A new cohort of Port Stephens kindergarten students began rolling up for class at 'big school' this week but unlike past years, a new COVID measure will be in play. Students and staff are being asked to undertake rapid antigen tests - to be supplied by schools - twice a week before attending school for four weeks. But that hasn't dampened Matilda's enthusiasm for school.
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Matilda Shawyer has been eagerly counting down the days until she starts big school since November and now that she is just a few short sleeps away from day one of kindergarten, her excitement has reached a whole new level.
Unable to sit still, the tiny five-year-old enthusiastically jumped around as she told the Examiner about her new before school routine - feed the family's two dogs before putting on her uniform - and what she is most looking forward to when she starts at Seaham Public School on Friday.
"Seeing my friends from preschool," was the very first thing she said before listing their names, including her best friend Hugo.
"I liked to do arts and crafts at preschool but now I can do them at big school.
"I like playing on the playground. I hope I get to play basketball and do skipping."
The sports sheds and the canteen were high on Matilda's list to check out when she went for her orientation in November and a wander through the open grounds during the summer holidays.
The new kindergarten student said she was really looking forward to playing sport at school.
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An active country child, Matilda has been involved in cheer and gymnastics for two years as a way to help aid her physical growth.
Matilda arrived early into the world and following a "touch and go" first 24 hours earthside she then spent five weeks in John Hunter Hospital's NICU.
"Getting to big school feels like a pretty big milestone," Matilda's mother, Emma Shawyer, said. "I'm really proud of her."
Mrs Shawyer and husband Jarrad will accompany Matilda to school on Friday and join her during her first assembly.
The eldest of their two children - son Leo is two years old - Matilda will be a new generation of Mrs Shawyer's family who attends Seaham Public School.
"My sister [Amy Robinson] and I attended Seaham public," she said.
"I have really fond memories of attending this school and I know Matilda will too.
"She'll be playing on the same playground I did, making lifelong friends the same same as I did. That means the most to me.
"I feel nostalgic that my daughter is attending the same school as I did. It's a great school. For a small country school it offers every opportunity for its students."
Mrs Shawyer added that she was looking forward to showing Matilda her name on the school's Dux board.
To overcome any first day nerves Matilda has a reminder to keep her strong - a little white heart discreetly sewn into the hem of her school shirt. Mr and Mrs Shawyer have hearts sewn into their shirts, too.
"So when we look at them we know we are still together," Matilda explained.
Mrs Shawyer and Matilda enjoyed a final midweek mummy-daughter date on Tuesday. The pair enjoyed cupcakes and milkshakes together in celebration of Matilda starting school this week.
Matilda was to undergo a small education assessment on Wednesday before joining her kindergarten class on Friday.
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