By JESSE GRAHAM and KATH GANNAWAY
CHILDREN across the Yarra Valley walked through primary school gates for the first time as students last week joining throngs of others as they begin their prep year.
The Mail received numerous responses to a call-out on Facebook for photos and stories from children’s first day at primary school, including a special family story at Yering Primary School and a bunny among the preppies at Wesburn.
Brody Adams began his first day at Yering on Thursday 30 January, walking through the gate with his grandfather, Bruce, and his father, Daniel.
Brody’s first day marks three generations of Adams family members attending the school, which even has an oval named after the family.
Daniel said that it was a simple choice to bring Brody to the school because the family lived close and because he himself had great memories of the school from his childhood.
As a new student, Brody will join 17 others at the small school and principal Deanna Cole said that she was excited to have the third generation of the family at the school.
“I’m pretty excited about it – I think it’s pretty special,” she said.
“The family have been heavily involved with the school over the years – hopefully that will continue.”
Madiba the rabbit filed into class with Wesburn’s 22 new preps and, according to teacher’s aide Naomi Parsons, was as tired as the other preppies at the end of a busy first day.
Day one included a tour of the school, a quick sing and dance, a look at the kitchen and dining room, some time in the library, a visit to the principal in her office and meeting their ‘buddies’.
“They were all very excited, so many things to see and do and so many new friends, including Madiba, who was a hit with all the children,” Naomi said.
Madiba, was everybody’s ‘bunny buddy’.
For more photographs of some of this year’s preps, visit mail.starcommunity.com.au.
