Chile’s school year begins in early March after the summer holidays. Families often mark the occasion with a special breakfast before school, and new uniforms are an important part of the tradition. In primary grades, children wear smocks to protect their clothing - traditionally tan or brown “delantal” for boys and, blue-and-white checkered aprons for girls. Parents frequently accompany younger children on their first day, making the return to school a family event. Each year, students bring a new “Libreta” or memo book which will serve a a record that is passed between Teacher and parents and contains absences, meeting requests, important notes and grades.