Thousands of students across the English Montreal School Board were back in classrooms on Tuesday — some reuniting with friends, others meeting new teachers and, for the youngest students, starting an exciting new chapter as they take their very first steps into kindergarten.
In total, 33 elementary schools and 15 high schools across the EMSB welcomed more than 17,000 students for the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
At Merton Elementary School in Côte Saint-Luc, five-year-old William Winkler was among the many children marking a big milestone.
“It’s a range of emotions,” said Megan Daoust, William’s mother before bringing him to kindergarten for the first time. “It’s bittersweet, kind-of a stark reminder of how fast they grow up.”
“Very, very excited for him,” she added. “I think he’s really ready.”
“I cant believe how fast this guy is growing up,” said Eddie Winkler, William’s father. “He’s getting too big, too fast.”
Kindergarteners across the EMSB are set to spend two hours at school on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., before starting their first full day on Sept. 3.
This is part of the school board’s progressive-entry schedule, giving the students a chance to ease into their new surroundings, meet their teachers and become familiar with a new routine.
“Just like the students, we’re all excited for the first day of school,” said Christy Tannous, Principal of Merton Elementary School. “I mean, especially in kindergarten, it’s their first real experience in a school setting.”
“So, it’s exciting for the kids,” she added. “But also for the parents too.”
For William and his fellow classmates across the EMSB, Sept. 1 was the start of a brand-new chapter — with a whole school year of learning, friendships and memories ahead.
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