March 16th was a big day for parents, students and teachers. That was the day we heard "classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will be suspended until further notice, effective March 20."

And we all just stared in disbelief for a moment.

Then the scrambling started. Trying to figure out child care, how to do school from home, how to keep the kids entertained...it was like nothing I have ever seen before.

Many parents spent the first week trying to figure out how on earth they were going to fill a five month void. How would they keep the kids entertained? How would they fill their time? Many parents looked at the daunting number and had no idea how to get there.

Well, parents, students and teachers....CONGRATS, you made it!

This is it. Today's the student's head back to school.

Yes, it will be different. Every school had to release their plans to follow all the guidelines put in place by the Provincial Government and that has, of course, brought some concern and anxiety.

But the teacher's have been INCREDIBLE. Despite the doubts, you can tell they are happy to be back with the kids and are going to do their absolute best to not only keep kids safe but to ensure they still have an incredible year.

We parents thank you for that.

And the community is already rallying behind the schools.

Jodi Abel sent us this yesterday as a thank you to the community and Prairie Sky Co-op

How awesome is THAT?!?!

Yes, this year will be different. There's no denying that. Some students will be in class, some taking class at home. Some students have to wear masks, some don't. There are still a lot of questions and unknowns.

Regardless, today we kick off a brand new year.

Good luck to students and staff in both the Southeast Cornerstone and Holy Family school divisions!