Wednesday was parent teacher night at Sir John Franklin high school and chances are some students were feeling the same butterflies this week.

Grade 12 students Aaliya Adam and Alex Ballantyne know the feeling. At least they did in Grade 9.

"I was terrified in Grade 9 because all we did was make fun of teachers," said Adam.

Some teachers let the cat out of the bag, others didn't. They had more respect for the ones who took their maturity level into consideration.

"Some teachers didn't say anything because they understood that we were in Grade 9."

It is is a goof-off year, they explain. After that, most students mature and develop respectful relationships with their teachers. "All our teachers are pretty cool," said Ballantyne.

"You have students who are perfect all the way through high school," said added. "But the majority of students go through a goof-off stage."

In Grade 9, Ballantyne couldn't understand why teachers would bring up normal little behavioural issues.

"In retrospect, it was probably a good idea -- but it didn't change anything."

Still both girls are adamant that parents should go.

"I always wanted my parents to go so I knew they were supportive and cared about how I was doing in school," said Adam.

"You just have to talk to them for 10 minutes."

Besides, she said, you want your parents to know when you're doing well.

So what do those in Grade 9 think?

Tyler Blewett shrugs off the suggestion that parent teacher night is stressful. "They usually hear good stuff, I hope."

He too thinks parents should go -- albeit for different reasons.

"To get them out of the house," he said.