CORNER BROOK — There was barely a place to park as kids and parents flocked to Humber Elementary Tuesday for the start of a new school year.
Gavin Sheppard started his first day of Grade 1 and he was all smiles as he set out to find his new locker.
“I’m really excited,” he said.
With the thought of summer’s family boating activities in the not-so-distant past, Sheppard makes no bones about why he’s thrilled to be back at school.
“Outside,” he said. “Playing on the playground.”
Sheppard is marking new territory as he has graduated to a full day of school in a grades one and two multi-age class. But, he doesn’t mind. A full school day allows him more time to play outside and inside with his friends, he said. His mom, Melanie, said she knows he will adjust because he loves going to school.
Gavin is her oldest child and neither of them has much hesitation about starting this new chapter in his education.
“He did really well in Kindergarten and we’re hoping it will be a smooth adjustment,” Melanie said.
For friends that are not in his class, Sheppard said there will be plenty of time to hang out — on the school bus.
The adventurous soon-to-be six-year-old will be riding the school bus each day to and from school.
“That’s one of his favourite parts of going to school,” said Melanie.
Amber Wells was sporting a new shirt, sneakers and new book bag for her first day of Grade 3.
The eight-year-old said the most important part of the day was being able to see school friends she hasn’t seen since June.
“I’m a little nervous,” she said. “My friends may not be in my class.”
With three classes of that grade, Wells was assured by her mom that there will be new friends to meet this year.
She walked with confidence through the doors and headed to her new class room, for her last year of primary school.
