It was a busy morning for learners across the country who were making their way back to school on January 9.
In Benoni, the experience of Grade Ones heading to “big school” for the first time culminated into a display of emotions experienced by the like of both the children and the parents.
Pioneer Primary School in Actonville and Benoni Junior School in Western Extension shared in the delight of not only welcoming newbies to their schools but twins as well.
While Benoni Junior saw twins Aviwe and Aphiwe Nyamate (6) taking a giant leap towards the start of their schooling career; Pioneer Primary boasted three sets of twins.
Sumaya and Saniya Mtenje(6), Kabelo and Karabo Khumalo (6) and Mohammed Ayan and Mohammed Rayhaan Sabir (6) were slightly anxious but nevertheless excited to start a new adventure in their lives.
St Francis Preparatory School was also abuzz as Principal Jenny Rees-Gibbs welcomed children and parents one by one.
“It is such an exciting time of the year,” said Rees-Gibbs with a few Grade One learners, previously with the school in Grade R running up to hug her.
https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/st-francis-preparatory-principal-jenny-rees-gibbs
A similar atmosphere was echoed by Principal Vanessa Moodley at Actonville Primary School.
The principal, firm in her hand of discipline, visited her Grade One classes as the children settled in after their parents had left.
https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/principal-vanessa-moodley-of-actonville-primary
Making the learners feel comfortable in their new surroundings, Moodley sang a greeting song with them that ended with the words “I love you” as the children mimicked the hand gestures of the very same phrase.
As the day progressed and with the school day nearing its end, school gates were once again flooded with an influx of anxious parents and guardians ready to ask the all-important “how was your first day?” and “did you eat?”
Reunited with their little ones once more, all anxiety was cast away as Benoni Junior parents were glad to find their little ones were jubilant as the learners said their goodbyes to new found friends and their teachers.
Similar scenes could be found around the town as a first day of frenzy turning into delight set the tone for what promises to be an eventful year ahead.
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