Who can believe summer is just about over and school is about to begin yet again. It doesn't matter how many years removed you are, the beginning of school feels like the beginning of the year itself. September -September really should be the calendar year. Anyone over 40 would remember the first day of school being filled with the usual anxiety and the day you received your school supplies. The Teacher would hand out your textbooks, pencils, erasers, paper, and the workbooks. The bin would be filled with pencil crayons, extra pencils and various odds and ends. Well, time has certainly changed hasn't it? In this new world, the first day of High School may start on the same day as in the past however, you won't be allowed to attend until you pay baby!! That's right, you are not entitled to receive your schedule or agenda until you fork over the coin. In some areas, it is $70.00. This will give you your agenda, schedule and yearbook. Without this fee, or ransom, you are out of luck. Must not forget the extensive school supplies as well. Not just random items you feel will suffice. No, 1", 2", 3" binders, pens, pencils(mechanical of course), calculator (can you believe how expensive they are?), paper, workbooks, markers, protractors, locks, locker shelves(really?) and anything else that will make your loving child happy. In some cases this could total $150.00 - $300.00+. Did I forget the new wardrobe, knapsack and cell phone case? You also have to take into consideration sports. In our day you could just play. Now you pay to play. Football and Rugby as an example, $100.00 for the privilege plus appropriate cleats. As parents we have another duty as well. Spending 30 minutes signing papers that will exonerate the School from any liability known to man-kind. Unfortunately it does not stop there. Now we get into the "please give us money" routine. Donate please to this, to that, for this, for that. You see the school board really can not supply anything anymore, and that's a shame. At least we can take comfort in knowing the Teachers Pension Fund is doing well and we can happily enjoy the triumphs of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and TFC. Happy school year everyone, the first bell is at 8:45am.