Starting school is a significant step for children and families. To better understand the experience from a child’s point of view, we spoke with two current Reception students at School of the Nativity.

The year 1982 was one of big thinking and big ideas. Steven Spielberg’s E.T was a worldwide hit in movie theatres, Advance Australia Fair replaced God Save The Queen as our national anthem, blue eyeshadow and shoulder pads were in and the controversial breakfast spread Vegemite, turned 60. So why the nostalgic recap? Well, there was another big thinking idea taking shape in Aberfoyle Park during this time, with the opening of a new schooling set up.

It happens in a moment. A student halfway up a rock face pauses, frozen by fear and doubt. Below, an instructor calmly encourages: “Take a breath, look around, and take the next step.” The student exhales, refocuses, and reaches the top—exhausted, but transformed. These quiet turning points—part challenge, part breakthrough—are common in outdoor education. And for students in the middle years of schooling, they’re more than just powerful memories. They’re moments of growth.

At the School of the Nativity, the strength of our community lies in crafting learning opportunities throughout the year that truly connect our families. From playgroup to whole-school celebrations that honour shared experience, it’s about dedicating time to think outside the box and find what brings people together.