‘A little hectic:’ kids and parents head back to school

Excited, screaming, shouting children and some harried looking parents descended on Regina schools Tuesday morning for the first day of the school year.

At École Harbour Landing children were running after friends they hadn’t seen in months, parents gathered in groups against the morning chill, and there were even a couple of kids showing each other the handstands they learned over the summer.

For some families, it was a bit of a crazy morning.

“It was a little hectic,” admitted Dave Hewitt with his youngest in his arms. “But with three kids you get used to it.”

On the other hand, Katie Andrade was dropping her daughter off and said her morning wasn’t hectic at all.

“I had everything ready last night actually, so this morning we kind of had 15 minutes to just sit and relax.”

Ahmed Tunnish was bringing his very excited kids to school and got caught up in their excitement.

“A new year with more fun and it’s going to be busier than last year.”

But it’s not all fun and games. Tunnish said he’s going to miss them too.

“I will feel that I’m missing one of the busiest things at home.”

Talking about his daughter who he was taking to school for the first time, Tunnish said, “she’s so active and always keeping the house busy. I will miss that noise, honestly.”

École Harbour Landing is one of the newer schools in Regina, and parents outside said many things have really changed about school since they were kids.

“The whole, basically environment of the school itself. The way the students kind of all group together and know each other, it wasn’t like that when we were kids,” said Hewitt.

Natasha Fry dropped her two kids off – one in first grade and the other in daycare – and she said there were a lot more kids at the school than were ever at hers when she was a kid.

“And the other things that I definitely notice, which I think is great, is just how much more diverse the school is compared to when I went.”

Kindergarten students prepare for first day

Near the end of August, some kids preparing for their first day of Kindergarten spoke to 980 CJME, and many were excited ahead of the big day.

Chris Grajczyk and daughter Annabelle preparing for the first day of school. Aug 21, 2018. (Lisa Schick/980CJME)

Annabelle said her favourite thing about school was going to be the toys, while Mateo decided his was going to be the park.

Just one of the kids who spoke to 980 CJME said they weren’t excited about school. Though, little Deneah said she liked reading – especially her Beauty and the Beast book – she thought school was going to be boring.

The first day of school can be a big adventure, both for kids and parents.

Annabelle said she thought her parents would be excited about her going to school, but dad, Chris, chimed in that maybe they’re “a little sad maybe” too.

Georgia’s dad Shane said it’s hard to believe she’s old enough to head to school, but he’s going to stay strong.

“Mom’s more nervous than I am I think. She’s going to be the one crying at the front step.”