A record number of five-year-olds set off to ‘big school’ for the first time, marking the start of the new school year when Bermuda’s public schools reopened yesterday.Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith set out for an early morning tour of a number of schools to welcome students back on their first day after the summer break.She was joined by Permanent Secretary Warren Jones who accompanied her to Somerset Primary, West End Primary, Dalton E Tucker Primary and Paget Primary.“We saw many wide-eyed and excited five, six and seven-year-olds, as well as a few nervous four-year-olds, as they embarked on the next step of their educational journey,” said the Minister.“The start of a new school year, like the start of a new day, offers the promise of a fresh beginning. I was pleased to see that teachers and schools were ready to begin on the first day,” she said.The Minister encouraged students to “sponge up the knowledge that awaits them, to study hard and enjoy every moment of their school experience”.She also thanked the principals and teachers at each of the schools visited for their “commitment to providing the necessary tools and support for all of the students’ learning needs”.School preparations for the new term started mid-August. In a statement released last month the Minister singled out Facilities Manager, Cleun Gaiton who coordinated the effort.The Minister also commended school custodians and staff at the Ministries of Government Estates and Public Works who went “over and above” the call of duty.“This is a big task with works from masonry and tiling, to painting, plumbing and electrical work. The number of people involved in this annual project is large and I must also thank my Ministerial colleagues and their staff,” said Ms Smith.Meanwhile, the Bermuda Union of Teachers hosted their first executive meeting for the new school year at 4.45pm yesterday.BUT spokesman Mike Charles said the executive team is comprised of 18 teachers from a cross-section of public schools.The union executive meets on the second Tuesday of every month.Mr Charles said: “There is nothing to report right now, we haven’t heard back from the Ministry on any reports as of yet.“A statement may be forthcoming once the executive has met,” he added. Just over 900 teachers work in Bermuda’s public school system.* For back to school pictures click here