WITH backpacks in tow and an eagerness to learn, reception students across the city waved goodbye to teary eyed parents yesterday morning as they started their first day of school.
Following in the footsteps of their older siblings or taking the first big step by themselves, the students were filled with excitement as they started their school journey.
Welcoming 76 reception students to the school this year, Reidy Park Primary School principal Stephen Jolley said they will ensure all students have an easy transition to the new learning environment.
“The start of the first term will be used to support their transition with teachers using this time to become familiar with school routines,” he said.
“Teachers will also help establish class expectations with strong learning habits and behaviours such as becoming collaborative and developing a growth mindset.”
Determined to make the school experience as comfortable as possible, Mr Jolley said teachers will work on building positive relationships with both students and their families.
“It is a central part of the students learning at the school,” he said.
“We also want all children to have a strong foundation with their literacy and numeracy – those areas are the major focus throughout the year.”
Helping 45 foundation students settle in to school at St Martins Lutheran College, interim principal Robyn Teakle said this was the start of an exciting year of growth for the school as a whole.
“As well as welcoming 45 new foundation students this year we are starting with three Year 8 classes, which is a really good step for us,” she said.
“We are excited to open our new middle school area with general learning spaces for Year 7 and 8 students and for the first time have embarked on a partnership with a school in Indonesia.”
Pleased to see her class adjusting to the school life so quickly, foundation teacher Jeannie Gryn said students were full of smiles on the first day.
“It has been a very exciting day and it was great to see all of the kids happy and energetic about coming to school,” she told The Border Watch yesterday.
“We look forward to a wonderful year learning together.”
