Under conditions not experienced by any generation before, the brave boys and girls that make up the Grade 1 class of 2021 embraced their first day in the classrooms that would mould them over the next seven years.

Even as one may hope that they will be the last to do so behind face-shields and social distancing, each school followed the rules with grace and discipline.

While most schools would have had light orientation days the week before, 15 February was the first day they would encounter the hustle and bustle of the school heaving at full capacity.

Masks mandated by government restrictions hid their smiles but their wide-eyed stares told a story of excited bewilderment sprinkled with a light covering of tentative anxiety.

It is the first step of millions on the stroll through the educational journey. Welcome to big school, Grade 1s!