As the youngest in the family, the four-year-old is now joining older sister, Tully, at the school. As she walked through the gates for the first time, older brother Harry began his first day of high school.

This year, Zailey will be one of eight other students beginning kindergarten at Illabo Primary School, a marked increase on last year when there were only two school-starters.

Having attended Junee Memorial Preschool and Good Start Learning Centre for the past four years, Zailey already knows most of the other children in her class, making the transition much easier.

“They’re my friends,” said Zailey.

“We can play and read books together.”​

While the novelty of her new uniform has increased her excitement for the year, her new life will mean a lot more to become accustomed to.

“I’ll miss my [preschool] teachers,” Zailey said.

“I cried at the last day party because I’ll miss them.”

But already, her school spirit is shining through.

“Uniforms are different [but] I like it. I like the green squares, it’s a good colour. I used to like yellow more, but now green is my favourite.”

With Harry heading to The Riverina Anglican College this year, the Pratt family’s morning is about to start a lot earlier. He’ll be on a bus as early as 7:30am each morning.

“I can’t wait for high school, it’s going to be so different to primary school,” Harry said.

“Mainly because there’s going to be 700 kids there, compared to just 30 at Illabo.”