At St Patrick’s Primary School, smiles outnumbered tears as 70 children decked out in brand new uniforms said goodbye to anxious mums and dads.

It was a scene mirrored in classrooms right across the city, with orientation and preschool meaning most of the pint-sized pupils were well prepared for the big day.

Sahara Moon, 5, didn’t seem fazed by the momentous occasion at all. In fact she was more worried about the lack of art supplies on show than her parents’ departure.

“I hope we get to paint today,” she said.

“I’d also like to draw lots of pictures if I can.”

Mum Nicole said her daughter had been counting down the days to “big school” for more than a month.

“She couldn’t wait to get here,” Mrs Moon said.

“She was up at six this morning, very excited.”

St Pat’s principal Robert Keady said he expected more tears from parents than children.

“We’ve invited mums and dads to have a coffee after they drop the kids off because this is a big day for parents too,” he said.

“We find that the kids are all right because they’ve been for orientation and have brothers and sisters in the school.

“Some kids have got a farewell party of mums, dads, younger siblings and grandparents so it’s overwhelming.

Once they leave and the teachers take over the kids are right.”

Meanwhile at Griffith Public School, where another 70 children started kindergarten, nervous hugs and excitement ruled.

“There were a few tears but they didn’t last long and everyone settled in fairly quickly,” Principal Jude Hayman said.

“Preschool and orientation has familiarised them and the fact that our school is very family-orientated helps. Most of them have siblings and cousins here.

“We are very excited about the new school year with such a big group of kinders keen to learn.”