Margaret Manson Elementary School will welcome students back Monday for the first day of the 2026-27 school year, with a new principal also taking the helm.
Amber Coones will begin her first day as principal of the school as students return to classrooms following the summer break.
“There is something really special about the first day of school; the energy, the excitement and the sense of possibility that comes with a new year,” said Principal Amber Coones.
Coones says she is looking forward to meeting students, families and staff as she begins her new role.
Students gathered in the schoolyard Monday morning, where teachers welcomed them and led classes into the school.
Kindergarten teacher France Xenopoulos said the first day was an exciting opportunity to reconnect with returning families and welcome new ones.
“Everybody’s very excited. It’s nice to see old families, to welcome new families, and it’s a big day,” Xenopoulos said. “We prepared games for them. And today we’re meeting parents and children in small groups. It’s a progressive entry,” she said.
For seven-year-old Ella, who is entering Grade 2, the return to school was mainly about seeing familiar faces. “Seeing my teachers and having my friends in my class,” she said.
Parents were also ready for the return to a regular school routine after the summer break.
“We’ve had a really great summer, but I think the kids are ready. We’re ready for them to start as well, so we’re all excited,” said one mother Sabrina Fragapane.
Fragapane has one child entering Grade 1 and another entering Grade 6, making this their last year together at the school.
Some students were just as eager to get back.
“I wanted to go back to school,” said Callum, who is entering Grade 6.
Jack Holly, a Grade 5 student, said he is particularly looking forward to science. “I’m very excited for this year and excited for science,” Holly said.
For parent Stephanie Pulcini, getting the children back to school also means getting back to a more predictable routine. “Chaotic, but we’re back to regular programming, so we’ll be good for a good routine,” she said.
Across the Lester B. Pearson School Board, about 19,000 students are returning to school this year.
Cindy Finn, the board’s director general, said she hopes governments continue to prioritize public education and provide schools with the funding they need.
“We just want all of the politicians out there to understand the importance of public education and that we need the funding to do the things we want to do for students,” Finn said.
“We know there’s lots of challenges for this government, all governments at the moment. So we just hope that education remains a top priority,” added Finn.
Finn said the mood was positive as students and staff returned for another school year. “Back to school is always an exciting time. Everybody comes back full of energy, ready to have a great year. So I think the spirits are high,” she said.
Students are also looking forward to making new friends and learning new things.
“To meet all the new people in the school and learning new things,” said Grade 5 student Sophia Salvo.
For Grade 6 student Sophia Manny, the year comes with a number of milestones, including a graduation trip, a sleepover and student council activities.
“I’m probably most excited about all the Grade 6 activities we’re gonna be doing like the grad trip, the grad sleepover, and so many other stuff, student council. I’m really excited,” Manny said.
At Margaret Manson, Coones said the school also has room to welcome more students. The school currently has about 153 students but can accommodate more than 300.
“It’s a beautiful school, the staff is amazing and I mean what a beautiful morning to start school,” Coones said. The school was built in the early 2000s and includes classrooms that are currently available for additional students.
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