Bakewell Primary, Alawa Primary students excited to go back to school for 2024

Despite a downright deluge, students across the NT have returned to school refreshed and eager to meet their classmates for the first day of term one, 2024. See the photos.

Halle, Stella, and Reuben Wedel are excited to start the 2024 school trip at Alawa Primary School. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

As the principal of the Territory’s biggest primary school, Ali Brady said the first day of school could be a nerve-racking one.

But the Bakewell Primary School leader said it was an exciting time to welcome seven new teachers to the classrooms.

“I feel a little bit left out actually, I’d love to be back in the classroom on the first day,” Ms Brady said.

“But I’m very proud to stand back and watch the preparation, the community spirit, the kindness and the respect for our students and our teachers as it comes together beautifully.”

Kieran, Jessica, Archie (9), Harry (5), and Rocco (4) Whaley with Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Education Minister Mark Monaghan.

School parent Kieran Whaley said he was proud to see his three boys – Archie, Harry, and Rocco – head to classes together.

Mr Whaley said Archie – who was celebrating his ninth birthday as he headed back to school – had been enrolled at Bakewell Primary School for some time, Harry was starting Transition, and Rocco was starting Preschool.

“We raised our boys to always be with each other and stick together – it’s our little motto at home, the Whaley boys stick together,” he said.

“They do love hanging around each other and it makes us really happy to know that mornings and drop-offs, the three boys will be together.”

Lajamanu kids are excited to head back to school in 2024. Picture: Lajamanu School

Lajamanu kids are excited to head back to school in 2024. Picture: Lajamanu School

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said Tuesday marked one of the “wettest” starts to a new school year she had ever seen.

Ms Lawler said about 45,000 students were heading back to school this year – including 34,000 in government schools and about 10,000 in private schools.

“To all of the families who have had to get the kids ready for school today and get them into school with the rain pouring down: Well done, that’s a big achievement,” she said.

It comes as Tennant Creek announces its first school bus service for the primary and high schools.

“We’ve had some really strong lobbying from COGSO – which is the parent organisation – for Tennant Creek to have their own bus service,” Ms Lawler said.

“I hope to see improved attendance at both those schools so the kids are being able to get picked up instead of having parents drop them off or walk or ride to school.”

NT Police are warning motorists to drive carefully around school zones as kids start the 2024 school year. Picture: PFES

NT Police Incident Controller Mark Hollamby warned drivers to slow down around schools as kids head back to school.

“We urge the community to be careful in school zones, particularly primary schools,” he said.

“There are a number of children on the very first day at school so please be careful.

“We will in all likelihood – particularly primary schools – have some speed cameras in the area.”

Why NT kids are excited to hit the books

Kids across the NT are refreshed and ready to meet their new classmates as school kicks off on Tuesday for the first term of 2024.

Alawa Primary School student Reuben Wedel said he was most excited to meet his new teacher and dive into his favourite subjects, including art.

The young creative said he enjoyed making costumes based on his favourite TV show characters, and loved working with greens, reds, and blues.

Halle, Stella, and Reuben Wedel are excited to start the 2024 school trip at Alawa Primary School. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mum Katie Wedel said she was happy to see her kids re-engage with school after their holidays.

“The six week break is nice because they get to relax but by now they start getting a bit bored, so it’s time to get back and get into routine,” she said.

The mum of five said she worked in the school’s admin team so was lucky enough to still be close to three of her kids throughout the school year.

Ms Wedel said all of her kids had gone through Alawa Primary, and two were now in Year 8 and 10 at other schools.