Bouncing into Prep

By Monique Preston

Jan 28, 2025

Five-year-old William Forte is ready to start Prep at Bourchier St Primary School this year. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Shepparton youngster William Forte is ready to bounce into his first year of school this year.

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He even has new shoes to prove it. Along with a new school uniform. And a school bag Santa brought him for Christmas.

The five-year-old will be among the intake of Prep students starting at Bourchier St Primary School on Thursday, January 30.

William Forte, 5, with his mum, Sarah Forte. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

And mum Sarah Forte said he was looking forward to it.

“He’s well and truly ready to start school,” Mrs Forte said.

“He’s been ready for months.”

William Forte is ready to bounce into his first year of school. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

When asked what he thought he would be doing at school, William said “I think we’ll build a boat”.

Doing some art was also high on William’s agenda at school, after fun sessions at Prep orientation last year where he painted rainbows, while he was also looking forward to reading.

William Forte, 5, is among the intake of Prep students at Bourchier St Primary School this year. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

William will be following in his dad’s footsteps at school, with Leigh Forte also having been a student at Bourchier St when he was young.

While older sister Emily is in Year 5 this year, the pair will not be at the same school, with Emily attending Guthrie St Primary School.

Mum Sarah Forte gets a hug from son William Forte, who will start Prep this year. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mrs Forte said they made the decision for William to start school at a different school as the family had recently moved to the north end of Shepparton and after-school care was available at Bourchier St.

As for the first day of school for William, Mrs Forte said there were mixed emotions.