It is back to school for thousands of returning students this year, but for this lot, it is the first time they will experience classroom life.
With orientation and transition days behind them, the new group of Kindergarten pupils are excited to learn and make friends.
This week they join their peers at Sylvania Public School and Carlton South Public School for the start of their primary education.
Sylvania Public School Kindergarten teacher Laurie Gooch said the first few days were about making children feel welcome.
“They arrive in staggered starts, and their year 6 buddies take them out for a tour of the school for most of the day,” she said.
“We get their name badges ready and get them straight into activities so they are familiar with being in a routine and are aware of school rules.”
Charlie Karamitos will join his older sister who is in year 5 at Carlton South Public School.
His father Andrew said his son was ready for the adventure.
“My little bloke is excited, not anxious at all,” he said.
“Most of my daughter’s friends are his friends already.
“He loves learning piano and swimming lessons.”
Carlton Public School principal Darren Galea said 100 pupils across five classes will begin Kindergarten this year.
“We have more than 75 per cent of pupils from a non-English speaking background and more than 40 language groups represented - these numbers are on the rise,” he said.
“The best thing about it is our rich cultural history.”
