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Dublin: 15 °C Sunday 19 May, 2013

All grown up! Ireland’s infants head to school for the first time

It’s been emotional.

SOME CHILDREN REVEL in it, while others cling onto a parent’s leg with as much might that is needed to pierce a Capri Sun. But no matter what the reaction, a child’s first day in Junior Infants is a momentous one for the whole family.

Photographers Laura Hutton and Mark Stedman were in two Dublin schools today to document the occasion, while many of TheJournal.ie readers sent in some snaps of their little ones taking a giant leap onto the education ladder.

As thousands of CAO applicants wave goodbye to school today, these children are only just starting out:

All grown up! Ireland’s infants head to school for the first time
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  • First Day of School

    There were some jitters for four-year-old Alexis as her mum Michelle tries to coax her into St. Ultans Primary School in Cherry Orchard. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Four-year-old quadruplets Sean, Devine, Cindy and Leon Chime join their class at St. Ultans. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Leon Chime gets distracted as his siblings pose for a photo. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Lucas Keogh is all set for his first day at St Mary's National School in Enfield today.
  • First Day of School

    The class of new Junior Infants at Gardiner Street School in Dublin sing 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' on their first day of lessons. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    It's all no bother to An Nguyen as she enjoys playing with blocks on her first day. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Alexandru Pascaru shows off his first school project. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Great teamwork as Alexandru Pascaru (left) and Lucas Stout play with blocks together. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Alexandru shows his teacher Ms McLoughlin what he made with the blocks. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Sarah Wuddah pictured with her three daughters, Ajoa (7), Aba (4) and Essie (9) on Aba's first day of big school. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Don't forget it's a big day for parents too! Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    She's getting it already: An Nguyen raises her hand to ask a question. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Alexandru has gotten a sticker already too. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Davina Aiseosa has an unusual place for her name tag. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Katie Piela brings her daughter Zosla to her first class. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    And isn't she just grand. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Nose! Zosla Piela learns the tune 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes'. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Przemyslaw Krzyzanowska looking a little anxious on his first day. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Katie and Zosla speak in Polish to Przemyslaw Krzyanowska to calm him down as he was upset earlier. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Kealan Stout. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Someone is not happy about all this. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Jessica Boyle gets a little upset when she has to leave her mother. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    A Capri Sun did the trick though. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • First Day of School

    Stephen Kane said Grace was so excited to get to school for her first day that she even wanted to driver herself.
  • First Day of School

    There were no tears for Jack Sweeny this morning as he headed into big school for the first time.
  • First Day of School

    Abbie and Casey Harkin are all set for the big day.

Related: 21 tips for parents on their child’s first day of school>

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