Harvey prepped and ready for first day of school

YOUNG Harvey Hunter is no stranger to being surrounded by other kids as one of six children in his family.

So, it’s no surprise the five-year-old from Torquay is relaxed and excited about starting school as a Prep student at Christian College.

On Monday Harvey will join his older brother Blake, 8, who is in Grade Three and twin brothers Bryce and Drew, 7, who are in Grade One at the college’s Surf Coast campus.

His twin sisters, three-year-old Imogen and Paige, are also starting kindergarten at Butterfield House.

That means things will be a little quieter through the week for parents Brad and Narelle who have been kept super busy after having six children – including the two sets of twins – in the space of five years.

“Harvey is very ready to go to school,” Mrs Hunter said. “I’m going to miss not having him at home but it will be great for him and he is really excited.”

As for Harvey, he has been practicing his counting in readiness for the classroom and is keen to make new friends.

But what is he most looking forward to?

“Lego and playdough monsters,” he said.

Harvey is among the 84,000 Victorian children commencing Prep in 2021.

Christian College Surf Coast campus coordinator and Prep teacher, Debbie Riddle, said it was always a special day when the Preps arrived on day one.

“I love watching our new Preps walk through the gate on the first day, school jumpers big and baggy with plenty of room for growth, shiny school shoes and a lunchbox containing enough food to feed them for a week,” she said.

Mrs Riddle said Prep teachers also see a little person who is ready to grow not just academically but also personally.

“We have the opportunity to help uncover their gifts and talents and watch their confidence and sense of self-worth develop,” she said.

“By the time they finish their first year of Prep they will be very different little people and ready to conquer the next step in the journey through school.”

She said the start of the school year could be both exciting and daunting for new students and parents alike, but they should rest assured that teachers always have their best interests at heart.

“If your little person is finding it hard to settle in to their new school just be patient and encouraging,” Mrs Riddle advised.

“Give it time, they all eventually settle in, some may just need a little more reassurance than others.”