With a new year also comes a new principal, new administration area, an extra six classrooms and a new library at Grahamvale Primary School.
Works started at the school during the Christmas holidays, with students returning on Monday to a modern new building at the entrance of the school.
It houses administration and support staff and will extend to a new learning centre and library, expected to be constructed later this year.
State and federal government funding through the Building Futures and Building the Education Revolution programs have made upgrades possible at the school, which will this year be enjoyed by 350 students.
New school principal Lyn Eadie said 2010 was an exciting year for Grahamvale.
``It will mean we will teach in a different way, the buildings are very open so there will be more collaboration between teachers,'' she said.
``At Grahamvale we say that every child is every staff member's responsibility, and this new building will remove the closed doors . . . it will be a continuation of the administration building, with a library at the centre and surrounding classrooms.''
Lyn has taught in Shepparton and Mooroopna for about 25 years, including her most recent stint at Wilmot Rd Primary School as assistant principal.
She said a teaching exchange to Canada in 2006 inspired her move from the classroom into a leadership role.
``In that 12 months I realised it was something I really wanted to do, something different,'' she said.
``Grahamvale is a fabulous school with fabulous opportunities and strong family connections; it's a very community-minded school.
``I thoroughly enjoyed working at Wilmot Rd, but when I saw this position advertised I wanted to take on that leadership role and the challenge that comes with it _ it is a very exciting year ahead for Grahamvale.''