By Kyra Gillespie
This past week has been a big one for many little locals who started their first day of school.
Preps across the shire donned their uniforms, packed their oversized backpacks with fresh books and stationary and headed off on their biggest adventure yet.
On what is typically a day where tears are shed and emotions are high, Pakenham Hills Primary School have been working to put a program in place to help calm the nerves.
“We started integrating our Preps into the school program last year to give them a positive head start,” Acting Principal Rachael Kimber said.
“We started them on one session a week interacting with staff they will be familiar with, such as education support staff and their Prep teachers.
“This is the second year we have run the program and you can really see the difference in the kids.
“They get to know where their classroom is, where to put their bags and how to get into the general routine of school.”
Not only does the early integration help kids get into the swing of things, it also assists the teachers too.
“The teachers love it because it means they can target the needs of their students early.
“Our goal is to create lifelong learners, both socially and academically.
“Having a positive start to school is so important for a child’s growth.”
