On a beautiful morning in Bordeaux, the gates of Bordeaux Primary School opened wide for a very special day of Grade 1’s first day of school.

Inside the classroom, colourful posters smiled from the walls while teachers greeted each child with a warm smile.

Some learners felt excited, others a little shy, but everyone felt important. Soon, giggles replaced fear as new friends shared pencils and stories. The new learners adapted quickly and were eager to begin with lessons.

Read more: Department of Basic Education publishes 2026 school calendar

They sat quietly with crayons in their small hands, writing their names and drawing family pictures as their first tasks for 2026.

Principal Josephine Shabangu explained that it was smooth this morning, and they have more than 120 Grade 1s who started their big school journey.

“We held an orientation before we opened. They saw their teachers, they saw their classes. Everybody is excited, and everything went very, very well this morning. We didn’t have any children crying. They’re all excited, looking very beautiful in their small shorts and shirts.”

During break time, the playground buzzed with laughter. It was the first step of a beautiful journey, and for many, the school felt just like home.

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