Exciting first day of ‘big school’

Thousands of Grade 1 pupils in Gauteng went to school for the first time – a milestone and an exhilarating day for many of them.

Little six-year-old Roy Kameni was excited upon arrival at Norwood Primary School, chatting with newly-made friends. His father Augustin said Roy had woken up at 4.30am that morning, “He woke me up and said ‘daddy let’s go, I’m going to school today!’ He was so eager and that made me extremely happy and proud, I felt like crying,” said the ecstatic father.

Another Grade 1 pupil at the school, Rhea Pillay sat smiling at her desk as she interacted with her classmates. She said she was happy that she was finally at “big school”, seated next to her was an equally excited Owethu Mnguni who couldn’t wait to begin school.

Acting head of department: foundation phase and teacher at the school, Agnes Mkhonto welcomed the Grade 1s and observed that the parents were more nervous than the pupils. “Look at them [pupils], they are so happy to be at school,” she said.

The school has four Grade 1 classes and over 100 newly-enrolled Grade 1 pupils. “The number may increase as more parents bring their children. What is important is for the teachers to be welcoming and friendly so that the children can feel free,” said Mkhonto.

“Teachers, parents and pupils must work together in a triangular formation to ensure that pupils get the most out of the experience. School is the best place for them to be, they are going to learn through playing and studying. And education begins at home, so we are going to learn from them as well.”

Another teacher at the school Paul Mukwena said, “It was exciting because everything was well organised, most of the registration and allocation took place last year. It was also pleasing to see parents coming in numbers to witness their children going to school for the first time. It’s encouraging that the children did not cry when their parents left them in our care.”