It might not have had the same historical significance of last September as primary schools around the country opened for the first time since the onset of the pandemic – but it has still been a huge week for those starting school for the first time.
Schools around Laois began opening for the new term late in August and it continued at pace throughout last week.
New uniforms, school bags, lunch boxes, pencil cases and all sorts of school paraphernalia were organised.
And it’s a time for nerves and excitement in equal measure – for students, parents and school staff.
To mark the occasion, parents from across the county have sent us images of their children embarking on the new school year.
Let’s hope those broad smiles are still evident throughout the year!
You can check out a selection of the images that were sent to us across our various social media channels.
Leona Lynch first day of Senior Infants Holy FamilyTommy Fitzpatrick CastletownSibling group Soraya, Sophia, Caleb and Sienna in St Colman’s NS in Stradbally. Both Caleb and Sienna started junior infants while Soraya and Sophia started 3rd classLuke Cuddy on his first day in Holy Family Junior SchoolRobert (1st class) and Penelope (2nd class) in Ballyfin NS with their younger brother Joe on his first day of playschoolMolly Bergin on her first day in Senior Infants in St Colman’s NS in StradballyMaria Donoghue , Junior Infants in Holy Family, PortlaoiseRhys Cuddy on his first day in Holy Family Senior SchoolLorcán Tucker on his first day in the Gaelscoil with parents Bebhinn Fergus-Tucker and Paul TuckerLorcan Tucker Gaelscoil Phortlaoise with his granfather Bryan FergusLily Rose Buggy, junior infants in St Colman’s NSLily Rose (1st Class) and Emily Fox (junior infants) in Killeshin NSJulia Dillon, senior infants The Rock NSHolly (2nd class) and Davin Rowan (4th class) in Ballyadams NSGrace Kirwan from Emo who is in Gaelscoil PhortlaoiseEva O’Connell from Vicrstown starting Junior Infants in Rath NS and James O’Connell starting playschool at Íosa Linn Playschool in RathEmily Lynch, 1st class in Holy Family Portlaoise, with her dad Arran McGowanBurtenshaw Family, BallyroanBonnie Dillon Mountmellick Sonas Community CrecheAriya and Pria Rath NSAndrew Winters-Lacey, Holy Family PortlaoiseAbbey, Alex and Lilly Strong, Emo
