work is done in class itself. Even big assignments can be completed in the computer labs during school hours.

• Subjects & Course Selection: In India, students generally follow a fixed set of subjects based on their grade. But in Canada, students have a lot more choices. There are around 180+ courses available, and students can select subjects based on their interests.

• Graduation Requirement: To graduate from high school in Canada and move on to university or college, a student needs to earn at least 32 credits throughout high school. This system allows students to balance their subjects without overwhelming pressure.

• Future Opportunities: One major difference I noticed is how career options are viewed. In India, education plays a crucial role in determining a person’s future. A person without a formal degree has fewer career choices. In Canada, however, there are many different ways to build a career. Even jobs that don’t require a degree can offer a stable and decent income. This makes the education system feel less restrictive, giving students more freedom to explore different paths.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting to a new school system wasn’t easy, but the experience has been great so far. The friendly atmosphere, supportive teachers, and balanced academic approach make learning enjoyable. While both Indian and Canadian schools have their strengths, I appreciate the relaxed and student-focused environment here.

I’m excited to see how the rest of my high school journey unfolds!