First day joy and nerves

Schools across the Pilbara welcomed students last week as they began a fresh new year.

Year 1 students at St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School were not the only ones nervously starting their first day, with Rob Palladino taking over as principal after previous stints in Perth and Derby.

The school has also renewed its partnership with the Roy Hill Community Foundation, helping it offer scholarships to Aboriginal students.

St Cecilia’s assistant principal Mandy Sheen said the school was originally founded for indigenous families and aimed to continue the tradition.

Port Hedland Primary School was bracing for a big year after a significant growth in student numbers in the lead-up to the year.

Hedland Senior High School principal Bill Mann offered advice to his new Year 7s.

“Start school planning to be the best student you can be, and expect to be a successful learner,” he said.

“Turn up to school on time every day, prepared for learning.”