Yellowknife (Sep 15/03) - The alarm goes off.

In a dreamy, semi-conscious state of mind, you smash the machine, annoyed that you had to wake up to a song you don't even like.

After spending a few moments collecting your thoughts, you remember why you're up this early.

It's the first day of school.

Going back to school can stir up a lot of different emotions for both students and parents, but how do they cope with all of these changes?

Jessica Smith is a Grade 12 student at St. Patrick high school. She could hardly conceal her excitement about being back.

"I love it. It just gives me a set schedule to work with," she said. "I like the organization."

Antonio Babic is on the other end of the spectrum.

"I have to wake up when I don't want to and I have to be here all day when I don't want to," said the Grade 11 student.

Although Babic may sound as if school is a drag, his marks would prove otherwise. Babic had the highest average in his grade last year.

Regardless of whether they are happy or sad to be back, both Babic and Smith agreed that when exam time approaches, the going can get pretty tough for a lot of students.

"You really have to smarten up and focus," said Smith.

"You have to be disciplined," added Babic.

Both Babic and Smith have never felt pressure to seek help when it comes to their studies, however they acknowledged that for some of their friends, the need to voice concerns about sliding grades or personal problems was not as difficult as they thought.

"Teachers are always willing to help." said Smith. "Their doors are always open."

For those students who struggle with focusing, there are options available. According to guidance counsellor Tony Campbell, students seem to be making use of their services.

Campbell has been a counsellor at St. Patrick high school for five years, and explained that the beginning of the year always sees students slightly more focused.

"They want to do well," said Campbell. "It's a fresh start and they want to give it their all."

Campbell explained that a lot of new students come through the school because of Yellowknife's transient community. As a result of this, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which students are having trouble in school.

"We try to make known to students the services available," said Campbell.

He explained that within the school community, the staff are devoted to ensuring the success of each student.

A drop-in centre is always open for students having difficulties. The students also take part in a teacher advisory program, which ensures each student is assigned a teacher in the school who can act as a mentor, or a friend, when the going gets tough. There is also a social worker available for the students. For Campbell, the majority of his appointments include dealing with Grade 12 students interested in pursuing post-secondary education, but he explained that schools often encourage all staff members to get involved in "guiding" their students.

Monitor your child

Megan Holsapple and Steve Elms are the parents of 2-year-old Michael Elms, who just recently became a student himself.

Michael has been a student for one week now at Montessori School in Yellowknife. Although younger than the other students, Holsapple said his advancing development gave them the option of pre-school over daycare.

"It is a totally new experience for him," said Holsapple. "He fits in socially, and he really seems to be enjoying it."

One of 16 in his class, Michael is the youngest, and initially, this caused some hesitation for mom and dad.

"We knew it was going to be a big adjustment," said Elms. "But I think the structure of school is really good for him."

Although their lives have not been altered majorly with the new student in the house, Elms said his biggest concern was being away from him.

"It seems strange to come into the house during the day and he isn't here," said Elms.

"It's really tough being away from him."

For parents and students adapting to the changes that student life can bring about, Holsapple and Elms explained that as long as you are involving yourself in their life, you can usually see if they are having difficulties coping.

"If he wasn't OK with this, we would know," said Holsapple. "Parents want the best for their children and the only way to make sure of that is to monitor them."

Babic and Smith agreed with this, and said that even for high school students, it is important for parents to get involved in their child's life. They also said that friends have an important role.

"Friends really help each other out," said Smith. "When you have been together since kindergarten, you feel you can rely on them a lot."

Extra-curricular activities can also play a role in helping students adapt to school life. The involvement in these activities not only keeps them active, it encourages them to get involved in the school community.

"It can take your focus off school work for a while," said Babic, who has been a soccer player most of his life.

Campbell agreed, and explained that students can easily start off on the right path, but staying on the right path takes a lot of encouragement and support from others.

"If they are on the right path, we have to keep them there," he said.