Big Changes Between Grade Levels

Published in the Innisfil Scope

School's in for the next 10 months.

It's not quite as catchy as musician Alice Cooper's School's Out, is it? But it's completely true. While some schools, like Ernest Cumberland Elementary School, started on Aug. 25th, most Simcoe County District School Board facilities open for class on Sept. 8th.

It is kind of obvious that the transformation from elementary to high school would be a pretty big leap. I remember last year at this time; thinking of just about everything that could go wrong in high school. As a member of last year's Grade 9 crop at Innisdale Secondary School, I overprepared and waited for the first day of school to come, just to find out what it would be like. Looking back, all the nerves weren't really worth it. Yes, it was a big leap, but it doesn't seem to be as huge and nerve-wracking as expected.

This year, though, is a little different. It's almost like the year I went from Grade 1 to 2 at Algonquin Ridge Elementary School. It was my second year at the school, so I knew what to expect. I had a few close friends, and knew what teachers wanted. As a result, I wasn't quite as nervous as the year before. This time, I'm a little taller, and things like appearance, reputation and grades are a more important to me than they were at Algonquin Ridge.

Entering Grade 10 after a

summer of relaxation is sort of like a new beginning. For September just stylist Trudy Brophy. me, it's just a time to change, without completely ruining myself. With my hair potentially cut and dyed, new makeup and a few new outfits, that summer babysitting money could come in handy.

Hair is probably the most important update for me. It seems to be the first thing people would notice. Like last year, I'd like to change the style and maybe add a splash of colour. Right now, I'm torn between blonde highlights and colouring all my hair a darker chocolate brown. Then there's always the option of keeping it natural, and with the negative hair quality and health effects, not to mention environmental impact that dye has, this option seems a little more favourable.

Believe it or not, most of my back-to-school shopping takes place after school starts.

It's always nice to get a few new outfits to add to the wardrobe, and this is probably the best time to do it. Although, I like to keep it to a minimum, since you never know what will be found next month.

I'd say make-up is the final touch, unless school supplies are mentioned. But I still have most of my supplies from last year. People are supposed to replace eye make-up at least every three to five months, according to Associated Content.

I haven't replaced the stuff that has been around since last year, so now is probably the time to do so. The plan for me is something different than last year, but nothing too crazy.

Back to school is whatever you make it out to be. For some people, it's important to look good on the first day. For others, last year's look is fine. It's about preference and neither one is wrong, in my opinion. My Grade 10 beginning starts with an updated look. But like I said, nothing too crazy.