School return sparks joy

Wyndham Park Primary School pupils were welcomed back with a red carpet and balloon arch, Grade 6 students Marwa and Dhiman (front) are pictured with other student leaders. (Damjan Janevski). 254712_02

A Werribee school welcomed pupils back on-site last week with a red carpet, balloon arch and bubble machine.

Teachers and staff members at Wyndham Park Primary School greeted the children after they entered the school gates, as COVID-19 restrictions eased across the state.

For many of the youngsters, last week was the first time in months that they had set foot on the school grounds after months of learning from home.

The red carpet and other celebratory gestures remained at the school for multiple days, as students from different year levels came back to school in staggered stages.

School principal Labal Toose said it was wonderful to see the pupils again.

“(It) feels joyful to have our community back onsite and the sounds of children back at school have made me very happy, I have not been able to wipe the smile off my face,” Mr Toose said.

Grade 2 pupil Mackenzie said she “felt like a movie star walking the red carpet” and was excited to see her friends.

Mackenzie said she was surprised by the bubbles and balloons.

“They made me smile,” she said.

Families also took photos of their children posing on the red carpet in school uniform.

The school’s therapy dog Ella was present on Thursday and Friday for the students to pat.

All Victorian students are expected to return to school campuses on Friday, November 5 when the state hopes to hit its 80 per cent COVID-19 vaccination target.

Wyndham Park Primary School is now accepting enrolments for 2022 and families can contact the school on 9741 4549.