Across Canada there are countless students starting their first day of school today. Some students are excited, some upset to see the summer end, and some thrilled to be seeing their friends again. There will also be many who are nervous, apprehensive, and scared, especially those transitioning to new schools. Moving up a school level is a right of passage every child experiences, and this challenge is met with many different emotions.

Think of how different this experience is for students. Some are leaving friends they’ve gone to school with since they learned to read and write. Some are hoping for a fresh start. There are so many emotions being felt. Nervousness and the jitters are probably felt by most, even for those happily looking forward to the new school year. And all these different students, with there different hopes and expectations, will be met by teachers having similar thoughts and emotions, only tempered with the wisdom of age and experience.

The first day is filled with potential. It is the start of a year more significant than the start of the calendar year. The new school year brings jitters, but it also arrives with hope; with promise; with an opportunity to be great.

Wishing all students, teachers, and school leaders a fabulous year ahead. Make it a great year.