It was all things back-to-school nationwide on Wednesday as schools re-opened for the 2019 academic year.
Tears of pride, joy and a bit of fear filled the eyes of parents and Grade One learners as it was their first day of big school.
Express visited Laerskool Mooifontein Primary School to capture some of the Grade Ones as their first day of school unfolded. The staff were also excited to begin the new academic year which, according to the school’s principal, Gerrie Oosthuizen, was a great start.
“Everything ran smoothly and we had no major hiccups. Where there was a bit of trouble we dealt with it accordingly and spoke and guided the parents who were very understanding,” said Oosthuizen.
The school enrolled 10 more Grade One learners than in 2018.
“We have 211 Grade Ones and we are excited to begin with learning. For this year, our emphasis is on supporting the learners and although we have done it before, we want to put that as our number one priority,” explained Oosthuizen.
“We do want to be good in sport and other fields but support to our learners is key this year. Another thing is communication throughout the school community. We want to ensure that we have an effective and working communication plan and strategy.”
With five Grade One classes, the school seems ready to start the year.
Some of the Grade One classes had already memorised songs and their teachers’ names within an hour of school.
Express walked with Oosthuizen to the Grade One classes and the learners impressively remembered who he is.
