Shepparton youngster William Forte is ready to bounce into his first year of school this year.
He even has new shoes to prove it. Along with a new school uniform. And a school bag Santa brought him for Christmas.
The five-year-old will be among the intake of Prep students starting at Bourchier St Primary School on Thursday, January 30.
And mum Sarah Forte said he was looking forward to it.
“He’s well and truly ready to start school,” Mrs Forte said.
“He’s been ready for months.”
When asked what he thought he would be doing at school, William said “I think we’ll build a boat”.
Doing some art was also high on William’s agenda at school, after fun sessions at Prep orientation last year where he painted rainbows, while he was also looking forward to reading.
William will be following in his dad’s footsteps at school, with Leigh Forte also having been a student at Bourchier St when he was young.
While older sister Emily is in Year 5 this year, the pair will not be at the same school, with Emily attending Guthrie St Primary School.
Mrs Forte said they made the decision for William to start school at a different school as the family had recently moved to the north end of Shepparton and after-school care was available at Bourchier St.
As for the first day of school for William, Mrs Forte said there were mixed emotions.
“I’m excited and nervous and sad. All the emotions in one,” she said.
As for the likelihood of there being any tears from William on the first day of school — “no way” Mrs Forte said.
“Maybe from me and Leigh, but not from him.”