A Grade One pupil Devante Williams became emotional and tears began to fall down during his first day of 'big school' at Drommedaris Primary School on Wednesday.
Today marked the first day of the 2026 academic year, a significant milestone for many children who began Grade One and stepped into ‘big school’ for the very first time.
This publication visited several primary schools to capture these memorable first-day moments, which were marked by a mix of emotions – plenty of big smiles, excitement, and nervous looks.
As expected, a few tears were also shed as some learners adjusted to their new surroundings.
Teachers reassured parents and learners that their schools remain safe and welcoming environments, and confirmed that teaching and learning commenced shortly after learners had settled into their new environment.
The first day went well. Everything ran smoothly and the visited school appeared ready for the year ahead.
Here are some of the highlights from the day:
Drommedaris Primary School
This school welcomed over 350 Grade Ones on Wednesday, and 66 Grade Rs, and preparations for the new cohorts began last December.
Perseverance Makua, Iminathi Bongwana, Chandre Lencoe, Nashleen Malaka, Kgaogelo Mophuthing, and Sipho Zwane marked their first day of ‘big school’ with a mix of excitement at Drommedaris Primary School.Grade One pupils Tamryn Ryland and Azaria Cicero burst with excitement as they begin the 12-year journey at Drommedaris Primary School.Rosie Ferris and her daughter Roseline Ferris on her first day at Drommedaris Primary School.It was a mix of emotions as Grade Ones started their first day of school at Drommedaris Primary.Tesslin Petersen and Juzalia Sweers were full of excitement as they began their Grade One journey at Drommedaris Primary.Grade Ones settled in their classroom before teaching and learning begin on the first day of school at Drommedaris Primary.Grade R pupils at Drommedaris Primary appeared happy to start their journey at Drommedaris Primary.These little ones form part of the new Grade R cohort at Drommedaris Primary School.Parents send their children off to their first day at Drommedaris Primary School.It was a fun first day for Jose Julius and Keagan van Heerden as they began their 12-year academic journey at Drommedaris Primary School on Wednesday.
School of Transformation
Nyeleti Mokayane-Mashaba (6), who lost both parents (Ndumiso Mashaba and Neo) in the Boksburg gas tanker explosion, began her 12-year academic journey at School of Transformation- Boksburg. He wants to be a doctor when he grows up.
Laerskool Goudrand
Dressed in brand-new uniforms and polished shoes, eager learners arrived with their parents.
They were ready to be placed into classes and shown the classrooms where they would spend the year learning and playing.
Laerskool Goudrand: Marcus Dube and Dean Mubato.Laerskool Goudrand: Jan Ludick.Laerskool Goudrand: Calvin Bonnet.Laerskool Goudrand: Ashley Mupapa.Laerskool Goudrand: Kea Mofokeng and Kylian Chitenie.Laerskool Goudrand: Skyleigh Hoofman.Laerskool Goudrand: Lu-Zana Van Tonder.Laerskool Goudrand: Reatlegile Mokonyana.One of the learners from Laerskool Goudrand Primary, Jayde Sutherland, said she was excited but also a little nervous as she met her teacher and classmates for the first time. She added that she already dreams of becoming a teacher one day.Laerskool Goudrand: Ayla Smith and Andriel Bhebhe.
Laerskool Westwood
Excitement filled the corridors at Laerskool Westwood as Grade One learners confidently stepped into “big school”, with hardly a tear in sight.
Laerskool Westwood: Birthday boy Sebastian Symington and Anelle Myburgh (head of marketing).Laerskool Westwood: Back: Zanique Lechuti, Leah Knoetze, Zoey Zackey, and Ziyanda Mzila. Front: Liezel-Lee Brandt and Demi NiemanLaerskool Westwood learners ready to learn.Megan Nieman and her daughter Demi Nieman, who began her academic journey at Laerskool Westwood.Laerskool Westwood: Lauren Cloete shared the enthusiasm, saying she dreams of becoming a superhero “because they can fly”.Parents, Juan and Jessica Le Maitre with their son Leighton who started Grade One at Laerskool Westwood.Laerskool Westwood: Marthinus, Arno and Lizel Steenkamp.Laerskool Westwood: Janco and Eliza Pienaar.Laerskool Westwood: Twins Mieke and Megan Swanepoel.Laerskool Westwood’s mascot (Nantes Smith), Thomas van As and Hannro Oelofse.
