STARTING at a new school can be a scary prospect for most Prep students.
But for Madison Kelly her first day at St Joseph's School, Childers, was a huge family affair.
The Prep student was the fourth generation of both sides of her family to attend the Catholic school.
Madison's parents, Rebecca and Rowan both attended the school for their primary education starting in 1991 and were in the same year level.
Her maternal great-grandmother Patricia Higgins (nee Harney) attended the school in 1936 when it was located in Ridgway Street, now the site of the high school.
Her maternal grandmother, Maree Stallan (nee Higgins), started at St Joseph's in 1964 at its current location, when the Sisters of St Joseph (Josephites) were still teaching.
Maree said she could still recall having tennis and sewing lessons with the sisters during her time there.
She said the nuns lived in the convent on the grounds and used to deliver music lessons under their residence.
Rowan's father, Peter Kelly, and grandmother Mary Kelly (nee Hughes) also attended the school (Peter in the 1950s and Mary in the 1930s).
Rowan and Rebecca said they decided to send Madison to St Joseph's because of their strong connection to the school, and their good memories of their own time there.
The couple said they felt the quality of the education received there was second-to-none.
They also loved that it was a smaller school, and the 'family' atmosphere was very evident, and they were really pleased Madison also felt at home at the school.
Assistant Principal for Religious Education Liam Dougherty said Madison had been enthusiastic to attend the school and was enjoying her time in her new surroundings.
“Both Rowan and Rebecca said they are sure she will thrive in such a great and nurturing environment," he said.
Principal Petrea Hass said a fourth-generation family member attending the school was a testament to the school being a quality educational choice in the Childers community for the past 93 years.
“Our school is well known for the high-quality education that it provides in an environment that is both nurturing and inclusive," Mrs Hass said.
“Madison and her family are a great example of the supportive and loyal families the school is proud to partner with," she said.