See all the pictures as preps celebrate their first day of school at Mildura

Emotions were running high as preppies nervously walked into Mildura primary for their first day of school as parents collected a supply of RATs to take home.

Mildura parents held back tears as they reluctantly waved goodbye to their kids on their first day of school on Monday morning.

The school community has its fingers crossed 2022 will be without Covid interruptions, and unrecognisable to previous years.

On Monday morning parents could be seen lining up to take home a supply of Rapid Anitgen Tests.

Students need to be tested twice a week as part of a new state government rule.

Parents line up outside Mildura Primary School office to receive RATs. Picture: Brittany Carlson

The line extended beyond school the gates. Picture: Brittany Carlson

“It is strange but it is good that we have a way to keep our kids safe,” one parent said.

Prep student Spencer was awake all morning ready to walk through the school gates for the first time.

“I am so excited,” she said.

Spencer’s mum and dad Casey and Kael said they didn’t know if they were ready for their little girl to be starting school.

“It kind of creeps up on you,” Casey said.

Casey, Spencer, Murphy and Kael wish Spencer luck on her first day of prep.

Another eager prep student Noah said he couldn’t wait to play with his friends in the school playgrounds.

“I already have lots of friends,” he said.

Noah’s mum Samantha was filled with nerves and excitement as she waved Noah goodbye on Monday morning.

Matilda could also hardly contain her excitement; she can’t wait to teach her little brother Neo everything she learns at school.

Noah and his mum Samantha outside the school gates.

Jason, Neo, Jenna and Matilda have been up all night waiting for school to start.

Hollie, heading into grade five this year, will be leading the way as her little sister Isabel starts prep.

Isabel also has an older brother, Nick, in grade one.

Hollie, Nick and Isabel all starting the year with excitement.

Meanwhile, Senaie started grade two on Monday morning.

Her dad, Syaiful, said it had already been a huge morning getting ready to start a new year.

“She woke up so early, she’s so excited,” he said.

Syaiful and Senaie start the new school year with big smiles.

Leyla will be joining Senaie in grade two and can’t wait to meet her new teacher this year. Her mum Sheriee is hopeful this year runs smoother than previous years.

“It has to be a good year,” she said.

Monday was the first day back at school for Leyla. Mum Sheriee hopes it is a good year for her daughter.

Ellie, in grade five, said she’s excited about school camp.

“I don’t know when it is but I am so excited for it already.” she said.

Ellie’s siblings Braxton and Rj are also excited to start a new year of learning.

Braxton, Ellie, Samara and Rj outside Mildura Primary School on the first day.

Adiral and Vanessa are in grade four and one. Mum Shirley walks them into the school gates ready to start another year.

First day back at school for grade three student Syira and brother Tyler who is headed into grade six.

This year marks Tyler’s final year of primary school.

He said he was excited for all the special things grade six has to offer.