Children aged four and five were eager to start school at Gallowhill Primary School in Paisley, yesterday.
Clutching their parents and carers hands, the children were warmly welcomed by their teachers, Diane Blackett and Fraser McKechnie, and head teacher, Sheila Hood.
Proud mums and dads and grandparents took photos in the playground and in the classroom, before heading off and letting the young children settle in.
Ellie had a big smile on her face while waiting in the playground with mum Lynette and dad Ryan. Lynette said: “She’s been jumping up and down all morning. She’s been ready for school for a while now. Ellie is our youngest, so this is our last one starting school and we’re a little emotional, but she’s just so excited.”
Esmie was equally excited standing with her mum Lauren and gran Brenda. Lauren said: “She’s quite excited. She picked out what she wanted; her shoes, her bag, lots of stuff.
“She’s very up for it and hopefully she settles down when she gets inside.”
Photo: Cobe with mum, dad and great gran at Gallowhill Primary School
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Cobe was happily greeting all his friends with his mum Jasmine and dad Jason. Jasmine said: “He’s excited to start. He knows a lot of the children and can’t wait to play with them.”
More than 1,800 young children started primary one in Renfrewshire, and more than 2,000 have moved into first year at secondary school.
Renfrewshire has around 27,000 pupils who attend the 62 schools across the area.
Head teacher Sheila Hood said: “It is always such a special day welcoming Primary 1 pupils into school for their hugely anticipated first day. I have been at Gallowhill Primary for almost 14 years and every year I feel the same excitement and appreciation of the privilege it is to be part of this special day.
“As well as the children, we are welcoming in new families into our school community and enriching connections.”
Education convener, Councillor Emma Rodden, said, “It is an exciting time for children, young people and their parents and carers. Whether it is starting primary or secondary, there is a lot of nerves and excitement. I hope everyone has an amazing first day and is ready for the next step in their education.”
New lunch menus will also be available for pupils at Castlehead High, Gryffe High, Johnstone High, Paisley Grammar, Park Mains High, Renfrew High, Trinity High and Mary Russell schools from Monday 2nd September.
The three-weekly menu is available on the Council website, here: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/10625/Secondary-school-meal-menus.
Photo: Elyse with mum, dad and younger sister at Gallowhill Primary School
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: The new pupils queue up at Gallowhill Primary School
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Two friends in the playground
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: two new P1 pupils at Gallowhill Primary School
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council