It was all systems go on January 12 at many primary schools in Boksburg as thousands of Grade One learners started their first day at ‘big school’.
The first day of the 2022 academic year for inland schools was a fresh start for thousands of eager and excited children making their way to Grade One for the first time.
The Advertiser visited some of the local primary schools to capture the moment, as teachers from the different schools welcomed their new learners.
Although a few youngsters were visibly anxious, the vast majority of learners, accompanied by their parents, were excited and they told this publication that they have been looking forward to their big day, which marks the beginning of their 12-year schooling career.
Goedehoop Primary
Teachers at Goedehoop Primary School said by Wednesday morning they had welcomed almost 300 Grade Ones for the 2022 academic year into their classrooms.
Principal José Grotewold said except for a few challenges with dozens of parents who arrived on the first day of school requesting to have their children placed in the school, the process of welcoming learners went smoothly.
“PPE was delivered in advance, a team of assistants is in place to provide support in the classroom and help our school to comply with Covid-19 protocols, ensuring that teaching and learning take place in a safe, secure and hygienic environment,” explained Grotewold.
Grotewold, however, pointed out that the school is not ready to operate at full capacity because of a lack of space to adhere to Covid-19 protocols, which include social distancing.
“The space we have cannot meet the one-metre social distancing requirement. Therefore, we will continue operating on a rotational basis. The rotational timetable means learners attend school between two to three days out of a week.”
Drommedaris Primary
Grade Ones at Drommedaris Primary School were visibly excited for the first day at “big school”.
The school management confirmed that rotational learning is continuing at their school because of a lack of capacity to adhere to social distancing.
Dozens of parents were also queuing outside in a bid to try and secure space for their children.
Both schools indicated that teaching and learning will get underway at their schools from Thursday.
Oversight visit
ANC MP Heinrich April, who is a resident of Reiger Park, conducted monitoring and oversight visits to three primary schools in the township, Drommedaris, Goedehoop and Lakeside primary schools.
April said he was happy with the system in place at all the schools he visited. He, however, expressed his concerns over the large number of parents who stormed the schools to try and have their children placed in different schools.
He urged parents to make use of the Department of Education’s online application process to secure space for their children.
In light of the dozens of Gauteng schools that have been vandalised over the festive season, April called upon communities to look after their infrastructure and report those responsible.
Also Read: Watch: Grade Ones join thousands of learners returning to classrooms
Also Read:Watch: Grade Ones embark on a new journey in Boksburg
