By Lia Bichel
THERE were smiles aplenty – and some tears – among the 30 new Preps who had their first day of school at Yarraman Oaks Primary School on Monday.
Principal Bill Liston said while the overall feeling of the first day of school was mostly positive, there were a few children and parents who were sad to let go.
“It’s an emotional day. We had a few teary-eyed Preps,” he said.
“Some of their parents were teary-eyed, too – especially parents with their first child going to school or their last child going to school. For some, it’s an end of a certain period in their lives.”
Mr Liston said the transition into Prep was made easier by a introductory program at the school.
“A lot of the children in Prep knew our school and staff very well. They had spent the last two years in the Hop, Step, Jump Into program,” he said.
“They came and spent a couple days a term working at our school. It’s great for the student but also the staff – they get to know the student and work with the kindergarten teacher.”
Mr Liston said there were about 200 students from Prep to Grade 6 at the school, and about 40 students of them were new.
“Obviously the community sees that we provide a valuable service to young people,” he said.
