Bermuda's schoolchildren as their contribution to Education Month. Every Thursday throughout this month The Royal Gazette in conjunction with the Department of Education, will present a full page of children's compositions and illustrations.

It was the first day of school. I was already dressed and ready to go. I left my house and started walking down the hill to the bus stop. Questions started popping into my mind. Would I make friends easily? Would people tease me? All of the questions froze as I stepped onto the bus. I dashed into the first empty seat that I saw. I sat there quietly with the exception of speaking to a few people I already knew. I saw a friend on the bus who sort of latched onto me.

We both walked into the school gate not knowing where to go or what to do.

Most of the first years were standing around waiting for the bell to ring.

When the bell rang and it was time to leave my friend I started to get butterflies all over again, but I refused to let my feelings show. I only knew one person in my class but pretty soon I began making conversation with people.

Everyone seemed so timid besides the boys, but I didn't let that get to me though. I kept a smile on my face, I was friendly, and helped people if they didn't remember something. It was all very helpful to me in the long run. Now it's the middle of week two, and my positive attitude and cheery spirit has given me some very nice friends.

TONISHA HOLLIS Berkeley 1st Year.