Excitement, Anticipation at Start of New School Year
Across the District this week, spirits were high and excitement was in the air, as students, staff and families alike geared up for another school year.
Whether it was kindergarten students taking their first steps into their new schools, or Grade 12 students embarking on their final year of secondary school, there was much to be excited about.
“It’s the first day of school… filled with lots of emotions, lots of happiness, lots of excitement as everyone connects with each other after the summer break,” said Alice Brown Elementary principal Christine Thygesen on Tuesday morning, as students and parents began arriving at the school.
It’s not just the students and parents who are looking forward to the new school year, either, she pointed out.
“I know there were a lot of teachers here in the last week of August, setting up their classrooms, getting things organized for the school year ahead. And like me, they’re very excited for all of the new opportunities and experiences, growth and learning that comes with the start of every school year,” she said.
There was plenty of Day 1 excitement and action at Betty Gilbert Middle School, too, as students and parents arrived to find BGMS staff waiting to greet them at the front of the school, the entrance to which included a balloon arch in school colours.
“We want them to be excited, we want them to have that energy,” said Betty Gilbert principal Aaron Powell. “But also, we want them to feel as if this is their new home.”
To help new students feel more comfortable in their new home, BGMS Grade 8 leadership students were waiting to meet their new Grade 6 buddies and show them around their new school, which included taking them to the gym for a pep rally-style event.
Overall, the goal was “to make them feel more comfortable, feel welcome and show them what it means to be a Raptor here at Betty Gilbert,” added Grade 8 teacher Alexis Nedelec.
That feeling of excitement and anticipation extended to all schools in the District this week, as students and staff alike settle into their new classrooms and get ready for the months ahead.
“I am pleased to welcome all new and returning students, staff, and families back to our schools,” said Superintendent of Schools Mal Gill. “With the break behind us, our classrooms are once again ready to be places of learning, care, and connection. I know our dedicated teachers, staff and administrators are excited to engage and learn with students again.