Backpacks slipped off some shoulders as students ran to greet former teachers at Fraser Woods Montessori School on September 5, the school’s first day of the 2018-19 academic year.

New students were escorted into the building by educators and staff members or by older siblings.

“Welcome back! Happy first day,” Head of School Chris Robertson told one student as a car door was opened for children to step out for the first time this school year.

As parents dropped older students off at the school, the children, in turn, dropped their bags and items off at their new classrooms before meeting friends outside on the school’s back field. Laughter was prevalent as students began kicking a ball around the field.

Later in the week, Mr Robertson reflected in an e-mail that September 5 was one of the best starts for a new school year.

“With increased enrollment, we are welcoming so many wonderful new families to [Fraser Woods Montessori School]. Also, our new hires this year add to our already positive and talented faculty. I am so excited for the opportunities ahead of us for 2018-19,” he declared.

Hearing the “chatter and laughter” in classrooms and hallways was one of Mr Robertson’s favorite memories from the day.

Mr Robertson said Fraser Woods Montessori School provides children with an “exceptional academic foundation” and it is a school “where children genuinely learn to care for each other and take care of each other.

“The reason there is no bullying here is because children see ‘power’ as a means for positive leadership, not as a means to gain social status over their peers. At [Fraser Woods Montessori School], students carve their own path because they have the cognitive, social, and emotional fortitude to do so,” Mr Robertson said.

When asked what his hopes for the new year are, he said, “That every child will love coming to school each day. That each child will continue to develop a true joy for learning, and through that joy, challenge themselves and see within themselves their untapped potential.”