WITH four siblings already at big school, six-year-old Shiloh Cottee was excited to go to school this year, starting prep at St Mary’s Primary School in her siblings’ footsteps.

Mum of five Melissa Cottee has vigilantly collected the Warwick Daily News’ My First Year booklet for each child and was looking forward to this year’s publication.

“We always get two copies; one for the kids to keep and one for us parents to keep,” she said.

“We have got them for all the kids and will do for Shiloh too.

“It’s a brilliant keepsake.”

With her oldest daughter in Year 9, the one thing Mrs Cottee said had not changed over the years, was how important that first year was.

“The most important thing is for them to have a positive start to school,” she said.

“You always hope to have a really good teacher, especially in prep.”

Mrs Cottee said Shiloh had been excited about starting school.

“Shiloh really enjoyed picking her book covers ready for school,” she said.

“I take each of the kids individually to get things like pencil cases, book covers and clipboards and let them pick the colours to help them get excited about school.”

Shiloh has now settled into school and enjoyed the play-based learning.

“I have a beautiful teacher,” Shiloh said.

“I like drawing and painting – I painted a storm picture at school.”

Mrs Cottee has seen many changes in schooling over the years.

“My oldest was in the first year of prep when it was all play-based, then they gradually added readers, and now Shiloh even has homework,” she said.

“The play-based for prep is the best. They enjoy it more and they learn just as much without getting so tired.”

Warwick Daily News office manager Lara Brackin said the My First Year publication would be inserted in the Warwick Daily News tomorrow.

“My First Year includes all schools on the Southern Downs from Clifton and Nobby down to Inglewood, Texas and the Stanthorpe area,” she said.

The publication features hundreds of local school students, and is a popular memento to give to friends and family members.

There will be a limited number of back copies available for those parents who miss out.

For parents who want to order photos as a special keepsake, they will be available from the Warwick Daily News office.

To place an order, phone the office on 46601355.