KEY DATES:

Primary school starting dates. January 28 Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Te Hiringa January 29 Mangakino Area School February 3 Bishop Edward Gaines Catholic School Cargill Open Plan School Kuranui Primary School Strathmore Primary School St Mary’s Catholic School

Emily Cassels is counting down the days before her first day of school. The cheeky little blonde will brighten up her classroom at St Mary’s Catholic School in Putaruru come February 3 when the doors officially open.

She is one of hundreds of new entrants who will put on their crisp uniforms for the first time this year.

Her mother Shona Cassels said it will be a huge change.

‘‘It’s quite an adjustment becoming a school family and the ongoing-ness of it is a huge change.’’

To help with the transition the excited 5-year-old has turned to her ‘‘ fairy door’’ for help and advice.

Emily’s aunty built her the tiny door so she could communicate with fairies.

Mrs Cassels said it has worked wonders.

‘‘The fairies leave notes and gifts of encouragement and Emily does the same for the fairies. It’s an amazing thing – perfect for little girls.’’

She said she was just like the other mums who would struggle to peel their hands off their children when the time came to say goodbye.

‘‘We are going to miss her like crazy as we have really enjoyed having her at home.’’