Summer vacation begins

The final bell has rung and school’s out for summer. Most Ontario students blazed out of their classrooms this afternoon looking forward to two months of freedom.

The school bell on the first day of summer vacation is music to every child’s ears.

“It’s really great. I can’t wait to hang out in the summer,” said one student.

But as students at St. Augustine’s Catholic Elementary School eagerly leave behind well-read books, lonely hallways and the remnants of a rocking end of year party, the realization they have two whole months of freedom to fill sets in.

“(I’m) probably just going to go home and stay at home,” said another student.

“Stay up late,” said a fellow classmate.

“When I get home, I’m probably going to go in my sprinkler,” said another.

For some parents, it can be tempting to maintain a rigorous routine and keep up to date on academics, but even the school principal wants kids to kick back this summer.

“I hope they turn it off. They need a break. I hope they enjoy the summer. The weather finally has been wonderful, and they can enjoy it,” said Sandra Scime, the principal at St. Augustine.

Luckily, most cities in the Golden Horseshoe have plenty of free seasonal activities on offer. Kids can drop into a local park for crafts and games, or cool down in an outdoor pool, such as Hamilton’s newly-renovated Rosedale location

“Just to get kids active and out and to be able to recreate in their own neighbourhood. It’s very important to the recreation division,” said Chris Herstek of the City of Hamilton’s recreation devision.

There are 66 days until school starts up again. That’s plenty of time for fun in the sun.