Taieri Beach School's 14 pupils barely take up the classroom mat but their excitement at returning to school for another year was palpable.
Subtle relief rather than excitement filled the face of Sonya Amende whose daughter Victoria (9) was her sixth child to return to the school since the early 1990s.
``It is a relief, although not in the morning.
``We don't get a sleep-in any more,'' she said, laughing.
Hunter Mathews (5) was the only new pupil to join the school's multi-age sole classroom.
Reflecting on his first day at school, Hunter said he had already made two new friends, in addition to most of the class whom he already knew.
School was about ``learning about stuff I can't do'', he said.
Top of his list was learning how to do flips on the school trampoline.
Taieri Beach School teaching principal Dr Gloria Penrice said Hunter had informed his father yesterday morning he was going to school ``to play''.
Teaching new entrants in the same classroom as 10-year-olds posed certain challenges.
``You have to be very very organised.''
However, having fewer pupils in the class enabled youngsters to develop confidence quickly as they were surrounded by older children, she said.
Dr Penrice was pleased to have the first day ticked off.
``It is a very busy day but I also try to be aware the children have lots of exciting news to tell you and you do have to make allowances for that.
``We will be more settled tomorrow.''
Pupils across the region return to school throughout this week and early next week.
Ministry of Education rules state all schools must open by Tuesday, February 7.
