First day of School

School's Back in Session: From Skydives to Rocket Debris!

It's the first day of school, and we're diving from skydives to rocket debris! Join us for a wild ride through back-to-school madness across Canada!

Ah, the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and the sound of school bells ringing! The first day of school marks an exciting time in households across Canada, and this year is no exception. With a predicted enrolment of 14,383 students by the Rainbow District School Board, it’s safe to say that the school year is off to a bustling start. From Kindergarten to grade 12, students are preparing to dive into their books, learn new things, and maybe even face a few first-day jitters. And oh boy, do we have some first-day stories that will make you giggle!

In Kindersley, students celebrated back-to-school with not just one, but three thrilling back-to-school days! From the tiny tots at Westberry Elementary to the middle schoolers at Elizabeth Middle School and the wise seniors at Kindersley Composite School, the excitement was palpable. But hold on, it doesn’t stop there; brace yourself for a skydiving principal in Charlevoix! Dan Terryberry, the middle/high school principal, took his first day to new heights, literally, as he parachuted into the school grounds, proclaiming, "We are going to have a great year!" If only all administrators came with a personal flight plan!

However, not every first-day story gathered happy vibes. At the Simcha Chabad school in Kyiv, custodians stumbled upon rocket debris scattered across their school yard, a harsh reminder of the realities students face in different parts of the world. This stark contrast serves as a reminder to cherish our opportunities to learn, free from such dangers. Meanwhile, in Seattle, parents and students are on high alert as they inquire about safety measures in place for their first day back. Will there be extra security? Can high schoolers head off-campus for lunch? Just another set of questions parents must navigate while wiping away the tears of sending their kiddos off to school.

As we celebrate the beginning of this academic year, let’s remember that whether it’s first-day jitters or the thrill of new beginnings, these moments are what shape our future. And parental anecdotes? They're just as important! Just ask CBC’s Colleen Connors, who reflects on her experience as her daughter embarks on the journey into kindergarten. She opens up about the challenges and emotions tied to this transformative experience, which many parents can relate to.

Interesting fact: Did you know that the first day of school can actually affect a teacher's mood throughout the year? Studies show that a positive first day can lead to a better learning environment! And speaking of uplifting begins — what’s more uplifting than skydiving? It’s safe to say Principal Dan has set the bar (or should we say, the sky) high for school spirit this year!