By Parker McKenzie
Schools throughout the Dandenong Ranges returned on Monday 30 January for another year of learning and development, after a break over the Christmas holidays and new years.
At Upwey South Primary School, students from grades one to six excitedly resumed their educations and tearfully said goodbye to their parents after the summer holidays.
Principal Damien Kitch said it was great to see so many smiling faces on the first day.
“It reflected how excited we were to see each other again,” he said.
“The sense of belonging for each student really is a feature of the amazing community we have here.”
School captains Angus, Evan, Lilly and Lucy are taking up leadership positions in their final year of schooling at Upwey South Primary School.
Evan and Angus said they were looking forward to wearing their new grade six t-shirts.
“The year fives wear the normal uniform, but when you get to year six you get an Upwey South design with all the students’ names on the back,” Evan said.
“I’m looking forward to my last year of primary school, it’s something I will remember forever,” Angus said.
Lilly said she was looking forward to sports like athletics and swimming in 2023.
“Writing and reading too,” she said.
“I’ve always loved getting a book and reading it.”
Lucy said she was looking forward to her favourite subject, maths, and also graduating at the end of the year.
“I don’t want to leave primary school,” she said.
“We have to go to a new place.”
This year, every prep student at a government received a bag containing books, a ruler, a world map jigsaw, SunSmart stickers and a frisbee.
In a statement, Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said she’d like to wish every student returning to school this week the best of luck in the coming year.
“It’s an exciting time filled with new friends, learning and experiences that shape you forever.” She said.
