Across the region, there were more than 34 new kindergarten classes with little ones who were attending "big school" for the first time.

At St Gregory's Lowe Street campus, religion coordinator Lauren Macdonald said she was excited to welcome new students, and welcome back existing ones.

"I have to hand out the tissues for the parents, the kids are usually pretty good," she said.

Among the year one students returning to the school were two sets of twins, Phoenix and Sienna Hamlin and Gianpierro and Raffaelle Gagliardi.

The Hamlin girls have this year decided to be in separate classes, so they can flourish without the other by their side.

As for the Gagliardi boys, they were more than happy to be together for the year.

Ms Macdonald said families can make that decision.

"The girls were in the same class in kinder and they thought they would like to have a different class each," she said.

"Actually, mum was telling me that [the first day of the year] was the 'best day ever', because they actually got away from the other one," she laughed.

"We like to accommodate the children's requests, especially if they are seeking independence."

Both sets of twins said their favourite thing about being back at school was the play equipment, which was new this year.

As for why school is important? Phoenix said it was because you "get to learn things you don't know".

The girls said the best bit about starting the new school year was for the homework, while the boys said it was seeing their friends.