Across the GTA and across the country, it’s back to school for students.
Children and adults alike are gearing up for their return to campus, packing their knapsacks and getting ready for the big day.
“There’s going to be lots of changes,” said Miriam, who is heading in to Grade 7.
“There’s lockers and there’s so much different.”
Her younger sister had a much blunter approach.
“I don’t like it,” Mahnoor said. She’s going in to Grade 3.
“I don’t like school, but the good thing is, you get to learn more things.”
Kindergarten students especially are facing big changes. Thousands of four- and five-year-olds will away from home for longer than usual. The province recently implemented all-day kindergarten in 600 schools in Ontario.
Premier Dalton McGuinty said it will be in all schools by 2015.
Drivers, too, need to pay special attention now that class is back in session.
School buses will be on the roads and there will be more people on the streets, especially near schools.
When a school bus is stopped with red lights are activated and stop arm is out, motorists must come to a complete stop in front of and behind the bus.
If you decide to pass, be warned: the offense comes with a $490 fine.
If you are on a road with a median strip, only vehicles coming from behind the bus must stop.