Schools in the Lakes Entrance area are all pleased to be back to a normal start to the year with no bushfires and hopefully no COVID-19 issues.
Toorloo Arm Primary School started very smoothly welcoming 35 new students and their families to the school on the first day.
“We also welcomed three new staff members Miss Amber Castleman, Mrs Jaclyn Costigan and Mr Davide Colombo to our teaching team,” principal, Kerry Hughes, said.
“We are running seven composite classes with an average class size of 21 students.
“With the easing of COVID restrictions it was lovely to be able have parents walk students into classes to meet the teachers and educational support staff on day one.
“This is so important as it builds positive relationships between home and school and begins to develop that sense of community which our school prides itself on,” Ms Hughes said.
Teachers started the year focussing on establishing positive relationships with their students, setting high expectations for behaviour and understanding the learning capabilities of each student as a springboard for a great year ahead.
“After a restful holiday break our St Brendan’s students have returned with smiling faces,” reported St Brendan’s Primary Catholic Primary School principal, Matthew Hamer.
“Students and teachers alike were keen to meet and greet each other on Friday morning and settle into class routine.
“Our year sixes have begun looking after their foundation buddies and they are doing a sterling job.
“The year brings a fresh start with an abundance of opportunities, new faces bring energy and ideas to our school and with our new buildings and some easing of restrictions we are provided with an exciting future.
“It is great to be back,” Mr Hamer said.
Lakes Entrance Primary School members are also excited to welcome new students and families for the start of the school year.
New teachers include Rye Stevens and Tori Hibbins, who will be teaching grades 1/2 and 5/6.
After a long break everyone is happy to see classrooms filled with smiling faces ready for a year of learning.

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Pippa Sergi, prep, started her schooling at Lakes Primary School on Monday and reported to her mum, Sharnee, that “It was the best day ever!”. INSET: – School’s back and so are the lolly pop people. Anna Wolffenbuttel has been a crossing supervisor for six years
outside Lakes Entrance Primary School, she is pictured with Caitlin Majcherzak grade six and Levi Tyter grade six.