Sport
17 February, 2022
Welcome 2022 Prep students
SCHOOLS across the south west welcomed new faces as prep students began their primary education.
SCHOOLS across the south west welcomed new faces as prep students began their primary education.
A total of 59 new foundation students were welcomed to their respective schools this month.
Schools have enjoyed a smooth transition in a return to face-to-face learning despite the ongoing complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
St Thomas’ Primary School principal Matt Uzkuraitis said he was thrilled to have a large contingent of new foundation students joining the classroom.
“It’s a very exciting time for them to be starting off their primary education journey with us,” he said.
“We’ve got some new families as well, which is also very exciting.
“We’re hoping we have a smooth transition in to 2022 and we’re able to stay in the classroom.”
Mr Uzkuraitis said the large quantity of new students was overshadowed only by the quality of the additions.
“They’re great kids and they’ve been fantastic,” he said.
“They’re coming from a great foundation program which their kinder has done and we’ve got a very experienced prep teacher, so we’re confident they will have a great year and progress really well.”
Hampden Specialist School prep teacher Letesha Parlour said she was pleased to see how well the five new prep students’ transition to the school was going.
“The kids are off to a really great start,” she said.
“They are settling in to routines really well and building friendships, so it’s been a wonderful start.”
St Colman’s Primary School principal Stacey Atkins said the school’s three new prep students had already established friendships.
“It’s great to have the preps here, and it will be great to see them grow up throughout their education,” she said.
“I know they will be welcomed here. Our vision is we welcome, we learn, we have faith and we care.
“I know our new students will get all of that at St Colman’s. There is so much to learn, and we are excited to be part of that journey with them.”
Mortlake College assistant principal Anne De Manser said the college had welcomed 12 new preps who were making a great start.
“It’s been a very smooth transition in to school considering they have had a fairly rocky few years before this,” she said.
“It’s lovely to have new faces around the school, and we’ve got quite a few new students in total.
“They’ve settled in really quickly, made new friends and we’re hoping for a nice smooth run of face-to-face learning this year.”
Noorat Primary School principal Ilona Watkins said two new prep students, Miranda Leehane and Jack Tuckett, were settling in nicely.
“They are new families to Noorat Primary School and have settled into the school so well, working with other students and being supported by our entire community,” she said.
“We are excited for this year and everything we have to offer now and into the future as our school community strengthens and continues to grow.”
