WITH the new school term starting as early as September 2 for some students, shops across Trinidad are bustling with activity.

Families are out in full force, eagerly ticking off the last few items on their back-to-school shopping lists. From colorful backpacks to essential stationery, the aisles are packed and excited children prepare for the upcoming academic year.

[caption id="attachment_1105771" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Elsa McLean examines her purchases while shopping for back to school items for her daughter at Mohammed's Bookstore Associates Ltd. - Photo by Gabriel Williams[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1105769" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Elijah Pennie, 13, gets his turn in the chair as he gets a free hair cut by Tauren "Chinno" Meade of Chinno Styles Barbershop. The event was held in collaboration with JTA's Carlton Centre Branch on St James Street, San Fernando on August 30. - Photo by Venessa Mohammed[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1105768" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Shamara John of Belmont Secondary School gets her hair braided during a back-to-school drive organised by Abena Hartley, councillor for Northern Port of Spain where students got their hair cut at Savannah Maison guest house in Belmont. -Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1105767" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Zalykah Douglas, 10, gets her hair braided by Samara Roland during a back-to-school drive organised by Abena Hartley, councillor for Northern Port of Spain where students got their hair cut at Savannah Maison guest house in Belmont. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1105765" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Abena Hartley, councillor for Northern Port of Spain organised a back-to-school drive where students got their hair cut at Savannah Maison guest house in Belmont. CJ Mander, 8, of St Hilda's Government Primary School gets his hair cut by Donald Mclean. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1105766" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Abena Hartley, councillor for Northern Port of Spain organised a back-to-school drive where students got their hair cut at Savannah Maison guest house in Belmont. Trent Grant, 10, of Belmont Boys' RC School receives a haircut by Kennedy Telfer. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1105764" align="alignnone" width="1024"] High Street, San Fernando is almost impassible as people get their last minutes supplies before the new school term starts on September 2. - Photo by Venessa Mohammed[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1105762" align="alignnone" width="1024"] From left, Heaven Gorkins and her brother Jeremiah Gibbs search for supplies ahead of the school term starting on September 2 at Mohammed's Bookstore Associates Ltd on Henry Street, Port of Spain. - Photo by Gabriel Williams[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1105763" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Veronica Grant, 15, and her aunt check the size of vests as a part of the back-to-school rush on High Street in San Fern