Josie Wren will be one of hundreds of youngsters from throughout the Great Lakes to begin ‘big school’ next week.

The kindergarten student will join older siblings, Shaylin (Year 6) and Eligh Kennedy (Year 4) at Forster Public School.

Mum, Jessica said having siblings at school was helping young Josie feel confident about starting school.

She said Josie had had several visits to school to see her sister and brother on school occasions and, as a result, she was familiar with the school facilities and layout.

“I have found that it helps if your child knows the school and if they have siblings at the school,” Jessica said.

Relieving early stage 1 assistant principal, Penny Holm said that on a practical level, if children can open their lunch box and are able to further manage their food by opening the packaging are helpful skills which bring independence and confidence eating at school.

“Such skills are an effective way to reduce stress while starting school,” Mrs Holm said.

Principal Annie Everingham, maintained it was important for parents to speak to their child’s classroom teacher if they had any concerns.

“Importantly, parents should avoid lengthy ‘good-byes’ in the early days and parents should speak positively and enthusiastically about school,” Mrs Everingham said.

“Conveying a confident approach to school will be picked up by a child as will nervous or negative attitudes.

“Most of all, parents and carers should enjoy this exciting new chapter in their child’s life.”

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.