Students and staff get fresh start at Dorval school as year begins

Dorval Elementary School student Zoë Leclerc is excited for the new year (photo: Christine Long / CTV News)

Friday marked the first day of class for students at Dorval Elementary School in Montreal. Some of the staff are also brand new -- doubling the excitement and nerves.

As 7:30 a.m., the soggy morning weather couldn’t dampen Clara Bajraktari’s enthusiasm on her first day teaching grades 3 and 4 at the elementary school.

“It came to me very naturally. I used to be the little teacher as a kid who would constantly want to tell everyone, ‘I’ve learned something!’” she said.

The sun came out in time to meet the students before the morning bell, signalling time to get to work.

Bajraktari gave her class a team-building and tower-making activity, getting a gold star from grade 4 student Zoë Leclerc.

“Considering she’s doing something fun for her class... she looks organized to me. Organized means a good teacher,” said the student.

Principal France Poirier shared the first-day jitters as she greeted families at the door.

“I’m a new principal. You’re a student. I’m a new principal. So we’re going to do this together. Okay?” she said to a nervous student.

With a thumbs up, the student headed off with a smile.

“I feel just like the little kindergarten student is coming for the first day in their new school. I’m anxious and I’m nervous, but I’m looking forward for a great school year,” said Poirier.

Grade 5 and 6 teacher Jeremy Grauer said every school year is a fresh start.

“It’s hard right? You think you’re going to do everyone justice. And that’s kind of why I became a teacher, to sort of be that hero or that one kid’s special person. And, you know, you just hope you land the right way,” he said.

Effort and engagement from teachers and students are the keys to a successful school year -- with 179 more days to go.

“I want to make my students feel supported and let them be kids and also know that this is a safe space for them,” said Bajraktari.