Days of back-to-school bliss

INNISFAIL – As the hazy pink sun peaked its way over the building and the clock ticked closer to the 8:30 a.m. bell, the crowd in front of École John Wilson Elementary School buzzed.

Kids – wearing new kicks, new haircuts and bigger-than-them backpacks – parents – with coffee in their hands and relief in their eyes -- and teachers – simultaneously looking both calm and frazzled – gathered Aug. 31 for the first day of school, all eager to shake off the cobwebs after a hot summer and get back into routine. The heightened anticipation was much the same at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School and the rest of the Chinook's Edge schools in Innisfail, Penhold and Bowden.

Ashley Orton is no stranger to the back-to-school chaos – her two girls (Emma-Paige and Nikki-Lee) are entering the first and second grades, respectively. While the girls could hardly wait for the day to begin – they were the first in line that morning – Orton's pleased they enjoy going to school, learning and being with friends.

“It's just excitement – for them and myself,” said Orton. “Summer's over and it's a new year.”

And as kids file out of buses and parents drop their kids off at the door, it's not lost on vice-principal Lisa Baird the amount of trust families give the school staff every day.

“It's an honour and privilege the parents are entrusting us with their kids,” said Baird, who works to make sure the kids feel as safe and welcome as possible.

As part of a year-long initiative, Baird is instructing her all-female staff to approach each day like they are in Disneyland – this means kids come to school and leave every day feeling happy and fulfilled.

“There isn't a bad day in Disneyland,” she said.

For the more than 500 students, they'll always have an adult to turn to – to talk, laugh or be with – every day. Baird is ensuring the teachers and educational assistants know more than the first names of the students; instead, the students are greeted in the halls with a smile and hello to make the school a safe and welcoming place.

“I'm just super proud of our staff and the work they do to connect with all our students every day,” said Baird.

The bell rings and the students file in; some sneak in one last goodbye to mom and dad while others are already deep in conversation and laughter. As is the case every year, the students will be ready for a break soon enough, but for now – for them and the parents –it's bliss.