First day of big school for some Grade One learners

Several learners have returned to their premises for the first day of Grade One.

February 4, 2021

Benoni City Times 1 minute read

Grade One learners at Shanan Christian School are excited to be at school. They are Lubanzi Xaba (left), Thoriso Malatji, Tshiamo Ramatsetse, Laurena Anyanwu and Lethabo Mphatswe.

It is the first day of February and the first official day back at school for some Grade One learners.

While online learning has become an alternative for a few schools, St Francis College, St Dunstan’s Preparatory School, Shanan Christian School, St Columba’s School and Ashton International College returned to the premises to attempt living with the new ‘norm’ South Africa faces.

• Shanan Christian School:
“We are excited. Our grades R, RR and RRR have joined the premises this year and we are looking forward to a year of hopefully uninterrupted education and providing the best quality and love for the children,” said Denise Cillie, director of education at the school.

There are five Grade One learners at the school.

Shanan Christian School Grade One girls Laurena Anyanwu (left), Lethabo Mphatswe and Lubanzi Xaba practise social distancing on the playground.

• St Dunstan’s Preparatory School:
“We are delighted to welcome our Grade One learners to campus-based learning following our online programme which started on January 18. We are hoping to achieve a sense of normality going forward into the year,” said headmaster Craig McIlrath.

There are 62 Grade One learners at the school.

St Dunstan’s Preparatory School Grade One learners enjoy their first day at school. They are Mulondi Nemalili (left), Hannah McAlphine, Raniya Petersen and Louis Marais. Photo: Supplied.

• Ashton International College Benoni:
“The Grade Ones started online learning a week ago, having them now join the school face to face is very important for getting to know their teachers. We started this year on a positive note. All the staff and learners are feeling positive and we are looking forward to what this year has in store for us,” said deputy principal Lynette Hattingh.

There are 60 Grade One learners at the school.

Ashton International College grade one learners wave their hands in the air with excitement for the first day at school. They are Boitshepo Mamadi (back, left), Liam Chetty, Marina Arezina (front, left), Olivia Critchley and Shammah Manzungu.

• St Francis College:
A total of 78 Grade Ones were welcomed at the school. They are divided into two groups and they will attend classes by alternating every second day of the week.