PARENTS in towns and villages throughout Renfrewshire were beaming with pride on Monday as their kids headed to school to start a new chapter in their lives.
Smart uniforms and broad smiles were the order of the day, with teachers providing a warm welcome after what has been a difficult time for many families recently due to the coronavirus pandemic.
For those in primary one who were going to school for the first time, it was a day to remember, while others who were moving up into their next year group were happy to be back in the classroom and reunited with their friends.
And some teachers were doing a double take on Monday as several sets of twins started their first day at school.
Among those who were welcomed into the classroom for the first time were Ailbhe and Orlaith Ó’Foighil, who both attend Newmains Primary in Renfrew.
Proud mum Lisa said her four-year-olds were thrilled to go to school and catch up with their friends from nursery.
She added: “I was more nervous than them I think. When they were dropped off at school, they were both like, ‘There’s my friends, see you later,’ and ran off to their separate classes.
“They were most looking forward to seeing their friends again from 3 Bears nursery in Renfrew, as they have a few friends from the nursery in each class.
“I think it’s brilliant they’re now starting school, as they are ready for it and Newmains Primary have been really good with us, such as facilitating splitting the twins into different classes to give them both a bit more independence.”
Dani Mchugh, who is mum to Amelia and Lilly, is also happy that her twins will be able to spend some time apart at Woodlands Primary in Linwood.
She said: “Being in different classes will give them a chance to miss each other, as they’ve never been separated much since birth.
“They’ve also been fighting like cats and dogs recently, so I hope they’ll enjoy a wee break away from each other.
“They went to bed very excited on Sunday night and were up first thing the next morning absolutely buzzing. I was the complete opposite from them, I was quite emotional.”
Due to some Covid-19 restrictions still remaining in place at schools, parents were unable to join their children as they entered the school building for the first time.
Dani added: “I was a wee bit gutted that we couldn’t go into the classroom with the kids to make sure that they were okay and to see the classroom, as it’s an experience you’re never going to get back.
“However, the school have been absolutely amazing, as they let us take as many pictures as we liked when the kids were standing in line and waving goodbye to us.”
Meanwhile, twins Zach and Charli Sweeney had one more restless night’s sleep before their first day at school on Thursday at St Columba’s Primary in Kilmacolm.
The children, from Brookfield, have had to wait due to their school being located in the local authority of Inverclyde.
Their mum Pauline said: “They’re both excited to making new friends and settling into school life, while I’m a little bit nervous and anxious.
“Short videos have been sent to the kids with their teachers reading stories to them and they had their taster sessions last week, so it’s been a really positive experience so far.”
Elsewhere, four-year-olds Kate and Gregor Nelson were keen to share all the news of their first day at East Fulton Primary, in Linwood, with mum Lyndsay.
She said: “The twins had a great first day. They were really excited when they came out of school to tell me what they had been up to and really keen to go back the next day, so it was a great success.
“Being able to play with their friends in the playground seemed to be what they enjoyed the most. Also, they feel like a big boy and girl now that they are at school.”
The twins will also have their big brother Robert, in primary three, to help them navigate their new school.
Lyndsay added: “Due to the pandemic, there are some things that are different from when my older son started school, but the twins don’t know any different.”
Councillor Jim Paterson, Renfrewshire’s education convener, said: “Starting school is a significant milestone and the first day of term is always an exciting day for children starting primary and young people starting secondary.
“I hope all children and young people had a great first day and enjoy being back at school.”
Despite most coronavirus restrictions having been removed in Renfrewshire earlier this month, current mitigation measures in schools will remain for now.
Face coverings will have to be worn during lessons by secondary pupils and one-metre social distancing for staff will be retained for at least six weeks.
Secondary pupils and school staff in Renfrewshire are also being encouraged to take a lateral flow test twice a week.
But whole classes in schools will no longer have to stay at home if an infection is discovered, although children and adults who are higher-risk close contacts will be told to isolate.
For more information, visit renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-schools/health-safety.
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