It's the first day of school at the Lester B. Pearson School Board – a big day for children, and for their anxious parents.
For those returning to class, it is a time to reconnect with classmates after the summer break.
"In the summer, it was boring," confesses one child. "I didn't have much to do. Now, I get to be with my friends and teacher."
For those entering school for the first time, this period is both intimidating and exciting.
"I'm very anxious, but very pleased for her," says one mother whose daughter is starting at Allion Elementary. "She's ready for school."
Teachers are also feeling the thrill of the back-to-school period.
Gail Samoluk teaches grade one, an age group when those arriving to class will leave in June with a whole new set of skills.
"They're coming in not reading and writing, and you take them there," says Samoluk. "It's those ‘aha' moments.[…] It's magic."
Then there are those students taking the next big step in their educational paths: moving from elementary school to high school.
"It's almost bittersweet," says parent Lori Spelling. "I'm so happy that my daughter is moving on to high school but I almost wish we would start the kindergarten stage again, because it just passes so fast."
As for Spelling's daughter, she feels nervous about who will remain with her in the public system, and who would diverge into private school.
The Lester B. Pearson School Board is down 500 students this year, though it is not clear how much of that is due to the draw of private institutions.
The numbers at LaSalle Comprehensive are stable, something that the principal credits to the new French immersion program.
"There's always competition. We put our best foot forward, and we try to offer what we know parents want," says Principal Phil Clavel. "But it's up to them to choose where they want to go."
As for children, they understand the reason they must leave behind the lazy days of summer and hit the books.
"It's school. You gotta go to school to have a good job in life."
