A new school year has started, and across our district, five-year-olds have taken that first step into their school journey.
The Stratford Press visited some new entrants in a few schools and asked them how they were finding it all.
Perhaps thanks to some great induction programmes being run by our schools for four-year-olds, all the new entrants we met, were happily settled into their new routine and already seemed quite confident as to what school is all about.
"I love the excitement and wonderment that new entrants bring in through the school gate," principal of Marco school, Jenny Vincent, says.
Marco school has welcomed two new entrants, Addy Rabone and Max Faull, and both are already loving school and are looking forward to starting their school swimming lessons as well.
"I'm the only girl in the class but the boys are okay." Elodie Coles is looking forward to more girls joining her in Room 2 at St Joseph's Stratford, but meanwhile says she is happy being the only female.
Next door to Elodie, in Room 1, Rylie Marshall has also settled in quickly.
"I like my school dress and I like singing in class." Daniel Brough, a new entrant on Room 1, was very pleased to be "leader of the day" the day The Stratford Press visited, and was coping well with the added responsibility.
"You sit on the leader of the day chair, and you take things to other teachers sometimes. I like doing jobs and being the leader."
Further down the road, at Eltham School, the new entrants in Room 1 are not only getting to know each other, but also explore a brand new adventure playground that the school has had built. Sade Rupapera says she loves the flying fox on it, "I can go fast", while Kupa Robinson thought being able to climb on it was best.
"I can climb really well."
Emily Zuppicich and Zak Sturmer are the newest kids on the block at Ngaere School and both have settled happily into their school work already. While Emily is enjoying the chance to do lots of craft work "we have lots of glue to use and colours", Zak says the best thing is playing "alphabet games".
At Stratford Primary the new entrants were being introduced to the importance of team spirit, with Top Team day taking place early in the week.
Sophie Dodds was keen to get started, "I like playing games and being outside", while Tane Washer-Wakeling was looking forward "to shouting for my team to win".
See our photo page this week on page 20 for pictures of some of the new entrants around the district.
The Stratford Press wishes all new entrants all the best as they start their school journey and we look forward to meeting them as we visit schools throughout the year, covering the great things each school gets up to.