Grade 9 starter Jai Patel, second from left, makes new friends during orientation hijinks at his new school, Parkdale Collegiate. "I am really excited," the 14-year-old says.
School's back and it's a day of firsts
September 02, 2008
Staff Reporter
There is always a certain anticipation about the first day of school. A feeling that steals away your sleep the night before, yet allows you to wake up with a smile. It's spurred, often, by the realization that what lies ahead is the start of many new beginnings, new friendships and lessons to be learned. We talk to four people on the cusp of momentous firsts: the first day of high school, first day of university, first day of teaching, and the first step of letting your child go — to kindergarten.
FIRST DAY OF UNIVERSITY
Amanda D'Aurelio, 18, will begin the next phase of her educational climb at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa on Thursday, starting her pursuit of an honours chemistry degree.
Today, studying will be the last thing on D'Aurelio's mind, as she enjoys a more social aspect of university: frosh week.
Q: Are you nervous about starting university?
A: A little bit. But this is a small university and it seems pretty welcoming. Hopefully I won't get too lost.
Q: What do you expect of university studies?
A: I am looking forward to the fact university is not quite as rigid as high school, there is a bit more flexibility, a bit more freedom. I am looking forward to the independence.
Q: What is something new you want to try?
A: I like the fact the university has a lot of clubs relating to social justice. I really want to join a club where we are going to be taking a stand against something and use the student voice to make a change.
Q: When you look ahead to campus life, what comes to mind?
A: I can't wait for this week. It's going to be a fresh start and that is always fun.
FIRST DAY AS A TEACHER
Today isn't just the first day of school for the 27 pupils in Melissa Mason's Grade 8 class at Sunny View Middle School in Brampton.
It marks her first day in her new profession, after graduating from teachers college in May.
Q: Are you nervous?
A: I was, but now that I have set up my classroom, I am just really excited.
Q: What are you looking forward to?
A: I love kids at this age. Middle grade is my favourite age; I find they are really fun to work with on a daily basis. I like the fact every day is different, and the kids have such different personalities; they are fun to interact with.
It's a very dynamic classroom (in Grade 8), because they are learning as much from themselves as they are from you.
Q: Why did you want to be a teacher?
A: My mother is a principal, so I always thought I'd never want to be a teacher.
Then I started working at a camp ... and I just loved it. In second-year university, I made up my mind that this is what I wanted to do.
Q: Are you going to tell your class this is your first day on the job?
A: I haven't quite decided yet. I am definitely going to tell them that I am new to the school. But I don't know if I will let that cat out of the bag.
FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN
She has prepared for it for years, but when Michelle Hamilton's oldest son starts senior kindergarten, she knows things will never be the same. Her baby will be all grown up.
But today she has a chance to hold on to her image of her 4-year-old as a baby for another day, as they meet his new teachers. School officially starts for Aidan on Thursday.
Q: Is it daunting?
A: It is. He has been to daycare, but school for me is a sign that he is pulling away from us. It's starting that journey of `I am breaking away from you guys.' It's kind of like, now starts your scholastic journey, and making your own friends, doing your own things.
Q: What is the hardest thing about starting children in kindergarten?
A: They are officially leaving babyhood. They are big kids now.
Q: What changes in your son are you looking forward to?
A: I think it will help him grow, and get some structure in his life. It won't be just play; he will be learning, too.
Q: Is he excited? Do you think it will change him?
A: Very excited. He keeps asking about it. He's excited he is going to start to read, and he has learned how to write his name.
We're trying to really make the distinction between daycare and school.
FIRST DAY OF HIGH SCHOOL
High school. It's the time of life many adults most want to forget, but it's something Jai Patel, 14, can't wait for.
He begins Grade 9 at Parkdale Collegiate Institute this morning, leaving middle school behind to venture into the big leagues.
Q: Are you feeling nervous?
A: No. I am really excited about starting. I have a feeling I won't be lost here, because everyone is really nice, and so far has been helpful.
Plus, I already know some people here.
Q: What are some of the things you've heard about high school?
A: Sometimes people think there is more violence in high school, but I don't think so. As long as you keep good with everyone, don't fight and be friendly, you shouldn't have a problem.
I know Parkdale is a good school, so I am not worried about that here. I heard classes are bigger, but the more the merrier.
Q: Is there something new you want to try that you couldn't in middle school?
A: I really want to join the cricket team, and if I have time, I want to play basketball.