‘Not a tear was shed only smiles on first day for most first graders’

As parents dropped off their bundles of joy at Pretoria east primary schools to mark the beginning of their long journey in education, no tears were shed.

Gauteng education reported that as of January 10, 139 228 Grade 1 learners had a spot in school throughout the province to commence their education, with 236 yet to be placed.

Executive head at Curro Hazeldean Pierre le Roux told Rekord three sets of twins were enrolled for Grade 1 at the school this year.

He said the school would treat each child as an individual.

He said that no tear was shed as parents left their children in the school’s care for the first day.

“All the learners were very excited about being in the big school making the first day easier and memorable for both learners and teachers.”

He said the animation by the bundles set the tone for what was expected to be a very blossoming new year.

“We will teach them to be global citizens by reminding every learner that they belong to our special Curro family and that their uniqueness adds to the success of our school and its ethos of love, loyalty and respect.”

He reminded parents to be safe conscious in 2023 adding that parents needed to ensure that their children know and were aware of exactly who would fetch them from school.

He urged parents to teach their children not to leave with anyone but that person.

“It is also important that the learners are taught to recognise and know their environment and belongings.

“Parents need to mark all their children’s belongings clearly and explain their responsibility to take care of them.”

Laerskool Tygerpoort spokesperson Renette Strauss said the first day at the institution went very well.

“There were smiles all around,” she said.

Strauss said what stood out for educators was how confident and brave these Grade 1s are.

“The educators were happy to receive a new group of Grade 1s.”

“We can tell the Grade 1 learners are super-excited to be here and we noticed that even their parents are extremely positive and supportive towards the school.

“We look forward to a fantastic and blessed year.”

She said approximately 200 Grade 1s were enrolled.

“We also have quite a few twins this year.”

Strauss said she believed the school had the “best” Grade 1 teachers.

“We know the learners will feel at home in their class very soon. We do our utmost best to make sure that they feel safe and secure as soon as possible and we think we accomplish it every year.”

The school’s theme: “Everyone is unique and together we are proudly Tygerpoort (elkeen uniek en saam Trots Tygerpoort)”.

She urged parents to enjoy every moment with their bundles of joy, to cherish and love them.

“Time goes by so quickly! Trust and support the teacher, they do have a passion for teaching and will serve your children the best they can.”

Glenstantia primary spokesperson Debbie Gold said the school was excited over the 2023 Grade 1 learners.

Gold said most of the first graders had nervous smiles, while a few tears were shed mostly by parents.

The school welcomed about 187 new Grade 1 learners including three sets of twins.

“One new teacher joined our Grade 1 team of experienced teachers. We look forward to having her as part of our Glenstantia Primary family.”

Debbie said the school would teach the learners to understand and accept cross-cultural perspectives as many different cultures formed the school community.

“The safety of our children is vital during these uncertain times and therefore it is of utmost importance that they learn their parents’ contact details and what to do in the case of an emergency at an early age.”

She urged parents to ensure that their children were taught safety, and collected promptly after school.

“No child must be left to wait or wander in the streets without supervision.”

She said the school’s mission was to aspire to create a safe environment for both learners and staff.

“We aim to produce learners who will be ready to make a difference in the community.”

ALSO READ: Saint Ann primary school welcomes back learners for 2023

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