September 7, 2021

SAFE SCHOOL RETURN WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS AND MASKS

GRAVENHURST — There were a ton of smiles, high-fives, hugs, first-day photos … and lots of running around the playground as more than 600 kids returned to high school and elementary schools downtown here this morning.

Everyone had mandatory masks — there was no need for vaccine passports.

And only a few tears.

But plenty of relief for parents, grandmas, students, teachers and staff.

A little trepidation by a few who were cautious and a bit hesitant about returning.

But overall a very promising start to the day and year.

Dad Shane Collins led a parade of families along Sarah Street at 8:30 a.m.

He said everyone was up early and ready to Gravenhurst Public School.

“We’ll see how tomorrow goes,” he joked.

**Shane Collins led his family and others along Sarah Street as they returned to GPS to start hopefully a full year ahead.**

Lindsay Donaldson even got a hug from her teenage son Tyson Allen who was going in to Grade 12 at Gravenhurst High School.

The streets and yards around both schools were teeming with bright young faces eager to return to in-class learning after a spring of home-school learning that not all totally enjoyed said one happy dad.

Kailyn and Alexia Hains were excited to start a new term at a new school at GPS after moving up from Orillia this summer.

And excited to be with their friend Brynn Chatwin.

Mom Jessica Stanton beamed as the girls giggled and greeted one another.

Many walked, drove or came by bus.

Becky McIndoo brought her son Desmond on the back of her little blue e-scooter.

**Students were welcomed back to GHS with open arms by teacher Danielle Reiner this morning as hundreds of kids converged on the high school and elementary school on Mary Street.**

Teachers welcomed back every student with huge smiles and warm words of encouragement for the coming year that will — like last year — no doubt be a challenge.

As the bell rang to go inside one teacher could be heard asking them if they’d had a chance to catch-up with friends after more than five months apart.

Mom Ashleigh Mitchell said she was “excited” for her daughter Isabelle to be back for her Grade 8 year.

GPS teacher Mike “Mr. D.” DeRose said the day will be a lot about safety protocols and reacquainted everyone with the new guidelines and rules.

He said GPS expected about 280 students, with only about 20 or so who signed up to continue Zoom classes.

Out front of GHS special services teacher enthusiastically Danielle Reiner — and other staff — chatted up anyone they saw getting off the bus, out of a car or marching down Mary Street headed to the front doors of both schools.

And everyone was on time. Not a tardy one in sight.

Now if tomorrow is the same ….