It’s back to school again with smiles, noise, chatter and shrieks of laughter at schools on Rarotonga for the first day of the new academic year, yesterday.

A few young girls at Apii Nikao felt a bit down because they had been separated from their friends.

Eight-year-old Ruby Crawford was missing one of her friends. “I love school but I miss my friend, she’s in another class ... I do like being back though.”

Ana Napa was happy to be back at school but also felt a bit sad. “I’m sad because my other friends aren’t with me, we are in different classes and I miss them, but school is good, I really like it.”

Apii Avarua Year 1 teacher Jane Kora is in charge of the first timers to primary school level.

“We had a very good discussion this (yesterday) morning, the kids are learning my name and I’m learning their s too … some of them are quiet and some shy and they’ve just met me,” Kora said.

“Some kids were also nervous meeting new classmates and being in these new surroundings, so we have to be patient with them.”

Kora also noted that some of the parents need to understand that the name they register their child at school with, is the name they should be called at school.

“Please talk to your children about their correct names so there is no confusion at school.”

Principal of Apii Rutaki, Margaret Teiti said the students were happy to be back.

However, a few concerns had been raised by some parents regarding the new rules, Teiti said.

“Parents are giving their trust to the teachers in the school returning their kids back here to continue their education, and we will do our best,” she said.

The safe reopening of schools has been in constant review with the Secretary of Health and the Ministry of Education.

Last week it was recommended that all schools on Aitutaki remain closed for at least a further three days for the Pfizer vaccination of 5-11-year olds. The schools on Aitutaki will reopen on Thursday.