The triplets were among 65 pupils to begin their education at Glendal Primary School last Monday.

They were also in a class with two sets of twins, which principal Deborah Grossek said was a first for the school.

Vahini, mother of Abinash, Shevita and Aanjana, said last Monday was an exciting day for her.

"When they are wearing their school frocks, I think to myself they really are all grown up now."

It was a big week for the mother of three, whose triplets also celebrated their 5th birthday yesterday.

There were no tears for the trio who were used to a classroom environment after going to preschool at Caulfield Grammar School last year.

"Shevita especially is excited about the idea of going to school," Vahini said.

"She wants to be a dentist when grows up but she changes her mind all the time. When they're at the dentist, they want to be dentists. When at the doctor, they want to be a doctors."

Mrs Grossek said the pupils settled in

easily because they had orientation classes last year in a range of subjects such as

physical education, art, music and Chinese.

"They've been here before several times already so starting school for the first time isn't too intimidating.

"It's more of a big occasion for the parents. We have a morning tea afterwards because it's comforting for the parents. They're worried about how their kids will go."

Mrs Grossek said pupils were grouped in classes according to who they were friends with. The preps would spend four days at school each week for the first month.

This year prep pupils would learn the alphabet, phonics, letter sounds and blends, reading, writing, simple maths, ball handling skills and Chinese, she said.

Pupils would also be socialised and learn about themselves in the community.

Starting times last Monday were staggered so teachers could greet each child properly, and to help them get used to the school grounds, preps would be partnered with grade 6 'buddies' who would show them around.

Mrs Grossek said it was also the first year that prep teachers were given transition statements from kindergarten teachers with detailed information about each pupil such as their physical, social and communication skills.

Mt Waverley MP Maxine Morand welcomed the preps and said the first day of primary school was a milestone in every child's learning.

Pupils received a primary kit showbag containing an art smock, library bag, book voucher, alphabet CD, photo frame fridge magnet and drink bottle.