Each fall before the start of classes, Canisius High School students visit campus for an orientation day. For freshmen and transfer students, the day serves as an introduction to life as a Canisius student, while returning students learn information about new procedures or changes they can expect in the new school year.

The changes are many in 2020.

At this year's orientation students put on their face masks before entering the school through the blue doors. They will be expected to wear their masks all day while at school.

Once inside Higgins Hall, faculty and staff directed each student to a touchless scanning station to have his temperature checked.

Starting with the first day of classes on September 8, students will also be required to complete a daily health screening form on their iPads or phones before entering Higgins Hall.

Freshmen took their seats spaced apart on the floor of the Kennedy Field House to be welcomed by Canisius President Fr. David Ciancimino, S.J. and Principal Ms. Andrea Tyrpak-Endres.

Freshmen opened envelopes with their names on them and learned their House assignments. Students will remain part of their assigned Houses for all four of their years at Canisius.

Students listened to new rules for the start of this school year which include keeping right in the hallways, following directional signs in stairwells, and using a personal desk shield when seated in classes, the library, or at lunch.

After a walk-through of a school-day schedule, and a lunch break, students gathered with their Houses for House Games which included Spikeball, Kan Jam, and Cornhole. These were planned for Tripi Field, but rain forced a change of venue to the Beecher and Montante wing hallways.

Click here to see additional photos from orientation.

Classes began for all Canisius students on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Stay safe!