It’s a big day for students across the country as many kick off the first day of school year. “Just meeting everybody again, it’s a new school, I’ve got to make new friends,” says Matthew Cautano, a grade eight student at St. Vincent de Paul elementary school in Bradford. Newly constructed, Tuesday was the first time St. Vincent de Paul opened its doors to students. The kids were not the only ones with first day jitters at the school. A technical glitch with the PA system at the new school meant no first bell on this first day. No bell, no problem, according to the students. When asked if he felt first day jitters, grade 6 student Shan Whisnand says, “it’s hard to tell.” “I think it’s more excitement because I have my friends here and they are here to keep me company,” Shane says. Parents making that first official drop-off of the school year, with many capturing every moment on camera. “I don’t know what is going to happen, so yes, I am a bit nervous and the kids are also nervous too,” says Josephine Kusi as she dropped off three of her four children Tuesday morning. St. Vincent de Paul is the only new school opening Tuesday in the county. The Catholic Board has another elementary in Tottenham set to open later in the fall. “We have been working around the clock to make sure that day one was the best it could be for our students,” says Deanna Boniello, school principal. Tuesday is Jason Brata’s first day too, his first day as a full-time teacher. “I’m kind of glad it’s a new school because everything is kind of new,” Brata tells CTV News. “The school is new, I’m new, I’m still trying to figure everything out in the classroom. “They are still trying to figure out how the building works,” says Brata with his class looking on. The province is implementing a number of changes for the upcoming school year. These changes include new standards for secondary assessment and grading and mandatory written exams in most courses with a bigger emphasis on attendance. The Simcoe/Muskoka Catholic District School Board is ready to offer great opportunities to its students. “We are excited because every year is a new opportunity for our students and our staff to reach new goals and to see students grow,” says Kimberly Dixon with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. The public school board’s new schools in Simcoe County will open in time for the next school year. The new Our Lady of Peace Elementary in Tottenham will open later this fall.
