First Day of School at the Toronto Latvian School

The first day of school is always special. Children return from their summer vacations, and meet their friends and teachers as they start the new school year. On thhe first day of the Toronto Latvian School you could see smiles all around,

excitement and hopes for an interesting new school year. While parents registered their children in the school library, students returned to their classrooms to meet with their teachers and fellow students.

.School principal Ilze Maksiņa formally opened the school year, inviting everyone to join in singing the Latvian national anthem, during which time the flag of Latvia was raised in front of the Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre
As per tradition, the flag raising was entrusted to the senior, 74th graduating class.

This was followed by an address by the LNAK President Fritz Kristbergs. He related that he also continues learning something new every day, and he invited the children to be conscientious and to approach their studies with joy.

The Toronto Latvian Society (TLB) president Patrick Rundāns wished the children an enjoyable and successful new school year.

The principal introduced the LNAK Education Section leader Agra Asmus-Vagners.

The principal Ilze Maksiņa started her address by saying that although it is fall, at the same time it is spring for the teachers and students – a new beginning.
She referred to dandelions, which are full of sun and honey. But what happens when dandelions finish blooming?
They turn into fluff. The fluff is formed from the dandelion blooms after they have finished blooming.
The fine seeds of the fluff form an orb. When someone touches the orb or if the wind blows, the seeds scatter in the air in a wonderful, magical fashion.

The dandelion fluff symbolizes change, freedom, and lightness.
They are often associated with childhood memories and dreams. Many people remember blowing on dandelion fluff as children, wishing for their dreams to come true.

Why is Ilze talking about fluff? Because the Toronto Latvian School won the Latvian Language Agency’s contest “Golden Fluff” for the most beloved school event.
For the Toronto Latvian School that is the “Friendly Invitation” theatre. As in other years, as per tradition, on the last Saturday in January the Grade 6 students will put on a play.

Ilze thanked the teachers, who had prepared students to participate the XVI Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Canada. She then introduced this year’s teachers, teaching assistants and administration.

This year the school has 47 students.
At the end of the ceremony, everyone was treated to pīrāgi, which is the students’ favourite snack.
The first day of school is not just a return to school, but it is a new beginning – a time to greet the future with new hopes and thirst for knowledge.
So it has been for the last 73 years, and we are confident that the 74th year will be no exception.
Ilze Maksiņa
Toronto Latvian School principal