Under 8s a big day out for our smallest schoolkids

Roma State College under 8s day was a chance to celebrate the early years, with families and visiting schools joining in on the fun.

COOL SCHOOL: Joel Ntahiraja, Rebecca Boldorac, Lauren Harland, Chase Gallaher, and Hunter Houston of Yuleba State School. Picture: Jorja McDonnell

THE LAST day of term was made extra special for students of Yuleba State School, who got to enjoy an excursion to the Roma State College Under 8's Day.

Yuleba has 15 students from Kindy to Year 6, and most were able to join the day, which is a celebration of the early school years.

"We are lucky because we have a state-delivered Kindy at Yuleba, so we have been able to bring kids from age four all the way up to seven here today, and it is just really cool that everyone can get together and join in,” Yuleba State School teaching principal Rebecca Boldorac said.

"With only 15 children altogether, putting on something to this scale wouldn't really be a possibility, so it is amazing that we get to come along to the bigger schools.

"It gives the children an opportunity to join in with more kids than they are usually able to, and try all sorts of different activities.”

For Ms Boldorac, the invitation was more than a friendly greeting from their neighbouring state schools.

Having only taken on the job this year, she is appreciative of how fellow teachers in the region are willing to help out each school, no matter the size.

"I have found this region is really good for small schools, working together, and supporting each other with activities like this,” she said.

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At Roma State College junior campus, Under 8's day has become a tradition, organised this year by another new recruit, Tennille Rhodes.

Ms Rhodes has a unique role as Well-being teacher of the college's Positive Behaviour and Learning program, and works with students of every year level.

"This is really a celebration of the early years, and early childhood; it is just a fantastic way to celebrate being young and learning, while the kids are having lots of fun,” Ms Rhodes said.

"The research and studies gave shown that in the first five years, learning is very crucial, and it is a very impactful time in their lives.”

The first-timer pulled off a bright and bustling day for the school, and says she couldn't have done it without the army of locals behind her.

"I'm fairly new to town, this is my first Under 8s Day experience, and I am blown away,” Ms Rhodes said.

”I just cannot believe the level of support from the local businesses and community services, as well as from our surrounding schools, and how much effort so many staff, parents, and community members have put in.”