It will soon be time for the kids to head back to school again starting Sept. 6.

The Portage School Division, local schools and teachers alike are getting all ready for the big day.

"At the high school on the morning of Sept. 6 we do an orientation for all the new students," said Portage Collegiate Institute Principal Gregg Waldvogel. "They come that morning and we do some activities to get them familiar with the school, and meet their teachers -- to make the transition a little bit easier with the new school."

Then, in the afternoon, PCI has five 20-minute classes where the kids meet their teachers and get their class lists.

"It's kind of an ice-breaker day," said Waldvogel. "It seems to work in the past to make it not quite as nervous for the new students. It has worked really well."

The following week, the grades take part in meetings to go over how the year will run.

Then, on Sept. 14, a welcome-back barbecue lunch is planned for the students and staff at 12:20 p.m.

"We have done it for the first six years," said Waldvogel. "Once everyone is settled in, it seems like a good time to do that. It's a good way to kick-off the year."

Some of the new classes this year at PCI include Film Studies.

The course used to be available previously and has been reintroduced now that there is more interest.

PCI's Robotics course will also be seeing a renewal.

As well, the school’s trades programs continue to be popular and are seeing plenty of interest.

There is also a Community Transition program offered again this year.

"It's a combination of classroom activities, and it gives some of the students an opportunity for work experience," said Waldvogel. "There seems to be more interest in that."

Portage School Division Superintendent Hazen Barrett said it’s a busy time now as instructors are preparing for the start of the school year.

“They are planning lessons, getting classrooms ready, putting things up on the walls – all the normal things people do over the summer,” said Barrett.

He noted kids can get a head start to make sure they are well prepared for the start of school.

“The first day of school is very exciting for a lot of people,” Barrett added. ‘Having their school supplies ready and getting into a regular schedule a few days before they head back to school is very helpful.”

angela.brown@sunmedia.ca