Cairns preppies start first day of school at Edge Hill, Parramatta Park State School
With school resuming across the state, a little wet weather did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of prep students across the Far North. See their eagerness in our gallery
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With school resuming across the state, a little wet weather did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of prep students across the Far North.
Parents at Edge Hill State School confessed their little ones had been practising for the big day and were eager to make new friends.
Mum Janelle Thomas, whose daughter Lyla started prep on Tuesday, said it was bittersweet to watch her youngest start school for the first time.
“She’s been ready for a long time. Her big brother and sister go here as well,” Ms Thomas said.
“All her kindergarten friends went (to another school) so she’s making all new friends here … I guess it just reminds you how quickly time’s going.”
Dad Anoop Parameswaran said his daughter Aavani was excited to joining her older brother at school.
“She’s excited to be here because she’s looking forward to meet her friends – she knows other kids from kindergarten,” Mr Parameswaran said.
Fellow father William Greenwood said his daughter Lyla was a little nervous, but would be supported by friends from kindergarten and her older siblings.
“She’s a bit nervous, but she’ll be right, she’s ready for it,” Mr Greenwood said.
“She’s been dressing up in her school clothes, getting ready and her big brother and sister are here, so she’ll be fine.”
Across town at Parramatta Park State School, prep teacher Natasha Pyers said the first day of school was about helping students settle in and learn how to work in a classroom.
“Today they are just getting familiar with routines and expectations of the school and the classrooms,” Ms Pyers said.
First day activities included colouring in, getting to know their peers, singing the alphabet and learning to count.
“(During the year) we really nail down and focus on English and maths with the preppies just to get their foundation skills down pat as well as reading.”
Queensland Police were also on back to school duty, with Senior Sergeant Craig Johnson confirming officers were monitoring school zones across Cairns.
“We have a number of staff rostered to perform school zone enforcement so I remind drivers around school zones to adhere to the rules, to remember its 40km/h during school zone hours and just be mindful of students on the roads, as they’ll be both walking and riding,” Sergeant Johnson said.
Now at the start of the wet season, Sgt Johnson also urged motorists to use caution and drive to the conditions.
“The wet is now upon us so please drive to the conditions, not just around school zones, but just around the region because it is dangerous if you don’t drive to the conditions.”
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Originally published as Cairns preppies start first day of school at Edge Hill, Parramatta Park State School
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