Across Niagara-on-the-Lake on Tuesday, parents and children awoke ready to greet the start of another year of school.
The town’s three elementary schools are back in session, and Crossroads Public School principal Kate Fish, who has led the Virgil school since 2021, said she’s thrilled with how seamlessly the transition back to school went.
“This was our smoothest first day yet,” said Fish. “The school is a well-oiled machine now. The staff all know each other quite well and collaborate amazingly well.”
St. Michael Catholic Elementary School principal Emma Fera-Massi shared the same enthusiasm. Even after decades in education, she said the first day still brings her joy.
“I’ve worked in Catholic education for 30 years, and the first day of school is still exciting for me,” said Fera-Massi. “I love seeing the excitement of our students and staff as they arrive at school on the first day.”
Parents and students around town were also in good spirits.
Logan Loewen, a Grade 7 student at Crossroads and a competitive soccer player, said he kept up with his studies over the summer by reading curriculum and other books.
Because he’s often pulled from class for games, staying ahead helps him manage both school and sports.
“I feel like I can do good and I’m excited for the challenges of this school year,” he said. He added that his favourite parts of school are meeting new teachers and classmates.
His mother, Ella Loewen, said she’s grateful for the support her son receives at Crossroads.
“I also want to share how grateful we are for every teacher at Crossroads School,” she said.
“They have been incredibly supportive and understanding … we feel truly blessed to be part of such a caring school and the wonderful NOTL community.”
Parents at St. Davids Public School expressed similar appreciation.
David Tebbutt said his daughter Norah, who is starting senior kindergarten, had a smooth start to the school year.
“We had a fun morning,” he said. “She was excited to go back.”
Eric Pfeffer, whose daughter Leah just started Grade 9 in Niagara Falls, was picking up his younger sons, Eli and Niall, at St. Davids.
He said the kids were in high spirits and joked about the change in pace.
“It’s freedom again,” he said with a laugh.
Vincent and Rose van Schaik, whose children Noah and Jemma are in grades 4 and 8, also had a positive first day.
Vincent noted that the usual preparations went well, with some added peace of mind this year.
“I really appreciate the town and the bylaw officers to make sure the traffic is safe,” he said.
Back-to-school shopping is often part of the annual routine, but rising costs have raised concerns for some families.
A new report by Canadian market research firm Leger found that six in 10 parents said school supply costs were higher this year than the last.
Most NOTL parents who spoke to The Lake Report said the costs weren’t a major issue, though some did notice an increase.
“There certainly was an increase in the cost this year,” said Rose.
Ella Loewen also said she noticed the higher prices.
At Crossroads, however, Fish said the school provides all required supplies and also offers financial assistance and a nutrition program.
“There’s nothing they’re required to purchase for school other than a pair of indoor and outdoor shoes,” she said.
For most families, the excitement of a new school year outweighed any concerns about cost.
Catherine Lowrey, whose children are five and nine and attend St. Davids, said she’ll miss them while they’re at school, but she’s happy to see them excited.
“They’re very happy to be back,” she said. “We love the school.”
