First-day jitters

Tears, tantrums and thrills characterised the first day of school for thousands of prep students.

Ashleigh Blake reluctantly says goodbye to mum Gemma as she starts her first day of prep at Kuluin School. Kari Bourne/KB172389

Tears, tantrums and thrills characterised the first day of school for thousands of prep students.

A grand total of 2594 children started school for the first time on the Sunshine Coast this year.

They were among the 54,000 state and non-state school students across Queensland who all entered the scary world of big school, big uniform and even bigger bag.

At the Kuluin School, there were mixed emotions from both the parents and children.

Five-year-old Bailie Perkins sat sobbing at the back of the classroom when his mum and dad left.

“He’d been counting down the days for a couple of weeks, saying 10 more sleeps, nine more sleeps – he was so excited and he would try his uniform on every day to make sure it still fit,” his mum Sarah said.

“But then he started crying when we had to go and so did I!”

Gemma Blake teared up when thinking about waving her daughter Ashleigh goodbye.

“She’s usually a really outgoing kid but she’s feeling a bit overwhelmed today ... maybe she’s picking up on me,” she said.

“I’ve been really cool until today and now I realise it’s every day, forever. But I’m meeting my girlfriend for tea and tears afterwards.”

Leanne Harvey is a prep teacher at Kuluin, although maternity leave saved her from the chaos this year.

“The first six weeks with preppies are really tough,” she said.

“Every single thing they do you have to teach them, from opening their lunch box to putting their bag where it belongs, to unzipping their bag.”

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the full implementation of prep would see more than 37,000 students enrol for prep in state schools, up from 23,000 students in 2007.

“Additional teachers and teacher aide time will be allocated to schools to meet this increased level of enrolment,” he said.

“Feedback about the first year of prep has been overwhelmingly positive from staff, students and parents.

“Prep ensures every Queensland student gets a great start to education by promoting social and emotional growth, and developing their communication, numeracy, literacy and motor skills.”

Mr Welford said parents have a major role to play in helping their child embrace school and learning.

“Children are more comfortable with routine, so it’s a good idea to start talking about what is going to happen before, during and after school,” he said.

“Sometimes a full dress-rehearsal and a visit to your child’s school and classroom will help them adjust.

“Pack a healthy lunch, and remind your child to save some food for both lunch breaks. Remember to also pack a water bottle and a hat in your child’s school bag.

“Encourage your child to bond with their teachers and be positive about your child’s attendance at school.”

Mr Welford said Education Queensland staff were well prepared to help students adjust to the start of the 2008 school year.

“About 600 additional full-time teachers will be allocated to Queensland state schools to support the full intake of prep students in 2008,” Mr Welford said.

“Additional funding of up to $7.5 million for prep teacher aide time in 2008 will also be provided to support the increased enrolments.”

Originally published as First-day jitters