There was a flurry of excitement and emotion across Griffith primary schools Wednesday with 2021's kindergarten classes beginning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Principal at Griffith Public School Jude Hayman has been welcoming new students to her school for 12 years and she said it's always a mix of what you are going to see on the first day.
"It's always a mixture. There are always ones that will walk right in and say 'see ya later' to their families. Some are a little bit more hesitant and you get one extreme one once and a while," Mrs Hayman said.
A shy Kiannah Powell walked through the school gates for the first time Wednesday morning, luckily her mother Cherylee Mullins was there to hold her hand.
"She's a bit shy but she's been looking forward to this day for a long time," Ms Mullins said.
Acting assistant principal Lachlan Date remarked how lovely it was to have parents back on school grounds after a year that saw them excluded due to COVID.
"It's so surreal having parents back on site. We haven't had parents here since March last year," he said.
Mrs Hayman said her staff are hopeful for a year free of set back and interruptions.
"Hopefully we don't have disruptions like last year, hopefully no home learning, I think the parents would really appreciate that as well," Mrs Hayman laughed.
"The social aspect of school is very important. We have a high English as a Second Language population at our school so having that language rich social environment is really important to these children."
Griffith Public School welcomed nearly 50 new kindergarten students from many different cultural backgrounds including indigenous Australians, and it wasn't just the children who were trying to keep it together.
Cousins Hope Laufesiliai Tafili and Diamond Tomi started their first day together and mother Fanua Tafili was visibly proud and emotional to see her eldest begin her schooling journey.
"We have a wonderful supportive staff because it's often the parents that are feeling nervous. I really like to reassure them and keep the communication strong," Mrs Hayman said.
MORE NEWS
Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
