The day off Monday gave many parents a chance to load backpacks, make lunches and finish final preparations for the first day of school.
While some schools in the region are already back, the vast majority of students will be waking up on a school day for the first time in months.
“I got a new backpack, I got new shoes and I got a new pencil case and pencil crayons and pencils, scissors, erasers,” said Lauren, a Grade 4 student. “I got a dictionary this year because we need one.”
“I’m nervous because I’m going into Grade 4,” said her friend Fiona. “I’m happy and excited because I get to see all my friends again.”
Parents said the end of summer vacation means a return to a familiar routine.
“Getting the kids back up on their normal schedule, getting them to bed early, getting them up in time to go to school,” said Jason Kirby, himself a teacher.
“I love spending time with them so I really appreciate the time I get with them during the summer, I’ll definitely miss that.”
An extra source of nerves for some students is the new courses that moving up a grade can bring.
“French Immersion is a lot of French and I’m not used to that much French so I don’t know how I’m going to do,” said Lauren.
The return of school buses means traffic may be a bit slower, so remember to give yourself a bit more time for your commute and keep an eye out for children.
University students return to classes later this week.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Katie Griffin
