Confident Little Kids - Where are they now?

School began recently for more than 80 children who took part in Kids First’s 2009 Confident Little Kids program.

This week, we caught up with some of our ‘school starters’ to see how they are faring after their first full week at ‘big school’.

Will

Will Phillips has followed his big brother Archie to Oxford Falls Grammar School and his mum Jo said that he has made the transition to school easily.

“Will couldn’t wait to start school,’ she said.

“He gets up every morning and gets himself dressed. By the end of the first week, he’d decided he didn’t need me to take him to his classroom anymore and demanded to be dropped off in the ‘kiss and go’ zone like the big kids.”

Jo said that her decision to give Will an extra year at pre-school had been the right one for their family.

“Will has developed so much more confidence in the last year and for him, waiting until the year he was turning six was the right choice.”

Sara

Doraly Curulli’s daughter, Sara, also started school last week and has happily joined the kindergarten class at St John’s Narraweena.

“Sara loves every moment of school,” said Doraly, ‘We are so pleased she’s settled so quickly because when we first came to Kids First, she did not manage change well.”

Doraly said that there had been no tears on Sara’s first day and that although she was tired after her first five days at school, the year ahead is looking positive.

“Sara learnt so much at Kids First last year and I really think that the independence, friendships and social skills she gained helped her through her first week.”

Doraly also said that she, as a parent, also gained from Sara’s pre-school year.

“Sara’s time at Kids First reminded me about how children learn and all the skills they need to have to be well rounded, happy school starters. I learned a lot last year and I’ve now got a good foundation for my new role as a school parent.’

Jake and Ben

Like Will, identical twins Jake and Ben Maddox have enrolled at Oxford Falls Grammar and their mum Leanne said that the first week had been a mixed one for her sons.

“Ben is an extroverted little boy, so he has taken it all in his stride,” she said.

“Jake, however, is a little more sensitive and he has really depended on his brother to get him through.”

Leanne said that she hopes that making friends with other children will make a difference for Jake and she plans to catch up with other Kids First families who have children enrolled at the school.

“Although my boys look very much alike, their personalities and skills are quite different.”

Leanne said that Ben and Jake still love coming to Kids First and are enjoying their new Confident Kindies class on Tuesday afternoons.

“Going to school has been exciting, but challenging for my boys, so we want to make sure they get the support and encouragement they need.”

“It’s just so good to know that you guys at Kids First are always there in case we need you.”