Pointe-Claire school’s balloon parade is a rite of passage

WATCH: Take a look at a few touching moments during the balloon parade

MONTREAL – The first day of kindergarten can be one of the most important steps in a child’s life.

Clearpoint Elementary School in Pointe-Claire has done something special to commemorate the event that helps make the new arrivals to the school feel very special.

The school has an annual balloon parade, where school first-timers walk past their older classmates, holding their own balloons.

The older kids clap and encourage the new students, and often hold up welcoming signs.

Suzanne Larkin is a kindergarten teacher at Clearpoint Elementary and she has been involved in the organization of the parade.

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She noted that it’s not unusual to see parents shed a few tears at the event.

SOUND OFF: What do you think of the balloon parade? Do you do anything special to commemorate the first day of school? Let us know in the comments below.