The first day of “big school” can be daunting for many Grade Ones, but for Tlotlego Tloubatla (6) his first day at St Catherine’s School, in Parkhill Gardens, last Tuesday was nothing but exciting.
Why, you ask?
Because Tlotlego had DStv’s School of Laughter and 947 take over his school.
Tlotlego’s mother, Lerato, won the exciting experience for her son after hearing about the competition on 947’s The Breakfast Club with Anele Mdoda.
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“I immediately thought it was an awesome opportunity for my son and after speaking to him about it and seeing how excited he was, I decided to try my luck,” said Lerato when asked why she decided to enter.
“Aside from the prize money and everything just making his first day of Grade One as exciting as this is just amazing.
“I mean, he’ll only have his first day of Grade One once.”
When asked how she had entered, Lerato explained she entered online and shared a few on things that Tlotlego was nervous about heading into Grade One.
“Because we had spoken a lot about Grade One, I knew what he was excited about and what he was nervous about,” said Lerato.
“So I was sure to mention his wiggly tooth, his too big blazer and moving to his new classroom.”
When Lerato told Tlotlego they had won the competition he couldn’t believe it.
“He wanted the R10 000 prize money in coins,” said Lerato with a laugh.
“He wanted to use it at the tuck shop, I thought it was really cute because he is six years old and thinking in coins.”
Lerato said the event had exceeded her expectations.
“It really was a lot of fun,” said Lerato.
“I thought it was going to be something quiet nothing major, but the whole preparatory school was involved, and their parents.
“Just driving down the road was exciting, but Tlotlego was cool, calm and relaxed.
“This was hands down the best way to end the school holidays and start the new year.
“I am also so grateful that Tlotlego got a day at school where he was celebrated as his birthday always falls within the school holidays.”
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Tlotlego didn’t stop smiling during the day’s celebrations.
“I had a great day,” said Tlotlego.
When asked what his favourite part of the day was Tlotlego couldn’t decide, but he knew he’d love to do it all again.
When asked what he’d like to do with the prize money Tlotlego said he was still deciding, but mom Lerato said he’d mentioned wanting some toys.
“You can choose mommy,” said Tlotlego.
“I think we will use the money towards a holiday,” said Lerato.
“As we moved house in December and didn’t get to go away.”
After all the excitement died down and the goodie bags were handed out, Tlotlego headed into his new classroom ready to start his new academic journey.
Agi Masekela, senior manager of content discovery for DStv, spoke to the GCN and explained why DStv’s School of Laughter and 947 had decided to hold this exciting competition and event.
“We, at DStv pride ourselves on delivering content that is both entertaining and educational at the same time,” said Agi.
“This is very important because laughter is a key development area for all children, it helps with learning, retaining knowledge, self-esteem and bonding and making friends.”
During the event, DStv’s School of Laughter donated a friendship bench and goodie bags.
“We took over St Catherine’s School and brought a custom built, beautifully designed friendship bench which we have donated to the school for the children to enjoy,” said Agi.
“We also handed out goodie bags and one of the key things in the goodie bag was a weekly planner, with stickers, which will help children plan their homework time, TV time and play time.
“I would love to be a fly on the wall in those negotiations.”
Agi and his team were thrilled with how the day turned out and have already begun planning for the next event.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Ashley Kiley (Journalist) ashleyk@caxton.co.za.
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