Goodies gifted to primary school’s newbies

BRAND new learners at Darley Primary School received a special visitor earlier this week following the beginning of Term 1 late last month.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle dropped in on Monday morning to present the school’s prep students with bags of goodies.

The Ready, Set, Prep-themed initiative is part of a State Government program in which prep students throughout Victoria receive books, puzzles and games to help them transition into primary school.

“Today’s about celebrating our newest little learners,” Ms Settle said.

“This government initiative, which has been running for a few years now, is another way we can support families during this cost-of-living crisis.

“It’s also a way that ensures learning is happening at home as well as at school.”

Ms Settle also got to check out the school’s new office facilities as part of a $10 million overhaul of the site, which is expected to be completed later this year.

Principal Fiona Kerton said the prep bags are a welcome benefit to their new students.

“For many students, it’s that continuation of support for reading and importance of reading every day for students to make a difference in their lives,” she said.

“The students have been finding things like jigsaw puzzles, and rainbow reading glasses.

“There’s even a little game in there around the Vixens netball team of Victoria.

“All of our foundation students will be going home with their prep bags and we have 60 students in that level in 2025.”