LARA Roxin has all she needs for kindergarten: a new uniform, shoes, bag and hair ribbons, but unlike many, she'll also arrive with a ready-made friendship group.
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She is one of six children living in one street at Adamstown Heights - alongside Léo Metcalf, Evelyn Carr, Manning Juleff, Hannah Coulson and Makario Bale - who will start school at Belair Public on February 3.
Lara's mum, Tracey Roxin, said her family moved in when Lara was seven months old and "most of her playing life" had been in the street of around 50 houses, which doesn't have any through traffic.
"On a Friday afternoon they'll all be on their bikes or scooters or playing on someone's play equipment," she said.
"The kids are more than happy out on the street or in other's people's pools. I think they'll all still be friends at school and will add new friendships as well."
Léo's mum, Phoebe Metcalf, said her family moved into the street less than a year ago and she had found it "reassuring" being "in the same boat" as neighbours and able to seek advice.
"There's so much information and I want to make sure I'm on top of everything," Ms Metcalf said. "There are three classes and so the likelihood of him being in the same class as some of the others is pretty high. That will make a huge difference, just to know someone else is there.
"To have buddies carrying over into outside school time is really nice for them. The group of families is going on this journey together."
The Carrs have been in their home for 12 years and Evelyn's mother, Abby, said a neighbour had shared her hand-me-down uniforms with Evelyn.
"One of the reasons we've stayed so long is because of the kids in the street, the other families and the friendship - we don't want to leave. The kids just go from house to house."
Manning's mum and Belair teacher, Kate Juleff, whose family have been in the street for 20 years, said there were at least 10 other Belair students living in the street.
"Our kids have grown up seeing all the other kids go through," she said. "I think there is apprehension there for Manning, but having so many kids in the street going there will be of great comfort to him. I'm sure they will branch out, which is a healthy thing, but I think they will still remain good friends. It's a nice way to ease into it, with lots of familiar faces."
Hannah's mother, Tammy Coulson, said they had been in their home about four years.
"It was very important for us [living here]," she said. "We knew she had a friendship group here." She said it was "huge" being able to "bounce around ideas" with other parents and "ask what I need, what don't I need, or where is best to buy this or that", plus offer support.
The mothers said it wasn't uncommon for parents to walk or drive several of the street's children to or from Belair Public.
"It's really handy to know if you need somebody to pick up your kids at the last minute because you're stuck that your neighbours are down there collecting their children too," Ms Roxin said. She said Lara was familiar with Belair after attending reading groups and picking up big sister Annaka.
"I feel quite confident she'll be fine," she said. "She's looking forward to it. I have not seen any nerves as yet, I think she just wants to follow in her sister's footsteps."
Ms Roxin said Annaka sometimes played the role of a teacher at home, with Lara the student. She said "there will be a wave or hug if they see each other" on the playground. She said Lara was a social butterfly who would "catch on to things quite quickly".
"She enjoyed preschool and I think this will be an extension of preschool for her. She's definitely ready for a change, a challenge and to get into the thick of school routine."
Ms Metcalf said Léo had been attending preschool two days a week and was "getting frustrated being at home".
"He's really excited and is really ready," she said. "He's looking forward to having more to do to push his learning forward."
She said he'd enjoyed play based learning.
"He's really bright and has always been really strong verbally," she said. "He's got a good imagination, amazing attention to detail and likes his music too. It will be exciting to see what he will enjoy."
She said her younger son Griffin, 4, returned to preschool last week and so she had spent the last few days savouring one on one time with Léo.
Ms Carr said she was feeling a "little bit sad" about Evelyn flying the nest.
"She's my youngest and once she goes I'm not going to have any more kids at home," she said. "She's my buddy and we do everything together. It's a little bit scary and the end of an era."
However she said Evelyn "cannot wait and is ready to go" and join her protective brothers, Liam and Sam.
"She'll be fine on the first day and will run off, but I think I'll definitely have a few tears," she said. "She's comfortable with the school and is not scared one bit."
Ms Carr said her daughter had "done her own preparation", practising writing and drawing.
"She loves writing so will be good at anything like that and has always been very good at sport."
Ms Juleff said Manning would turn six just before kindy.
"He's been ready since half way through last year and needs to go," she said. "Some days he's excited and some days he's apprehensive. He's glad to no longer be going to daycare but it's all a big unknown."
She will already be at school when he arrives on his first day.
"When I see him I will be a tad emotional - it will be the end of an era," she said.
She said Manning was sporty and she was interested to see his strengths develop. "It's nice for them to go off and then think 'I did not know you had that up your sleeve'."
Former teacher Ms Coulson said an excited Hannah had been wearing her school shoes at home.
"We went away on holidays and had to say 'You can't take them with you, get your thongs back on'," Ms Coulson said.
She's also been reading a book about Belair she received at orientation.
"She needs extra stimulation because Mum and [little sister] Amelie are not up to scratch anymore."
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