As thousands of WA children prepare for their daunting first day of primary school on Wednesday, The West Australian asked some of the State’s most prominent politicians, celebrities and sports stars about their memories — and advice — for that special milestone.
Premier Roger Cook
My clear memory of my first day of school was seeing a lot of other kids crying — and being proud that I was holding it in!
Advice: The first day of school can be a nerve-wracking experience. So to kids starting school for the first time today – be brave, because you’re going to have a great time. You’ll make friends, you’ll learn something new every day, and you’ll have fun. Listen to your teachers, and make your parents proud.
7News newsreader Susannah Carr
My mum tells me she was the one who needed consoling on the day I started school. I was so keen to go I ran off and left her feeling sad.
Advice: So my advice is for parents… don’t be hurt if your new schooler just wants to get in there and ignores you!
Barrister Tom Percy KC
My first memory of starting school in 1960 is that it was very traumatic. My father had recently died in an air crash and my mother was too distraught to take me, that task being delegated to my Aunty Gwen.
Advice: My advice to kids starting school would be that teachers are like judges; whatever you may think, just obey them, it will make your life a lot easier in the long run.
Australian Test Cricket legend Justin Langer
I remember squeezing my mum’s hand so tight as she was leaving and I also remember the smell of my new lunch box and having to wear my new black Clarke’s school shoes for the first time.
Advice: The first day of school can be scary — leaving mum and dad, meeting new friends, listening to your new teacher. But, scary as it is, walk tall, put a big smile on your face and have fun learning and meeting your new friends. You might meet your best friend for life and you will learn something new every day. How cool is that?
Liberal Leader Libby Mettam
Starting school at Bluff Point Primary in Geraldton was a positive experience for me.
I remember thinking my red and white uniform which had a dolphin crest on the t-shirt was the best and was super excited about joining my brother at school and finally seeing what all the fuss was about.
Advice: I know school can be a daunting experience for some, my advice to those starting today is to give everything a go, try your best and most importantly, be kind to yourself and others.
Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti
on her first day of school.
Credit: SuppliedI can recall how scared I was on my first day of school at Roleystone Primary. As a daughter of migrant Italian parents, I spent a lot of my childhood with family and close friends from within the Italian community, so school was the first opportunity I had to mix in with other kids. I remember being very self-conscious about my lunch. I was envious of the other kids who had plain sandwiches with Vegemite or cheese, while I had big chunky Italian bread with cold meats. My family only spoke Italian at home so I couldn’t speak English very well either.
Advice: Whether that be primary school or high school is take advantage of every opportunity. Try and grab every opportunity that is presented to you. Whether it is to make new friends, or learn about new things, try and enjoy every day.
Education Minister Tony Buti
I remember walking home from school by myself in Collie and my two sisters and brother panicking about where I was. They sent out a search party but ended up finding me at home at the kitchen table having afternoon tea.
Advice: Learning can and should be fun. Embrace it. And make sure you do plenty of reading.
WA Governor Chris Dawson
Like many kids, my favourite memories of school days at North Perth Primary were from the games we played at recess and lunch breaks. British Bulldog, Brandy and King of the Pack, we’d play them right up until the bell sounded to return to class.
Advice: My advice to everyone starting school or returning to the classroom this week is to look out for one another, in particular the kids that might not know anyone. You don’t know where life might lead you, so try your hardest and give it your best shot.