(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Change and excitement in the air as students return to school in SD73

Sep 3, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS – Lots of excitement, butterflies and maybe even some tears as students headed back to class Tuesday (Sept. 3).

“There was a lot of traffic this morning, tons of parents dropping off,” said Doug Herbert, picking up his son. “Lots of excitement, but it went off without a hitch.”

It’s a busy time for both parents and students as they return to a routine.

“She really likes school — all my kids do — so they were really happy to get back into the swing of things and see their friends that they hadn’t seen over the summer,” said Rebecca Owens.

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And nothing kicks off a good school year like a first day of school outfit.

“My son has a brand new Ghostbusters T-shirt, new shorts, new shoes — he’s stylin’,” Herbert explained. “He’s ready for a good school year.”

Owens’ daughter Aubrey decided Gossip Girl was the inspiration for her ‘fit, sporting a large hair bow and checkered shorts.

“I’d say the best thing about back to school today was that all of the kids are wearing their fresh haircuts and their brand new outfits,” said School District 73 superintendent Rhonda Nixon. “Just being able to see them and get excited about school.”

Aside from new clothes, new teachers and new friends, Nixon says she was surprised to hear what were most looking forward to.

“It was nice to hear they were excited about the personal digital device guidelines. I mean, that’s not something children would normally say, but I guess they were excited not to bring their device,” Nixon told CFJC News. “You know, Mr. Lloyd was talking to a few kids who said, ‘Nope, I didn’t even bring my device today. I’m ready.’ And so… this is a nice moment to hear that kids were understanding that there needs to be some boundaries and limitations and respecting that and even looking forward to it.”

Final enrolment numbers won’t be available until later this month but SD73 is anticipating another year of growth.

“We are in a state of growth. I know that growth has its challenges. Nobody wants to be in portables. I understand that. But it’s better than decline,” said Nixon. “When we’re in a period of growth, we have new kids coming in, we have new families coming in and right now, it is exciting watching enrolment.”