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Children around Napier returned to school on Wednesday for the first time since Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over a week ago.
There are absences, however, with principals reporting about 80 percent of pupils in attendance, which has provided the children - and their caregivers - the chance to return to routine.
At Marewa School, waiata rang out from school halls and kids were catching up with their mates on Tuesday morning.
Principal Chris Meynell said it was exactly what the children needed.
"The kids need each other, they need those relationships, they need their friends, and they need their teachers."
Some whānau had been deeply affected by the cyclone and not all of the school's 200 tamariki were able to return, Meynell said.
"People have had mixed experiences. Some have been heavily impacted, other people not so much ... we haven't got everybody back yet, but we'll do some welfare checks today and help out as best we can."
While it was a big deal to be back at school, for some - like 5-year-old Nicholas Ball on his first day - it was an even bigger deal.
His parents Jack and Mareshah said it was not the start to his schooling adventure they expected, but it was great to be able to give him some sense of normality.
"We only got our power on a couple days ago after six days, we ran out of gas for our barbeque, so we had to make an outside fire pit with our barbeque tray," Jack Ball said.
"After getting the power back on, the kids got a little taste of it, but finally having the day back at school is great. They get to see their friends."
Hawke's Bay Primary Principals' Association president Robyn Isaacson, who was also Flaxmere Primary School's tumuaki, said most schools in Hastings returned on Monday, with Napier schools following on Tuesday.
Some principals were still unable to access their schools, Isaacson said.
"There's been a focus around Napier and Hastings, but I feel for our rural schools."
The extent of the damage at some schools was still unclear, but some schools around the cities and the wider Hawke's Bay region remaining closed due to blocked roads, sewage, and power issues.
"We just know the roads are closed. It varies on what destruction is out there," Isaacson said.
But for those children who returned - just like those around the region - there was a smile on their face, despite what they had been through.
At Flaxmere Primary School, it was clear just how much being back meant to them.
"It's been exciting because you've gathered up to see your friends ... yeah I love school," 12-year-old pupil Ruruvai Strong said.
Teizar Brown said he was stoked to be back.
"It means fun to me, it's a happy place too," he said.
As the slow slog back to normality continued in Hawke's Bay, getting back to those happy places was important for everyone.