Mount Tarcoola Primary School and Geraldton Primary School students share excitement as new school year starts

It’s an annual rite of passage which sparks tears, fears and cheers — the first day of school. Whether it’s pre-primary or Year 1 students starting their school journeys or older pupils coming back from their summer breaks, school was back in full force this week. As school grounds filled up on Wednesday, emotional parents waved goodbye, either in relief or sadness, while teachers welcomed their new classes and students got used to a new year. Some students got straight into the action, perusing the bookshelf or sitting at their desk to colour in with a friend as students settled into the swing of school life. The 2023 school year comes at a challenging time, with the education sector facing a teacher shortage. State School Teachers Union of WA president Matt Jarman said almost 317,000 public school students headed back to school across WA this week. He said while it was expected all classes would have a teacher, the shortage meant not every teacher would be the right fit for the class they were put in front of. The Geraldton Guardian visited Mount Tarcoola and Geraldton primary schools on Wednesday morning to speak to some Year 1 students about their big milestone. They had mixed emotions about being at school and what they liked best about it. Mount Tarcoola Primary School student Otis Koroibulu was a bit nervous getting into the swing of things as he held on to his mother, Claire Anley, as long as possible. Otis said he liked playing inside during school and was excited to see his best friend, Ryder, in Year 1. Fellow classmate Orion Stringer was happy to be back socialising and being in a busy environment, explaining he liked Year 1 because “we get to sit at desks” and liked climbing when he’s playing at the playground. Year 1 student Pippa Elward began “big school” and quietly but confidently said she was most excited to be “learning” and meeting her new teacher. Perhaps her attitude had something to do with her mother, Brooke Elward, who teaches at Mount Tarcoola Primary School. Year 1 pupil Stephanie Vaughan was still in holiday mode when asked what she loved most about school and she said “I love teddies . . . like cute ones at my bedroom”, but said she was excited about seeing her friends at school. Geraldton Primary School principal Jacqui Quartermaine said the first day of the year was always one filled with many emotions. “It is great to see families come in, all the happy faces, there’s the anticipation, the anxiety, but also the excitement as well, and that’s what school is all about, it’s a home away from home,” she said. Kindy student Skye, 4, said she was feeling shy on her first day at school. Geraldton Primary School Year 1 student Inarah Lee said she was “a little bit nervous and a little bit excited” about making the big step. Leightyn Chester, also in Year 1, said he was looking forward to be with his best friend, Jordi Sorensen. Jordi said he was “excited but a little nervous.” Year 5 triplets Nina, Erica and Lexie Pattenden, new to Geraldton Primary School, said they were excited to meet the new kids at school.