More than 100,000 students went back to class today at elementary and secondary schools in the capital region Tuesday.

This week marks the transition from summer fun to reading, writing and arithmetic. For some students, it is an even bigger transition as they shift from middle school to high school.

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At least one Ottawa school is doing what it can to ease the pain and roll out the welcome wagon. Gloucester High School held a welcoming rally for first-timers.

New grade nine students were honourees for the day at the school's orientation program. Among them, was 14-year-old Najib Rassouli, one of about 150 new grade nine students at Gloucester High School this year. He admits the label comes with its fair share of stress.

"Grade nine... All the people, lots of people, bigger school, more older people. Last year I was the oldest," said Rassouli.

Fellow grade niner Hayley Miles said the warm welcome helps wash her worries away.

"I was really surprised, but now I feel kind of more comforted, just because there's people there to like, say that it's okay, that yeah, I'm the youngest in the school, but it's okay," said Miles.

The Link program is intended to benefit new students throughout the school year.

"Attendance, academic-wise too. We had a lot of students feel a lot more comfortable going into exams because of the exam preparation we do, and it's generally a lot more comfortable and a sense of belonging right off from the first day," said teacher Laurie Labelle.

The orientation program is designed to break down the fears of being a freshman. Senior students, known as Link Crew, are matched with their new friends, starting from the first day. Many say the buddy system helps to build a positive learning environment all year round.

"I was terrified when I was coming into grade nine at first," said Sonia Allison, one of the Link leaders. "I didn't make friends that easily. I was really shy."

"My life kind of went a little askew, and I feel with Link Crew, we're helping keep these grade nines on track," said Lizzy McPhail, another Link leader.

For the seniors, it's a chance to provide the warm welcome they wish they had.

With a report from CTV's John Hua