Stepping through the school gates

By Emily Donohoe

Jan 28, 2025

As students head back to school across Victoria and NSW, for thousands of families it will be the first time through the gates as their children start prep and kindergarten.

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Schools around the region will welcome their newest students from Thursday, January 30.

This includes St Mary’s, Cohuna, where five-year-old Mia O’Connell is ready to start her schooling journey, right beside her mum, Year 3/4 teacher Sarah Vevers.

Five-year-old Mia O'Connell will take her first steps into big school. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Some preps will begin on Friday, January 31, including at St Mary’s, Echuca and St Patrick’s, Tongala.

On the NSW side of the border, the kindies at Moama Anglican Grammar are heading in on Monday, February 3, while all students at Moama Public School start on Thursday, February 6.

Mathoura Public School and Bunnaloo Public School will welcome K to 6 on Thursday, February 13, being part of the NSW Department of Education’s Western division.

Many schools will have ‘rest days’ in the beginning of term one, where preps and kindies have Wednesdays off as they adjust to their new routines.