Youngsters start school adventure

Ironed uniforms, bursting schoolbags and polished shoes marked the start of the educational year last week with some Hedland youngsters stepping forward for their first school day.

Cassia Primary School early childhood teacher Danielle De Vos said the first day of school could be a trying time for both new students and parents.

“Most kids are happy to be at school, some kids are nervous but by the time Mum’s in the car, they are playing with new friends,” she said.

“For the parents, it’s a bittersweet moment — it’s exciting for your child to go to kindy but it’s tough to leave them too — those kids that go to day care seem to transition easier to the routines of the day.”

Ms De Vos said the initial weeks of schooling were spent building basic foundations in literacy, mathematics as well as maintaining attention, sharing and skills for making friends.

“In the first weeks, we try to just make it safe and fun, we try to give them all their basic foundations, so when they get to pre-primary, they are able to pick up the course better,” she said.

“It’s so rewarding (being a teacher) because often they don’t have those skills and by pre-primary, they are starting to read and experiment with writing. It’s a lot of firsts, which is special — hard work but rewarding.”

Parent Justin Gray said he was looking forward to his daughter making friends and taking part in activities.

“It’s emotional (dropping her off) but I’m proud — they grow up fast and it’s the start of education for her,” he said.