Today was “the first day of the rest of their lives” for 40 children who started kindergarten today, Monday February 1, at Eden Public School.
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EPS principal Tanya Vogt, and teachers Mardi Porter, Jaimie Christensen and Julie Staight were at hand to usher the youngsters through the school grounds and into their new classrooms, with fun games and storytelling a big focus for their first day of formal education.
Some kids were all smiles, others big eyed, some clutched teddies, others were the picture of independence, some looked grownup in their bright new uniforms, others looked very small, smaller in fact than most of the bulging school bags lined up outside their classroom.
Principal Tanya Vogt was excited about the year ahead for the children.
“This year in kindergarten, students will begin their reading development through an explicit phonics program and be immersed in literature through the L3 program: language, learning and literacy,” Ms Vogt said.
Ms Vogt said the school has implemented some changes to the normal school routines this year, with three breaks in the day: a 10 minute fruit ‘Crunch and Sip” break, lunch at 11am, and recess at 1.40pm.
All the children at the Eden Public School will enjoy the free music program, offering recorder, guitar, percussion and choir.
“This has been expanded this year to including drumming, and we are very excited to begin with music teacher Mrs Bool,” Ms Vogt said.
Ms Vogt said the “Sporting for Schools” program will continue two afternoons a week, as well as the Breakfast Club offering free breakfasts from Mondays to Wednesdays.
Eden Public School kicks off 2016 with 16 classes and 266 students, and has funded an extra classroom teacher to reduce teacher/student ratios.
“The staff at Eden Public School are very excited for a positive year and look forward to sharing our achievements and successes with our families and communities,” Ms Vogt said.