Excitement for Prep students across southeast Qld as they finally start school

They might have started late but prep students across southeast Queensland were just as excited for their first ever day at school. SEE OUR 100+ PHOTOS IN OUR MEGA GALLERY

The tears were flowing for parents and children across southeast Queensland this morning as thousands of prep students started their school journey in a year like no other.

Starting two weeks later than usual, youngsters left the arms of their parents to make new friends and kick-off their education and TheCourier-Mail was there to capture it all.

See the gallery of students’ first day of school below.

My first day at school gallery as Prep students start their journey

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Many parents were excited for their children’s new journey despite the impact of Covid and a recent spike in cases since the New Year.

“This is life now, need to get on with it,” one parent said.

“Sending her off for her first day was a very proud moment.

“I fumbled my way through her being a baby, toddler and now she’s a big girl.

“The excitement she had with getting uniforms and being a big kid was overwhelming, I was just excited, nervous and proud and when we got there, she just ran off and played.”

Prep students on their first day of school at St Peter’s Lutheran Indooroopilly.

Another parent said their second child to start Prep was a bit “scared” but he had his older brother there for support.

“It was the second crack at day one of school for us but it was just as much of an emotional rollercoaster as the first,” he said.

Proud mum, Jesse, whose daughter Annabel started her first day at Redland Bay State School said it was still a big day despite doing it for the first time with their son, Ereatara.

Annabel, who starts Prep today, with big brother Ereatara. Picture: Judith Kerr

“Annabel has been excited all school holidays as she’s seen her big brother go to school and she couldn’t wait to be a big schoolie too,” she said.

“It’s also a big day for us as parents with one chapter closing and a new one opening.

“It’s bittersweet watching your babies grow before your eyes.”

Ironside State School Prep student, Alfred, said his highlight was games in the playground.

“It’s about doing new stuff,’’ Brett, another new Prep student at the school, said.

Ironside principal Damian Johnson said it was a relaxed return to school, with both parents and staff better prepared due to the extra two weeks’ break.

Prep students Ivy, Alexander, Amy, Lucas and George (support dog) on their first day at school at The Lakes College. Picture: John Gass

Teachers from The Lakes College at North Lakes said the first day of school was a celebration.

“We are excited to have our students return and our new students commence. We have been eagerly awaiting their arrival,” one teacher said.

“While learning is our key objective, the safety of staff and students remains our No.1 priority.

“We are so glad to have our students and staff back on campus learning together.”

Strathpine State School, a medium sized school in the Moreton Bay region, had 57 new Prep students start their education journey on Monday.

“It was a different start to the year due to the Covid delay,” one teacher said.

“Some of the Preps had attended school as they were children of essential workers but it was not the real school as they were not with their teachers, in their rooms or doing school work. “The day progressed well with some very tired children heading home after making several new friends.”

SEE OUR FULL GALLERY OF PREPS STARTING THE 2022 SCHOOL YEAR HERE.

Originally published as Excitement for Prep students across southeast Qld as they finally start school