The first week of school isn't only busy for students and teachers, but for school counsellors as well.

Marlene Donnelly, academic and guidance counselor at Holy Trinity Academy, says some students actually look forward to heading back and finding a new routine.

Donnelly says after a couple months away from a school-type setting, getting back into a routine may be a bit difficult.

"Maybe go to bed a little earlier, whether it's half an hour or 45 minutes earlier than what we've been doing all summer... being organized in the mornings in term of the personal care and hygiene piece, even just showers to wake-up," she says.

She says proper nutrition like bringing healthy snacks and drinking water throughout the day can help to fuel students' minds and keep them feeling alert.

Donnelly says a cause of stress for some students may be homework, and says she recommends students use different methods to help stay on track.

"Most teachers these days have their outlines on teacher sites that the kids can access through their phones," she says. "Some kids still walk around with agendas and like to write in their assignments, quizzes, and tests on paper, but some kids are definitely using the calendar on their phone."

Donnelly also says she recommends students set reminders and alarms in their phones to help stay on track with what needs to be done.

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