Just like many other kids, River is starting school this week. But unlike some who may feel a little nervous, she is more than ready for her first day and can’t wait to make new friends. 

She’s already made a friend at kindergarten orientation, a boy who, coincidentally, is also named River. 

“I already have a friend at this school…I just met him and his name is River too,” she says.

On the other hand, River’s mum, Sheona, is feeling nervous for her eldest child to head off to school for the first time. She’s certain she’ll be the one shedding tears as River goes to school.

“We had orientation and I was fighting back tears when she had to walk away to her classroom,” says Sheona.

River is bright and enthusiastic and she's made it clear that she has a very specific birthday present that she wants, a “real-life unicorn”. 

One of River’s favourite things to do is go fishing with her grandad, who she calls ‘Popcorn’. She proudly explains that just this morning she caught seven fish, but then whispers “Guess what? A pelican ate one of the fish”. 

As an extroverted and chatty young girl, River is particularly looking forward to singing at school, as well as playing sports. 

When asked if she was nervous at all for her first day of school, River quickly responded, “no.” While she has been waiting with anticipation, she is helping mum at her salon - The Hairy Tortoise in Edessa Arcade! 

With her confidence, River will have a great start to her school journey. 

The Bugle hopes all the young ones get off to a great start embarking on the 2025 school year.