Students at Frances Primary School can see the Victorian border from their oval and after months of border closures, they are rejoicing the easing of restrictions.
After 18 months of restrictions, South Australia relaxed its rules for travellers from Victoria at midnight on Tuesday.
The small South Australian town of Frances sits just a few kilometres from the border, and residents are "very, very happy" that travel restrictions have eased.
Year 7 student William Pfitzner lives 400 metres from the border on the Victorian side.
"It's been pretty challenging for us as Victorians because of this border closure," he said.
"It was hard for us to get shearers, so we were struggling."
William said he now feels "free".
For year 6 student Harvey Koch, his family of five decided to relocate to South Australia in June.
"We've been living with my granny for two months, and we've been moving around in BnBs for five months and two days.
"[My sister] Lucy's at boarding school in Adelaide, so we had to stay on the SA side to take her to school."
Harvey said his family has also had to travel to Adelaide frequently for medical appointments and sport.
"We've been in Adelaide every weekend for six weeks," he said.
Family reunions ahead
Student Evie Koch said she was most excited about seeing her family now border restrictions have eased.
"It's such a big relief for me because now I can see lots of my family that are across the border," she said.
Evie said it has been about a year since she has seen some of her family members.
"It's really hard knowing that one of my auntie's is really sick, and I haven't been able to see her.
"My Nana is meant to be coming down this Saturday and it'll be really nice to see her. I'm super excited."
It was a similar story for Matthew Bird.
"We have lots of family in Adelaide and over in Canberra," he said.
'This school is their school'
Frances Progress Association secretary Mel Jordan, whose child attends the school, said the border restrictions had "split the community".
"There are so many people who have been here and part of this community for their entire lives, who just happen to live on the other side of this invisible line," she said.
"It's been incredibly difficult for a lot of people.
"There was no question about which state you came from, you were just a resident of the Frances community."
Ms Jordan said it was especially difficult to explain the situation to the children.
"This school is their school, it's where they've always attended," she said.
"It's been very hard for people to have to try and explain to them that, at different times, throughout the last 18 months, they haven't been able to come to school.
"They've had to miss out on accessing the education, they've had to miss out on the social side of seeing their friends, or playing sport."
