DA NIELLE JORDAAN: It does not matter how long you have been a teacher, you are always a bit nervous at the start of a new school year. You get used to a certain way of teaching and you are never sure the same approach will work for every group.
As the school year begins and both teachers and learners are getting the swing of things, we wondered if teachers are just as excited about returning every year.
We spoke to teachers at Hoërskool Linden and asked them whether they still get nervous or excited about school every year like their learners do.
What do you think about starting the new year at your job? Is it exciting every time?
MAGRIET NEL: We are just as excited about a new school year as the learners. It takes a bit of effort to get used to the routine and every year brings with it its own new challenges, but we are still very excited about it.
MELISSA WALLACE: You have to deal with new challenges every year and get to know new children as well. One does tend worry about keeping up with administration and sticking to your goals for the year.
LYNN VAN ROOYEN: It is both exciting and nerve-wracking to come back. As teachers, we get every other year to better ourselves and contribute more, unlike learners who mostly only have one year to do their best.
WERNER BENEKE: I think every new school year brings a mystery. There are new children to teach and the first month is generally quite stressful, dealing with administration and extramural activities. But it is important to stay positive throughout the year.
MARIANNE GOUWS: I m very excited because no day is the same. You never stagnate and every day something unforeseen happens. But the school helps you through every challenge. At the end of the day, it is very satisfactory.
MARIëT JORDAAN: I have been a teacher for a long time. But you still do not know what to expect every year since every year is different. It is always a lot of fun to be back and work with the children.
LIEZL ROOS: Every grade group is quite different. You never really know what you will be given. Some learners are more of a challenge than others and as a teacher, you try to help to the best of your abilities.