Kindergarten

Starting kindergarten at Coonabarabran Public School was an exciting milestone for young Billie Burton, daughter of Bronwyn Buss and Amber Burton.

“It is such a big change for her,” Bron said.

“There were a few tears when we had to leave her, but the school was very helpful and let us know that she had settled and was happy playing with her friends.”

Bron said Billie had enjoyed the Early Birds program last year, which helped prepare her for “big school”.

“She was really looking forward to sitting at her desk with her name on it.

“And she just loves wearing the dress!”

With another 13 years of schooling ahead of her, Billie will be a part of the Class of 2034.

“That seems so far away - I hope it doesn’t go too quickly,” Bron said.

Year 7

Coonabarabran Public School’s 2020 Dux, Zoe Wark, has made the transition to the high school look seamless.

The eldest child of Katrina and Jack Wark, Zoe said she had been enjoying the change of scenery at Coonabarabran High School.

“It’s really good, getting to move around the classrooms for different subjects during the day, rather than just staying in one room,” Zoe said.

“My friends and I were all pretty nervous to start with, but it was also exciting because it’s all new to us.

“We did get lost on thefirst day going to English ??????? though!”

Zoe said the teachers and students had been welcoming and were always happy to give directions.

Year 12

For year 12 Coona High student Maddy Heywood, the return to school picked up right where she had left off at the end of term four last year.

“We were back into it from day one,” said Maddy, daughter of Amanda and Russell Heywood.

“It felt like we didn’t have any holidays, but it was good to see my friends again.”

Hoping to study primary teaching at the University of Newcastle after her ??????????????Higher School Certificate (HSC), Maddy is committed to her studies.

But she is also hoping to have some fun during her ????final year of school.

“It was a bit sad that we missed out on making our debut last year because of COVID-19, so I really hope we can have an amazing formal,” she said.

“Charlie Selmes and I are currently fund-raising for our formal by cooking a barbecue at school each Friday morning - we’ve already raised $500 and it’s been such big hit with the seniors and teachers.”

A talented athlete, Maddy has spent the better part of this week in Sydney, representing North West in softball at the state championships.

Later this year, Maddy will travel to the Gold Coast with fellow Coona High student, Alirah Watton, playing with the NSW Echidnas Indigenous netball team at the Oceania titles.

Maddy said it was difficult at times to juggle her passion for sport and study, along with a part time job at Woolworths.

“I probably don’t get as much sleep as I should,” Maddy joked.