“Education is the key to success,” said Rethabile Siele, a Grade One learner from Norkem Park Primary School when asked why she is excited for her first day in ‘big school’.
One thing that was clearly visible when visiting Norkem Park Primary and Edleen Primary School was the excitement on the faces of the little ones.
The primary schools were very busy on the morning of January 9, with parents accompanying their first-time school girls and boys.
“I am nervous for my daughter because this is in a bigger environment than what she is used to when she was in kindergarten, but above all, I am excited for her and I know she will make me proud with good marks and discipline,” said Martha Ndlamafa, mother of one of the Grade One learners at Edleen Primary School.
What stood out the most at the schools were the kindness and tenderness of the teachers of the new learners.
On the first day, teachers at Norkem Primary already knew the names of their new learners, organised desks for them in the order of the class registers and had the biggest smiles on their faces to put the children at ease.
“Since I started teaching Grade One learners, there has never been a group that is alike. All of these children are special in their own way and they bring something new every year,” said Sue-Marie Birch, a teacher at Edleen Primary.
“I am looking forward to the year ahead, the surprises these little ones will bring. I can’t wait to teach them and improve their knowledge at such an early stage of their schooling lives.”
Overall, the first day at these two schools was a success. The children and parents were all excited.
“I like my new uniform, my new colours and my new books. I can’t wait to get homework so my mommy can help me at home after school every day,” said Hlelo Masemola while giggling with excitement.
