Kids Real Stars of 'Big School'

You can spot them from a mile away: a curious mix of pride, anxiety, and an almost militaristic dedication to preparation.

- Sonja Brown

They're like rookie astronauts getting ready for a moon mission – armed with checklists, high hopes and absolutely no idea what they're in for.

First, there's the gear. These parents show up on day one with backpacks so large they could double as emergency shelters. Inside, you'll find a lunchbox with compartments for every food group, a water bottle and enough school supplies to outfit an entire classroom.

Yet, by the time their kid is in Grade 3, that same lunchbox will feature a crumpled granola bar and a half-empty bag of chips. Everything short of the child's spleen is labelled.