It’s back to school for kids across the Yarra Ranges, with some entering formal education for the first time.
The tail end of January saw families, teachers and education staff across the Hills kick back into gear for 2026.
The Star Mail invited the local schools to send us a snap or two of and tell us what the first few days back were like and what they were looking forward to.
The energy was fun for kids, parents and teachers alike, over at Kallista Primary School, Principal Robyn Mowat said their school is excited to be back, and the first term back for the year they have much to look forward to.
“Students are excited for our much-loved Teddy Bears Picnic, a special event that celebrates connection, play and joy,” she said.
The school, located on the forest’s edge in Kallista, will also explore their local environment, a definite perk of being a school kid in the Dandenong Ranges.
“Students will be exploring our local forest as part of their learning, deepening their understanding of the natural environment and making the most of our beautiful surrounds,” said Principal Mowat.
“We are also looking forward to reconnecting with friends and strengthening relationships across the school community,” she said.
Menzies Creek Primary School is also looking forward to a wonderful year ahead, with their breaky club providing the kids a good start to the day and plans for getting hands dirty and hearts full in their school garden.
Acting Principal Nadja Wood said the kids are coming together at their daily Breakfast Club bringing students together each morning over scrambled eggs, pancakes and baked beans.
“Our school facilities have had a major makeover, and our refreshed Kitchen Garden program is now running weekly, creating hands-on opportunities for students to plant, harvest and cook as part of our connected school community,” she said.
Primary School an exciting time and a big step for the kids in Prep and the next few weeks will see kids adjust back into their school routines and lives as their worlds expand.
In Tecoma Primary, students Addison and Blake also began their school journey, making them the third generation in their family to attend the school, with their mother and Grandmother also attendees.
Tecoma Primary originally opened as a part-time school with Menzies Creek, in a small two-room shack called “The Pines”, then went through a number of name changes until it officially became Tecoma in 1961.
Over in The Patch, The Patch Primary School posted on 30 January saying they had one of the most beautiful starts to the year or a while.
“We are SO proud of our new Preps, they have come to school and embraced every minute with their gorgeous Prep teachers by their side,” read the post.
Further afield, Macclesfield Primary sent in a snap of students Alyssa and Acacia, excited to be at school for 2026 sending in a picture of the duo quality testing their school trees for a little swing and climb play.
Macclesfield Primary School was established in 1909 and sits about 50 kilometres east of Melbourne, and the semi rural school originally opened in 1909 with just six kids.
As the the first full week back continues as February begins, so too will the early learning journey will begin in earnest, so parents and caregivers are encouraged to take a deep breath in the afternoons and tune into your kids frequencies.
Welcome back to school for 2026.
