Their mother, Samantha Preston, said Hayley couldn't contain her excitement at getting new school shoes and a schoolbag for her first day of school.

"They got new school shoes last week. Hayley was so excited, she's worn them every day since."

The five-year-old triplets will join older sister, grade 5 pupil Renee, at the school.

They are three of 65,600 preps to start school in Victoria this week.

Of those, 44,100 preps will attend government schools, 15,000 Catholic schools and 6000 other independent schools.

The Education Department statistics reveal that 10,700 preps will start school in the southern metropolitan region, which includes Dandenong, Casey and the Mornington Peninsula.

This year, the Victorian Government will spend $182 million on School Start Bonus vouchers for preps and year 7 students.

Premier John Brumby and Education Minister Bronwyn Pike announced last week they would get $300 each.

Ms Pike said the voucher would help parents with educational costs including books, uniforms and other school essentials.

"As well as the School Start Bonus, we also offer an Education Maintenance Allowance package for low-income families because all children deserve to get the best start in life with a great education," she said.