WATCH: Grade Ones take their seats for the first day of school

While thousands of learners returned to school on January 15, for many this was their first day at big school.

January 18, 2024

Ntombikayise Sibeko, Jani de Beer & Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Amohelang Tshehla of Actonville Primary.

With shiny new school shoes and socks up to their knees, the 2024 Grade One class gingerly waved their parents goodbye as they met their new teachers.

Proudly unpacking their school supplies, the learners kicked off the first day of their 12 year school career, on January 17.

Benoni City Times visited several schools in Benoni and Daveyton to share in the fun and excitement.

Laerskool Brentwoodpark
Die graad eens van Laerskool Brentwoodpark het stilletjies hul plekke ingeneem in die skool saal, waar die hoofleiers hulle verwelkom het by die Brentie familie.

Tewyl mammas en pappas trane gesluk het, het die leerders elkeen gretig die klok gelui om die begin van hul skoolloopbaan aan te kondig.

Shereen van Wyk, lui die Brentieklok om die begin van haar skoolloopbaan aan te kondig.

Magda en Jan Kotze groet hul bulletjie Janco.

Wian de Lange het van sy danspassies met trots beoefen.

Tweeling boeties Christiaan en Barend van den Heever was opgewonde om Graad Een af te skop.

Reuben Heyneke is slaggereed vir groot skool.

Getooi met linte in hul hare is Aria Germishuizen en Ava du Toit.

Maatjies maak is vetpret vir Juan Swanepoel, Johan Lombaard, Engelbertus Maritz en Damon Prinsloo.

Franco van Dyk hou homself besig voor die begin van die skooldag.

Dié kleuterskool maatjies, Amy Strydom (links) en Ilke Ackermann, was in die wolke dat hulle saam in die Hasie klas is.

Christopher en Maryna Vermeulen glimlag breed aan die begin van die skooljaar.

Arbor Primary
A group of 150 owlets attended their first day of big school at Arbor Primary School.

Taking their places behind their designated desks, the little ones were anxious to hear when it would be break time in order to enjoy the yummy lunches their parents had packed.

Molatedi Chelopo is in amazement with all her new stationery.

Mikhail Keel with his first Grade One masterpiece.

For Mason Zackey, Grade One is going to be a clean sweep.

Katrina Zangas taking things easy before the hard work begins.

Alexia Ferri is very impressed with the contents of her pencil case.

Ariana de Silva takes a moment to reflect in front of the affirmation mirror.

Already hard at work is Anastasia van Dyk.

Pathu Sepeng strikes a magnificent pose.

It’s all about attitude. Naledi Mashayu starts the year with a smile.

Teacher Robyn King with Phatsimo Hlanjwa.

Best buds Brenin Landon and Tebogo Monegi.

Actonville Primary
Departmental head Zuhra Balle welcomed 186 little ones who were eager to begin their schooling journey.

Departmental head Zuhra Balle with her learners.

Melokuhle Nhlengethwa and Amukelani Khoza.

Keanetswe Mashigo and Winter Lyra van der Byl.

Grade One teacher Deshni Arthur with her learners.

Pioneer Primary
Twins, Sainee Janesha Darman and Saisha Darman were the toast of the school as they began their journey together.

The school welcomed over 100 Grade Ones who were all dressed nicely in their green pull-overs and white shirts.

Nabeela Suhaiman Mohamed and Burhaan Faizel.

Happy to start their journey are Pioneer Primary School Grade One learners.

Ntsikana Primary
The first day of school at Ntsikana Primary School in Daveyton got off to a smooth start with no hiccups.

With just four classes for the Grade Ones, learners settled in comfortably with no one spotted crying.

Proud parents gathered at the school to witness their children go into their new classes at a ‘big school’.

According to the principal, Olivia Mqhina, most of their Grade One learners were attending Grade R at the school.

“We are pleased to welcome these young souls to the foundation phase. We are very happy to have supportive parents who came through in their numbers to meet their children’s teachers and to see their children’s classroom,” said Mqhina.