Today will see everything from tears to delight at the school gate, for both students and their parents, as the 2024 school year gets underway for more than 185,000 youngsters who are attending government schools and preschools statewide.

Those beginning their education journey include about 14,000 who will be attending preschool or kindergarten for the first time, and about 13,000 students who will attend their first day of Reception.

On duty to help ease any first day nerves will be more than 14,000 principals, teachers and support staff at 509 government schools and 385 preschools.

Department for Education Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell reminded students to welcome each new challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow and know that your teachers are there to help you every step of the way.

“For our students and their families, the start of a new school year is often filled with nerves and anticipation as they embark on this exciting new chapter,” he said.

“Public education is for every child and young person, and our preschools and schools are the heart of our local communities.”

“When our children and young people thrive, so does South Australia and that is our purpose every day in public education, so I know our school leaders, teachers and support staff, who have been busy preparing their classrooms for today, are keen to welcome students into the classroom for another busy school year.”

Later this year, primary schools and preschools will welcome additional students into their midst in a mid-year intake, which was introduced in preschools last year and will come into effect for schools in Term 3 this year.

As everyone embraces the new school year, a range of initiatives are also available to support families manage the cost of living as their children return to school, including a substantial increase in the threshold for the Student Card, and a $100 rebate off the materials and services charge.

This year will also see the first full year of the mobile phone ban in secondary school – introduced to all schools in the third term of 2023, to help reduce the inappropriate use of phones at schools.