General News
10 February, 2026
First bell for our youngest students
PREP students from across the district have officially settled into their first days of primary school, with new students welcomed into classrooms at St Mary’s, Ararat Primary, Ararat West, Ararat North, Lake Bolac, Maroona, Pomonal, Buangor and Moyston. With the first week of school now behind them, the district’s youngest students have taken to school life like ducks to water, quickly adjusting to classroom routines and new learning environments.
At St Mary’s Primary School, teacher Jo Price said the transition into school had been a smooth one, helped by strong peer support.
“The buddies have been really helpful for them to tune into the routine of school,” Ms Price said.
“We’ve got a nice small group, so we can give them lots of attention.”
She also credited early learning programs with preparing students for the move into primary school.
“I think the pre-prep program really helped prepare them for school, so we’re really grateful,” she said.
At Ararat West, teacher Melinda McAdie said her cohort of first-year students had settled in exceptionally well.
“They are settling in amazingly, they are doing such a great job,” Ms McAdie said.
“They’re learning their sounds and learning the routines. They are doing so well.”
The first days and weeks of school also comes with an added bonus with the Victorian Government issuing each new prep with a Prep Bag.
The bag contains new books and learning activities to help our newest students foster a lifelong love of reading.
The bags feature five books selected by a panel of experts and include:
Chooks in Dinner Suits – written by Diane Jackson Hill and illustrated by Craig Smith
Frank’s Red Hat – written and illustrated by Sean E Avery
Sharing – written by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson and illustrated by Leanne Mulgo Watson
The Bin Monster – written and illustrated by Annabelle Hale
The Concrete Garden – written and illustrated by Bob Graham
“These free Prep books and activities deliver practical cost-of-living relief that helps families from day one of school,” Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said.
