The Department of Education has delivered close to 60,000 school ‘Prep bags’ to students across the State as children returned to classrooms this week.
Minister for Education, James Merlino unveiled the Prep bags, a new library bag and bundle of books, which are set to be delivered to more than 1,200 schools.
“Prep bags give families valuable information and resources, as well as fun activities for preppies,” Mr Merlino said.
“Ensuring excellence in education from the very first day of school,” he said.
“As well as five children’s books, the bags include a water bottle, a ruler, booklets, flyers and stickers that provide valuable information and resources for Preps and their families.”
Mr Merlino said children would receive Australian books selected by an expert panel of teachers, librarians and literacy experts, including: Silver Buttons by Bob Graham; The Dress-Up Box, written by Patrick Guest and illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom; Where is Galah?, by Sally Morgan; Hello from Nowhere, written by Raewyn Caisley and illustrated by Karen Blair; and Edward the Emu, written by Sheena Knowles and illustrated by Rod Clement.
He said the books were also produced in braille and would be distributed to Prep students who are blind.
He said the picture on the front of the bag was the work of Ana Lívia Maiorino, who won a competition to design this year’s Prep bag.
“Her design aims to encourage Prep students to make new friends and learn new things on their first day of school,” Mr Merlino said.
