FIRST day jitters won't be an issue for kindergarten at Waratah Public School next year.
The 2025 cohort has spent the past month building connections and seeing the school yard as part of the Department of Education's transition policy program.
It's been smooth sailing for first time mum Stephanie Hutchison and her five-year-old son Hugo Woods, who attends the school's preschool.
"It's allowed him to get an idea of what school will be about, and for me, having a first child I wouldn't have a clue how it all works. It's been really good and helpful at settling my nerves," she said.
"The kids know where to go and we know too, it really takes the stress out of it."
"Hugo is so excited to start big school, pick out his school bag and his lunchbox."
Meanwhile Jessica Graham's daughter Emilia Shipp is transitioning from daycare and has been using the orientation program to get to know her classmates.
"Emilia seems to be liking it a lot and she seems to be making friends quite easily," Ms Graham said.
She said she's already purchased the uniform and was feeling emotional about her baby girl starting school.
"I am excited though, for her to begin her next adventure. She's already told me she wants to be a vet," she said.
Waratah Public School assistant principal Leoni Butler said the transition program has given the children a chance to see their classrooms, meet their teachers and connect with their year four buddies.
"These activities give children a feeling of belonging in the school, the engagement with the activities and the kids that are here and the playground, the familiarity of the uniforms and the location of places around the school," she said.
"It's solving the fear of the unknown."
Year four buddies Lilah Mouthaan and Harry Ziolkowski jumped at the chance to help out the new members of their school.
"I have two siblings so I like looking after kids and drawing with them," Lilah said.
"It's really fun to get to know them and do the activities and teach them how to trace lines and draw shapes," Harry said.
The school has 51 children enrolled with 41 of them coming from the Waratah Public preschool.
