The Pyke children from Mowbray, Bridie (going into kinder), Blake (grade 3) and Jorja (grade 2), are excited about the year ahead. Picture: PHILLIP BIGGS
THE summer holidays are approaching an end and Tasmanian parents are preparing their children for a return to a new school year.
Primary and secondary students from the North and North-West are counting down the days until their new four-term school year begins next month.
Some North-West pupils from the former Moriarty and Wesley Vale primary schools will begin at the newly formed school Andrews Creek Primary School.
The brand new Port Sorell Primary school will also be opened.
For Mowbray mother Hayley Bell, this year's school year, beginning earlier on February 1, is tinged with sadness as she guides her youngest of three children, Bridie Pyke, 4, into kindergarten at Mowbray Heights Primary School.
"It is a bit harder for me this year. I know Bridie will be fine, but she is the baby, and the last one," Ms Bell said.
"The older two (Blake and Jorja) will be there for her, and have been encouraging her, and telling her that it is fun at school."
Ms Bell said any apprehension that Bridie had about school had also been helped by a four-week pre- kinder program.
"I just like to tell her that she will be safe, and that mum is always coming back," Ms Bell said.
"She is excited, she can't wait."