ARDFERT NS and Tralee Educate Together welcomed the new arrivals to the school this week and it was plain sailing as always in both classes.

There were 20 pupils in Ms Deirdre Courtney’s class starting on Thursday morning and by the time we called on Friday to take photos, they were all in good spirits.

“The kids never cry on the first day but the parents do sometimes,” said Deirdre. “But for the first time in years there were no tears from parents. The pupils are well used to school now after pre-school,” she said.

Over in Tralee Educate Together there were 16 starting which is a huge increase on last year.

“It was great, everyone settled in well, so it’s so far so good,” said teacher Gail Kelly. There are 91 children attending the non-denominational school at Collis Sandes and there was a real family atmosphere when we called on Friday. Scroll down for photos…