First day of school a roaring success for Rotorua 5-year-old Tyla-Eva

Tyla-Eva Ferguson, 5, pictured with brother Anaru, 7, was keen to cool off after an exciting first day at school. Photo/Stephen Parker

Donned in her uniform, books and bag in hand, Rotorua 5-year-old Tyla-Eva Ferguson couldn't get through the school gates fast enough.

"I walked her to school and stuck around for about half an hour, but I didn't need to - she looked at me like 'are you still here' and off she went," mum Marcelle Bidois said.

"As a mother it was a kind of happy sad feeling. She's my youngest so I've had lots of practice sending children off on their first day of school."

The Rotorua Daily Post spoke with Bidois and Tyla-Eva on Monday - the eve of her first day at Whakarewarewa School.

She was one of 10,580 5-year-olds around the country who will be starting school for the first time this week, according to Education Minister Chris Hipkins.

This is out of a total of 63,480 expected to start school throughout 2018.

"I went to pick her up about 2.30pm and she came running out. Lo and behold her class hadn't actually finished yet. That's just what she's like - she was in and out of her brother's class too.

"Even though she's my youngest I knew she would be fine, out of all my children she's always been the most confident, the most on to it and carefree.

"When I asked if she was going back tomorrow she was very quick to say 'yes!'

"It's been a big build up for her. She was so excited the day had finally arrived."

Rotorua police area prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan said there were no major incidents on the road yesterday morning.

"There was an increase in traffic, so people need to make sure they are leaving earlier and giving themselves time to get to their destination."

Keenan said people needed to lower their speed around schools especially before and after school when the road was busiest.

"There can be unexpected children running out into the road and congestion around school drop-off and pick-up.

"It is a time when people are often distracted, rushing to and from places, thinking about other things or checking their cellphone, so people need to take great care and keep an eye on their speed."

Road safety charity Brake is also reminding drivers to slow down and look out for young pedestrians.

The charity is calling on drivers to slow down to 30km/h outside schools to help protect young lives.

Rotorua schools going back today:Aorangi
Broadlands
Glenholme
Horohoro
John Paul College (new students only)
Kaingaroa Forest
Kaitao Intermediate
Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Mamuku
Ngakuru
Reporoa Primary
Rotorua Boys' High (full school)
Rotorua Intermediate (full school)
Rotorua Lakes High (Year 9 only)
Westbrook
Western Heights High (Year 9 only)