WHEN one Bendigo school welcomed its prep students for the first time on Friday morning, it marked a milestone not only in the kids’ young lives, but also for the school itself.
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The 47 children starting school at Marist College Bendigo this year are the school’s first ever cohort of prep, or foundation, students.
“To see the parents here, and to see the parents so excited, is probably the greatest thing,” principal Darren McGregor said.
The foundation students will learn in a purpose-built building that includes a touch of whimsy in the form of a tiny door only young children can comfortably walk though.
Friday was a big day for all kids and their parents, but it was especially significant for five-year-old Edward Boyer and his mum Catherine.
Edward has cerebral palsy and an extremely rare genetic condition – he is one of 10 people worldwide known to have it – that affects his intellectual development.
Mrs Boyer said the family had once not know when, how or even if his first day of school would arrive, but Edward had come a long way in his life.
She described her son as a “very strong, determined little boy, and so happy”.
“It’s very emotional and a very proud moment,” Mrs Boyer said.
Edward was thrilled to put on his uniform yesterday morning, she said, and while he was quiet on the way to school, the excitement bubbled back to the surface once they arrived at the school.
Edward will attend Marist College for three days a week and Bendigo Special Developmental School the remaining two.
Another person celebrating a beginning was Jana Mollison, who started her first permanent teaching position at the school.
Miss Mollison said she was a little bit nervous but very excited for her first day.
The school takes the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, a student-centred education philosophy on which Miss Mollison completed her honours thesis at university.
“When you’re listening to students and use what they say, the engagement is much higher,” she said.