Brothers Matthew and Mason De Marco (6) could hardly contain their excitement at the prospects of 'big school life'. They were looking forward to break time when they would be able to play and eat their lunch.
Grade Ones across the country made their first journey to school today (January 15) with parents and loved ones by their side.
Principal Johan Pieters of Laerskool Northmead said 132 Grade One learners were enrolled at the school.
“Our aim is just to make them feel at home,” he said.
“I want them to enjoy the hours they spend at school, and we are looking forward to the year ahead.”
Tom Newby School principal Giselle Mynhardt said they had the resources and facilities necessary to accommodate their 145 Grade Ones.
“There are a few glitches the department needs to look into,” said Mynhardt about the online admissions process.
“The parents and others who followed the procedure correctly would know that there were little to no issues.
“We are most looking forward to the first word read by our Grade One learners.
“Seeing the look on their excited faces when they read their first word is one of the most incredible feelings.”
Elsewhere, at Farrarmere Primary School, principal Fiona Stansfeld said they were happy with their intake of Grade One learners and saw an increase of Grade Two and Seven learner placements at the school.
“We look forward to having supportive parents and children who will maintain the standard and expectations of the school,” she said.
“A school is a micro-society and we are equipping our learners with skills and lessons that they will be able to use in the world one day.”
Alec Minnaar was ecstatic to see his daughter, Lilly Mia Pretorius (6), making friends within the first hour of being at Laerskool Northmead. “We were both a little nervous before we got here, but we were looking forward to the day for a while,” said Alec.
Twins Izzabella and Gabriella Wolfaardt (6) were looking forward to what their first day at Tom Newby School had in store for them.
With granny Helen Oates at his side, Gareth (6) feels like he can take on the world at Farrarmere Primary School. Helen, who works at the school, said it was an incredible feeling knowing the matrics of 2031 are in their hands.
Benoni Nursery School teacher Sandie Fernandez and her son Mason (6) were gearing up for his first day at Farrarmere Primary School. The six-year-old already has plans of being a future soccer goalkeeping star.
Cousins Liané Erasmus (7) and Daniël de Beer (6) started their schooling journey together and said they were happy knowing they are both in Laerskool Northmead.
Getting ready for first-born Oagile’s (6) first day of school at Tom Newby School were parents Kabelo and Shadi Matlala.
Bohlala Eland (6) said she felt nice about her first day and wanted to make a lot of new friends. She is seen with mom Neo.
Dillen Saayman (6) made his way to Laerskool Northmead on January 15 for what would be an epic first day of school. He was accompanied by his parents, Paul and Ronel, and sister, Jo-Ann, who is a Grade Six learner at the school.
Dhiya Jagannath (6) said she was very excited about her first day at Tom Newby School. Her mom, Amrisha, beamed with pride as her daughter was ready to start a new chapter in life.
Laerskool Northmead learner Megan Potgieter (6) and her mom Monica were all smiles at the start of the morning.
