AS school bells ring for the first time this year, signalling the beginning of a fresh new school year, children, parents and teachers are preparing to return to the classroom.
We take a moment to reflect on the excitement of new beginnings and the unique traditions that make the first day back special, whether you’re kicking off a new school year in South Africa or anywhere else in the world.
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Did you know that different cultures have their own unique and fun back-to-school traditions? From the busy cityscapes of Tokyo to the remote villages in the North Pole, here’s a glimpse into how children in foreign countries welcome a new school year.
Japan: A New Year’s resolution for school
In Japan, the school year begins in April. Before learners head to class, many families make sure to visit a Shinto shrine to pray for their children’s academic success. After the visit, children often celebrate with a seijin shiki, a formal ceremony that marks their entrance into a new chapter of life. This special time is about reflection, determination, and setting goals for the year ahead.
Finland: The cosy start
One of the world leaders in education, Finland’s back-to-school traditions are refreshingly relaxed and cosy. Over there, the school year begins in mid-August, but before children rush off to their first day, they often participate in a ‘First Day Walk’. Children and their parents walk together to school, chatting and enjoying the calm Finnish countryside, easing into the school rhythm after the summer break. Finnish learners get a leisurely breakfast before school — usually featuring rye bread, berries, and milk — ensuring they start the day with a full stomach and a calm mind.
United States: The classic school supplies hunt
Back-to-school in the US tends to be a lot busier and chaotic – parents and their kids go on the hunt for new notebooks, pencils, erasers, and the all-important backpack. Many children also enjoy getting their first-day-of-school outfit.
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Mexico: La Fiesta de Regreso a Clases
Known for its colourful and vibrant culture, in Mexico the return to school is marked with an exciting celebration known as La Fiesta de Regreso a Clases, or the ‘Back to School Party’. It represents a time for children to celebrate with their classmates and teachers and reconnect after the summer break, and it involves music, games and even piñatas, which are filled with school supplies instead of sweets.
Germany: The exciting schultüte
One of the most delightful back-to-school traditions takes place in Germany, where children starting their first year of school are given a schultüte, a giant cone filled with goodies, school supplies, and small toys. This colourful, decorated cone is given by parents, godparents, or grandparents to the child as a way to make their first day of school extra special. With a dash of sweetness, back-to-school in Germany is an extraordinary experience.
South Korea: The back-to-school feast
South Korean tradition sees the first day of school celebrated with a big family feast where families gather to share a baekban meal, which consists of a large variety of dishes, and learners are encouraged to eat heartily in preparation for the academic challenges ahead.
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Turkey: A big celebration of knowledge
Back-to-school celebrations in Turkey represent the joy of learning. Children return to school in September and attend a special ceremony where the Grade One learners receive their school books, symbolising the start of their educational journey. The ceremony often includes speeches by teachers, performances by the learners, and plenty of cheers and applause.
Italy: The feast of the immaculate conception
Italy’s learners also go back to school in early September, however, the tradition there includes a religious element. On December 8, many families celebrate the feast of the immaculate conception by attending church services and making special preparations for the return to school. Children often receive gifts or special treats during this time, symbolising good luck and encouragement for the school year ahead.
Russia: First bell ceremony
Dressed in their best, Russian children, especially those in Grade One, wear their best school uniforms and are greeted by teachers, parents and older learners for the highly-anticipated first bell ceremony. The day is marked by a special bell ringing ceremony, where the youngest learners are ‘officially’ welcomed into the school community.
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France: Back to the blackboards
France takes the first day of school, dubbed La Rentrée, very seriously. Learners return to school armed with their finest notebooks — because in France, stationery is an art form. Forget plain spiral notebooks; we’re talking about elegant grids, precise margins, and fountain pens.
North Pole: A magical start to the year
Father Christmas has gone back into hiding and while it may sound a bit far-fetched, children living at the North Pole — mostly in research stations and small communities — have their own unique back-to-school traditions. Since the region is mostly ice and snow, the start of school comes with a different kind of preparation. With limited daylight during winter months, children in these remote areas celebrate the first day of school by creating festive decorations for their small classrooms. It’s common for parents and teachers to hold a first day of winter learning event where the learners set personal learning goals and enjoy a cosy breakfast of hot chocolate, pancakes, and local specialities.
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