Back to School: A Fresh Chapter Begins
Written by Ms. Saima Kamran
Instructional Coach, Elementary Campus DAS
The first day back after the summer break always carries a special kind of magic. As I stood by the classroom door this morning, watching my students walk in one by one, I could sense the swirl of emotions they carried with them — a delightful blend of excitement, curiosity, and joy.
Some faces lit up instantly at the sight of their friends, laughter and hugs filling the air like music. Others took their time, soaking in the little details that had changed over the holidays — the rearranged desks, the colorful new displays, the freshly stocked bookshelves. There were wide-eyed glances toward unfamiliar hallways and brand-new spaces in the campus, each one a mystery waiting to be explored.
It was clear that this wasn’t just the start of another school year; it was the beginning of a new chapter. My students arrived with shiny stationery, neatly packed bags, and a sparkle in their eyes that only comes from the thrill of starting something new. Their enthusiasm was contagious. Even those who were quietly reserved carried a subtle smile, the kind that says, “I’m ready for what’s next.”
Walking through the corridors, I could hear snippets of conversations — friends catching up about their summer adventures, comparing their new pencil cases, or whispering about the “new faces” they’d noticed around the campus. Some were curious about changes in the timetable, others were trying to guess which teachers they’d have for certain subjects. Everywhere I turned, there was an energy that reminded me why I love teaching — the pure, unfiltered anticipation of young learners.
For me, the joy was twofold. I was glad to see my returning students, taller and more confident than they were last term, and equally thrilled to welcome the new ones into our learning family. The start of the year is always a chance to set the tone — to create a classroom culture where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is the norm, and learning feels like an adventure.
We began our first session with a simple yet meaningful activity — sharing one hope for the year ahead. Some wished to improve in a subject, others wanted to make new friends, and a few spoke about wanting to be more confident in speaking up. Hearing their aspirations reminded me that while academics are important, school is also about personal growth, connection, and discovering who we are.
As the day came to a close, the nervous energy had settled into something warmer — a shared sense of belonging. The chatter was more relaxed, the smiles more natural. We may be at the very start of our journey together, but already I can see the bonds forming, the trust building, and the excitement for all that’s ahead.
Here’s to a year filled with learning, laughter, and new discoveries. Welcome back, dear students — let’s make this one unforgettable.