Surprise celebration

SOME of Terang’s youngest students celebrated a special birthday party last week.

Students at St Thomas’ Primary School donned the costumes of their favourite characters from ‘Milo’s Birthday Surprise’.

The book, which teaches students sounds and letters as part of the Little Leaners Love Literacy program, culminates in the titular character’s birthday surprise when students complete the four stages of the program.

The ‘birthday’ was celebrated at school last week with cake and activities.

St Thomas’ Primary School Prep teacher Ness Marshall said the students were all smiles to celebrate the annual birthday surprise.

“Each session the Prep students are introduced to a new letter or are introduced to a character as part of a storybook,” she said.

“This was their opportunity to come together at the end, once they’ve learned all their letter sounds, and dress up as their favourite characters as we celebrate Milo’s birthday surprise.”

Mrs Marshall said the celebration was supported with a visit from the children at local kindergartens, who were able to get a taste of life as primary school students.

“We invite the local kindergartens along on the day to celebrate with us as they look to start their transitions into schools as well,” she said.

“No matter where the children go to school the following year, it’s good for the kinder kids to be prepared and have that exposure to primary education.

“This is our way of starting that process for these children.

“We love the community engagement process so we’re trying to encourage everyone to come along, because everyone is welcome at St Thomas’ Primary School.

“It is good to have parents, teachers and friends in the wider community come and celebrate with us.”

The occasion also presents an opportunity for older students to embrace their leadership qualities.

“Our Grade Five students joined us because they will be next year’s Grade Six students, so they’ll be what we call ‘big buddies’,” Mrs Marshall said.

“That’s part of the transition to school at St Thomas’, being assigned a big buddy to help guide them through the transition, so this a wonderful opportunity to show leadership and do their very best.

“It’s important to have these experiences.

“We made it a bit fun so we’ll be celebrating with cake, milo drinks, activities and a parade to show off the costumes the Prep students are wearing.”