COVID-19 pandemic moved lessons online this spring.Many began their day with staggered entries to school grounds, hand sanitizing upon arrival and learning to interact with teachers and peers at a distance, while wearing a face mask.Halifax-area high school students say the new protocols are “different,” but they’re cautiously optimistic about what this historic academic year will hold for them.“I was really nervous this morning but it was really good,” said Dartmouth High School Grade 10 student Mika Kawaja.“We can do it, we just got to stick together, but six feet apart,” added Connor MacPherson, also in Grade 10. “We all have to hold together in this.” Creative lockers at Moncton’s Beaverbrook School aim to calm students’ first day.