Tiny uniforms, big emotions as Crawford International Lonehill Pre-Primary opens its doors
Many of the little ones were brave, looking forward to learning and making friends, but it was the mommies who battled the most to fight back tears on the first day of school, so much so that Principal Kopano Dandala had to give them tissues and a warm welcome.
Tiny shoes shuffled across the school grounds, little uniforms sat a bit too big on small shoulders, and for a moment, Crawford International Lonehill Pre-Primary looked like it had been taken over by brave little soldiers reporting for duty on their very first day.
Some learners walked in confidently, others clutched hands tightly, a few hid shy smiles, and yes, there were tears.
Read more: Crawford Fourways’ Grade 1s take their first steps into big school
Not just from the children, but from the parents too.
Watching mommy slowly walk away for the first time is no small moment, and for many families, the first day of school marked an emotional milestone filled with pride and nerves.
School principal Kopano Dandala was on hand with a few tissues.
“There’s crying, there’s joy. This is our first day of school and as you can hear, there is a buzz.” As the little ones found their footing, smiles began to appear, especially during introductions, and the early-morning nerves softened into excitement.
For Dandala, the day symbolised far more than just the start of a school term.
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“Of beautiful beginnings, beautiful growth, beautiful life, all I can wish for my school, for my teachers and for my families is that this year will be a year of becoming, a year of being you, and just showcasing everybody’s individuality,” she said. “I love you all.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Principal Kopano Dandala from Crawford International Lonehill Pre-Primary shares how she had to offer tissues to mothers on their children’s first day of school and discusses what the upcoming year looks like for the school. Video: Ditiro Masuku #crawfordinternational #Randburg ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
And when asked about the tears? Dandala laughed, admitting that the emotional moments extended beyond the classroom.
“Absolutely, not just the little ones, the moms too,” she said. “I had to offer tissues. They’re always on standby, and we’ve got nothing but love for them.”
With open arms, a dedicated team, and a principal who understands both the little hearts and the big ones, Crawford International Lonehill Pre-Primary welcomed its newest learners wholeheartedly, ready to walk alongside them as they begin their very first school adventure.
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