#FirstDayOfSchool: Grade Ones begin their journey

It was an exciting and emotional day for many families as thousands of Grade One learners across Boksburg embarked on their first day of 'big school'.

January 16, 2025

Fanie Mthupha, Tayla Smit & Luccia Mashel 3 minutes read

Goedehoop: While the majority of Grade One learners appeared excited, a few others were teary-eyed.

The Boksburg Advertiser visited several primary schools to capture the moments when Grade Ones first stepped into their big school classrooms on January 15.

While a few children appeared nervous, most embraced the day with smiles, ready to make friends and meet their teachers.

Goedehoop Primary
While most Grade Ones at this school appeared excited and smiled as they settled in, others found the start of their school careers overwhelming.
Some were teary-eyed, and others cried, even trying to make a run for it when their parents left. However, staff members and parents foiled their escapes.

Goedehoop: Mom and dad, Shanouis Boards and Levinho Ruiters, had to drag their son, Letinho Ruiters, into the classroom after he attempted to make a run from the unknown territory full of unfamiliar faces.

Among those who could not manage was Letinho Ruiters, who cried and slipped out of the classroom, sprinting to his parents (mother Shanouis Boards and father Levinho Ruiters) as they left the classroom. He clung to them, begging them not to leave him there.
However, after being dragged back into the classroom, comforted, given a hug goodbye and begged to give school a chance, Letinho stopped crying and appeared calm when his parents eventually left.

Goedehoop Primary School’s Letinho Ruiters finally settled in after first-day tears and unleashing tantrums.

By Wednesday, the school had welcomed over 318 Grade Ones, who were shown to their seven classrooms.

Goedehoop Primary: Iris Nyathi, seen with her son Adrian, was among the parents who arrived on the first day of school to make a last-ditch effort to secure placement for their children.

Meanwhile, a few desperate parents of unplaced pupils queued outside the admin block in a last-ditch effort to secure placement for their children.
The school management said they had devised a strategy to fast-track the admin processes and help parents needing assistance to secure a space for their children.
The Gauteng Education Department extended the online placement deadlines for grades one and eight pupils to January 30.

Goedehoop Primary: While the usual first-day anxiety was apparent on the faces of some Grade One pupils, it was predominately happy faces and big smiles, as they were photographed with teacher Ms Malaza and principal Patricia Peters.

These Goedehoop Primary School Grade R pupils began their first day of school with stacking and building games.

Goedehoop Primary: Valeria Abels and Loezane Fletcher and their Grade R teacher, Geraldine Morgan.

Goedehoop Primary Grades One D teacher Santoshnie de Klerk and her learners.

Goedehoop Primary School Grade R pupils, Valeria Abels and Loezane Fletcher.

Other than that, the school management said admin processes and welcoming the school population went smoothly. On the first day of school, the school had already registered just over 2 300 pupils for 2025.
School principal Patricia Peters said staff were prepared for the new academic year. In the morning, they were busy with admin processes and stationery allocation. Learning and teaching began thereafter.

Responding to questions about the sad state of the school’s infrastructure, Peters said their ageing school had been the target of vandals and break-ins for some time. These incidents have left several classrooms with holes and broken windows. This school still has asbestos structures, with classrooms in disrepair.

Dawn Park Primary
Principal Vusi Motaung described the day as bustling and challenging because of the high demand for enrollment.

Dawn Park Primary: Hotlaloka Mashaba, Anzokuhle Mawanza and Kagiso Dube.

“The number of learners we can accommodate is 250, but many parents who didn’t apply online have now come to the school asking for space,” said Motaung.
“This situation is frustrating because the online application process is critical for proper planning. Nonetheless, as we settle into the academic year, we are optimistic about a successful year ahead.”

Dawn Park Primary: Bonile Bikhotso and Silindile Nkosi.

Dawn Park Primary: Leago Kgwete and Alwande Gwenya

Dawn Park Primary: Tshepang Hlongwe and Langa Mzima.

Dawn Park Primary: Mathapelo Nkosi and Thato Mabasa.

Despite these challenges, the school was abuzz when teachers and staff worked to ensure all learners felt welcome and comfortable.

Parkdene Primary School
This school’s teachers and staff welcomed 129 Grade Ones. The hall was filled with cheerful chatter when learners found their seats and met their classmates.
Parents thanked the staff for making the first day special.

“It’s a big moment for us as parents, and seeing the smiles on their faces makes it even more memorable,” said Ntombikayise Mthwethwa.

Parkdene Primary: Mia Marais, Talitha Jacob and Amahle Mgaga.

Laerskool Goudrand Primary
There were no tears when this school welcomed 180 eager Grade Ones, who appeared thrilled to embark on their school journey.

Tasha Maruma, who accompanied her daughter, Tshenolo, to school, was excited about this milestone. “I’m so happy. At least she’s grown now,” said Tasha.
Shelton Botes from the Goudrand said everything went smoothly on the first day, “The system seems to be working well for us,” he added.

Laerskool Goudrand: Grade One teacher Annike Lessing and Mekayla Oliver.

Laerskool Goudrand: Rowan de Lange and Timothy Peppler.

Laerskool Goudrand: Peyton (Grade One), Angeline, Ashwin and Gianna Rispel.

Laerskool Concordia
It was also smooth sailing at Laerskool Concordia when 137 Grade Ones joined the school.
Principal Carel Blignaut said everything was ready for the learners when the school reopened.

Laerskool Concordia: Constable Nkosinathi Masilela and Warrant Officer Phina Matwetja of Boksburg North SAPS with Grade One learners Maryke Nortje, Collin Johnson and Kiara Moss.

“We showed the Grade Ones around the day before so they could meet everyone and familiarise themselves with the layout,” he explained.
Blignaut said this year’s theme is ‘Let the sun shine on everyone’.
“This is about encouraging them to be the best version of themselves. You only compete against yourself. You should never feel you are not good enough,” Blignaut added.