Wren set to continue family's school history

WREN Cations was set this week to represent the fifth generation of her family to attend Teesdale Primary School.

The young student was one of tens of thousands of children expected to start foundation across the state.

Her family’s ties to the classrooms stretch back to 1874, when Henry Cations sold land to the school.

From then, members of the family have studied at the town’s primary school, including Wren’s father Billy and grandfather Neil.

“It’s pretty cool to see all the generations who’ve gone through here and then for Wren for this to be her school, not our school anymore,” Billy said.

Both he and Wren’s mother Elise Cations, who also attended the school, said they were preparing their daughter for the big day by keeping everything fun and simple.

HISTORY: Wren Cations was set to be the fifth generation of her family to attend Teesdale Primary School this week. Photo: CHRISTOPHER O’LEARY

“Being in a small community we know a lot of people here already,” Mrs Cations said. “So, when she had her transition days, she had a lot of kids come up and greet her.

“She’s got two older cousins that will be here, who are going to be looking out for her.”

As for Wren, she said she was excited to see her friends and use the playground.

Asked about her favourite part of the playground, she said: “The slide. ‘Cause it’s fun.”

Principal Sam Irwin said the Cations featured a number of times on the school’s honour boards, and described the family’s ties to the school as amazing.

“I think it’s more of a rural tradition you see where families have that generational connection to a school,” Mr Irwin said.

The principal said a pupil’s first day of school was always an exciting time.

All smiles: Teesdale Primary School principal Sam Irwin, left, with Billy, Neil and Wren Cations. Photo: CHRISTOPHER O’LEARY

“They’re might be little people coming next week who are about to meet their best mates forever and they don’t even know it just yet,” he said. “That’s pretty cool to be a part of.”

For parents, Mr Irwin said, the first day of school could raise a mix of feelings.

“It’s a special time,” he said. “Just embrace that emotion I think.”

The principal encouraged parents to employ routines such as “a good night’s sleep” to support their children’s success.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect from the start; school’s there to help,” he said.