By Jen Cowley
There’ll be tears, fears and trepidation... and that’s just from the parents.
From this coming week, little folk all over the city and our region will be walking through the gates of “big school” for the first time, and onto an educational path that will lead them who knows where along the journey to adulthood.
Dubbo Photo News was lucky enough to meet some of the representatives of what one mum described as “our future in cute little hats and shiny little shoes” as they embark on their educational journey towards perhaps eventually becoming part of the Class of 2035.
Charlotte Damen is super excited. She doesn’t know why, she just is, she shrugs but then her eyes light up.
“I have lots of friends going to big school.
“I want to do colouring-in first thing on the first day – I’m good at colouring in.
“The monkey bars too.”
She holds out the sides of her new school uniform, and sways from side to side.
“She just loves it,” her mum says.
“She’s wanted to wear every day since we bought it!”
Looking resplendent in her spotless new uniform, pristine bucket hat and shiny new shoes, her hair in impeccable plaits, Constance Gannon is equally proud of her new kit and eager for her first day.
“I’m looking forward to playing with my cousin Zara – and guess what? It’s her birthday today and I’m going to her party!”
Asked what she’s most looking forward to about “big school”, the pint size chatterbox takes time to consider her answer.
“Well...,” she says, taking a big breath.
“I want to play with my friends, and my new friends.
“I love all my uniform, every part of it. And I like my new backpack – it’s got sparkles!
“And I got to meet my teachers on orientation day,” she gushes, naming them all.
Constance (“You can call me Connie or Con if you want!”) says she’s is a bit nervous but excited.
“I’m a bit scared. I haven’t been to big school before and I don’t know what’s going to happen, I mean, I’ve been here before to pick up my cousin but I’m a bit scared about making new friends but I’m happy and lucky because I already have some friends, but I’m a bit scared...yeah...,” she says, finally pausing for a breath.
And how’s Mum, given this is her first and only “first day”?
“Oh, she’s ready!” Mum laughs. “I’ll miss her, but I know she’s going to have so much fun.”