WE all remember our first day at school. Some remember it fondly, as an exciting new adventure, promising new knowledge, friends and experiences, while others recall dreading the scary new development in their lives.

Little Sasha Gaspar (6) does not fall under the latter. The Durban North resident is one of many thousands of first-year school pupils who are eagerly waiting to take on this new chapter in their lives, as schools re-open on Wednesday, 21 January.

Sasha, who aspires to be a model when she is all grown up, has given the Northglen News a peek into her life as she prepares for her first school year.

While she admits to being a little nervous, she can’t help but beam with excitement as she talks about school: “I can wait to learn how to read. I am only able to read a few words, such as my name and my family’s names,” she gushed.

The soon-to-be-first grader will be going to Our Lady of Fatima, and insists that she is also glad to be rid of boys. “Boys are naughty and mean,” she matter-of-factly told the Northglen News.

Proud mum, Chinelle Gaspar, said that she thinks Sasha has developed a strong sense of confidence as she had been going to crèche and pre-primary. “It hasn’t been a big adjustment for her. So, there haven’t been any tears and very little nervousness. What also helps, I think, is that she will be joining her older sister , Nina (8),” said Chinelle.

Sasha was also thrilled that two of her friends will be joining her at the school this week.

In preparation for the school year the Gaspars have bought uniforms, lunch boxes, bags and hair accessories. All of the items have been washed and labelled.

The very last step was to fit the uniform. While it was a little long, Sasha was thrilled with her uniform and proudly donned it for the cameras after mum shortened the hemline.