We’re Excited to start school!


Released 22/11/2018 - Joint media release

Today Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Education and Early Development, Yvette Berry, and Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Rachel Stephen-Smith, officially launched We’re Excited—a book for children starting school.

We’re Excited features two Aboriginal children, Amelie and Evie, and how excited they are to start school. It is a great resource for children and families to learn about all about ‘big’ school and to share in the excitement of this milestone.

Minister Berry said starting school is a big event in the lives of children and their parents with a mix of excitement, nerves and fun.

“Well established research evidence has shown that the period from birth through to eight years, especially the first three years, sets the foundation for every child’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development.

“In their early years a child forms more than 1 million new neural connections each second and in the first five years of life 85 to 90 percent of brain development occurs. It’s so important that they start school on a good foot and that’s why this book is so great.”

Minister Stephen-Smith said the book presents starting school from a child’s perspective and has wide appeal for all children starting school.

“This Government strives to give young children and their families the best possible support as they transition into schooling, and this book is one part of that support.”

Each child enrolled in an ACT public, Catholic or Independent preschool, and those transitioning to school in 2019 will receive a copy of We’re Excited. Berinba Primary School in Yass, where Amelie and Evie attend school, will also receive copies of the book. A larger format will be distributed to ACT Libraries and each ACT early childhood education and care service before the end of Term 4.

Well done to the author, community leader and Amelie and Evie’s Nan, Shona Chapman, for her work in writing such an engaging, child-centred book which we are confident Canberra families will enjoy reading.

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases