CHILDREN returning to classes at Avondale School this week received a surprise welcome as they approached the school grounds in Cooranbong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Teachers and school prefects lined the roadside on the approach to the school, as well as the bus and car drop-off areas, to greet the children and their families on arrival.
The staff held greeting signs, waved, and offered high-fives to the grinning children.
The school’s marketing manager Colin Chuang said the welcome was staged because the school believed starting a new school year was a significant part of children’s lives.
“We wanted them to be excited about being back at school, and for the new students to feel that sense of belonging,” Mr Chuang said.
“Sometimes this initial impression and memory can set the tone for the rest of the year, and we wanted it to be positive and exciting.
“It was nice too for the kids to see their teachers in a different context than just the classroom, especially the primary children.”
Principal Dr David McClintock said it was an “incredible” way to start the school year.
“It would have to be one of the more memorable first days in my experience,” Dr McClintock said.
“It was humbling to stand down on Avondale Road with a bunch of enthusiastic teachers as we welcomed the cars and the buses to our campus.
“I had so many comments during the day as I chatted with parents who expressed their absolute delight in the wonderful welcome they had received. It was so nice to again do something as a full team and all be part of a really exciting approach.”
Fun frames were made so that students could be photographed showing “My back-to-school face”.
Mr Chuang said the response made the exercise so worthwhile.
“The reaction was amazing. You could see it was very unexpected by students and parents, but very well received,” he said.
“We have had a few comments online and some emails come through from parents saying how much they appreciated it. I think it makes them feel valued. It’s sometimes those little simple details that can add so much value.”