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Medway Messenger First Class supplement out today

Our First Class supplement in today's Medway Messenger contains pictures of pupils who have just started their reception year.

But what advice would you give yourself, if you starting school again for the first time? We asked people across Medway what they would tell their four or five-year-old self.

Sarah Jenner, manager of the NSPCC’s Gillingham centre in West Street said: “Be brave, be yourself and always say thank you to the dinner supervisor as they may give you an extra big portion of chocolate pudding!”

Niko, five, and Kiera, four, from New Horizons Primary Academy, Chatham
Niko, five, and Kiera, four, from New Horizons Primary Academy, Chatham

Dan Morrow, principal of Oasis Academy, Gillingham: “Learn to tie your own laces earlier so you don’t miss so much playtime getting an adult to help you.”

Aaron Mitchell, a former soldier who is riding around the world on a motorbike, said: “Everyone has talents. Work out what yours are and use them wisely. Whatever you choose to do give all you have.”

Medway’s town crier Robin Burfoot said: “I wish I had studied harder, got the right qualifications and got a job in the city as an entrepreneur.”

Cartoon by Royston Robertson
Cartoon by Royston Robertson
Neve from Hempstead Infant School
Neve from Hempstead Infant School

David Jones, Codgers Club columnist and former editor of the Kent Evening Post said: “However horrible this place seems right now, mum and dad wouldn’t let me be here unless they thought I would soon start liking it.”

Nina Page, mum and Messenger columnist said: “Don’t worry too much about trying to be the same as everybody else, your uniqueness will prove to be your biggest asset. Also, the toilets are just outside the classroom (to avoid wetting myself during the first few days because I was too scared to ask where they were).”

kmfm presenter Rob Wills said: “It doesn’t matter what others are doing. It matters what YOU are doing.”

Savannah, four, Demi-Rose, four and Dele, five, at Kingfisher Primary School, Walderslade
Savannah, four, Demi-Rose, four and Dele, five, at Kingfisher Primary School, Walderslade

Steve Craddock, Help for Heroes fundraiser said: “Not to be afraid. It’s only for few hours each day. It’s a great adventure where you will make lots of new friends and have fun as well as learning interesting things. Oh, and don’t be afraid to tell the teacher when you need to go to the loo.”

For more advice, and the First Class photos, pick up a copy of today's Medway Messenger.

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