The playgrounds and classrooms at Casey Grammar School were full of children, parents and teachers as the first day of the new school year finally arrived.
The day had been long awaited by the school’s newest members – the 75 Foundation students who experienced some nerves and a few tears, but who were excited to put on their uniform, pack their school bags and meet their new classmates and teachers.
“I feel happy about starting school because I get to make new friends and I like having recess because we get to go to the playground,” Isaac said.
“I feel excited to start school because I like my teacher,” Aarna said, who was keen to get to work.
“I like to learn about ABCDs and do the writing.”
The teachers and Vanessa Hodgkiss, head of Early Years at Casey Grammar, helped the youngest students ease into the classroom routine with some fun, hands-on activities.
“During their first days, the Foundation students get to know their new classmates and explore their classroom with their teachers. They create, build and make things together, enjoy all the activities in their classroom and love to discover the playground and outdoor spaces,” Ms Hodgkiss said.
Parents had spent weeks preparing their children for the first day of school by talking about what the first day might include, practising putting on the school uniform, reading books, and reading a special welcome letter each new student received from their teacher during the summer holidays.
Casey Grammar School principal Fiona Williams said the Foundation students join a community that prides itself on its diversity, inclusiveness and warmth.
“This year, we again welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds who continue to epitomise the wonderful diversity of the Casey Grammar community. We always look forward to meeting new students and their families and learning about their lives and interests,” she said.
“For our teachers, it’s always a huge privilege to start this exciting journey of discovery with our Foundation students. We look forward to watching them grow and thrive each step of the way.”
