As thousands of junior infants began primary school this morning, some parents in west Dublin admitted to shedding a few tears as their little ones settled into their new classroom.
Forty-three children started junior infants at St Mary's Junior National School in Rowlagh, Clondalkin.
Siobhan Kavanagh accompanied her four-year-old daughter Mia into the classroom.
"It's an emotional day. I'll probably cry when I walk out the door. It's a good step in her life and to get started and meet new friends," said Ms Kavanagh.
Mia said she was looking forward to playing with her new friends at break time.
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Lynda Cunningham was also among the proud parents anxiously saying goodbye to her daughter, four-year-old Aoife.
"I feel OK, it’s usually when you leave that the tears start," she said, referencing her own emotions.
"She's ready to go school but it's bittersweet when they're growing up. You want them to thrive, but if you could keep them babies you would," she added.
St Mary's principal Maura O'Shea said the teaching staff were well prepared for the new pupils, describing the mood as "full of excitement" for both teachers and the children.
She said the emphasis in the coming weeks will be on getting the children used to the unfamiliar environment of the classroom .
"The main focus is enjoyment of the day. The most important thing (for children) is building up relationships with other kids. It's their first little bite of independence," she said.
As the new school term gets under way, parents have been advised to check with their schools for any additional supports that may be available for their children.
Minister for Education Norma Foley reminded parents that this is the second year of a scheme providing free schoolbooks and resources to over 555,000 primary school children.
"By providing our children and young people with free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks, we are enhancing their educational experience, not just in the classroom but also reaching out into the family home," the minister said.
