FIRST DAY: Michelle and Brett Buckley, with Lorinda, 18 months, say farewell to daughter Cassandra, 5, on her first day of prep at Horsham West Primary School yesterday. Picture: SAMANTHA CAMARRI
MANY Wimmera schools have welcomed an increase in student numbers this year.
Almost 6770 Wimmera children joined 880,800 students from across the state who returned to school this week.
Ss Michael and John's Primary School principal Andrea Cox said the school had experienced a boost in numbers.
Prep teacher Andrew Millenaci said there were 45 preps this year, compared with 40 last year.
He said the new students had a great first day yesterday.
"They came in very settled though there were a few tears," he said.
"Once they get into the routine they will be fine."
Warracknabeal Primary School vice-principal David Baxter said the school had increased from about 163 students to 170.
He said the number of preps had increased to 26.
"They're highly excited and keen to get into the classroom," he said.
Mr Baxter said graduate teacher Kate Blackmore also had her first day yesterday.
He said she joined Virginia Pilkington as the school's prep teachers.
Mr Baxter said the parents also had an eventful first day.
"The parents had a morning tea and tissues time," he said.
"A number of them stayed for a cuppa and talked."
Horsham West Primary School principal Brendan Bush said the school's Haven campus had increased its numbers from 45 students to 95 in three years.
He credited new facilities as a factor in the increase.
The campus welcomed 20 preps this year.
Mr Bush said the Horsham campus included 82 new preps.
"It's interesting. For many families this is their baby, and for others it is their first time," he said.
