Risidale Primary set for bumper academic year
In 2023 the school installed solar panels to curb load-shedding, set up CCTV monitoring, made use of new technology and more to give learners the best possible education while at the school.
The first day of Grade 1 can be a daunting experience for little learners who are not adequately prepared. Parents and teachers alike though had nothing to fear as a brave and enthusiastic group of 144 new learners at Risidale began their formal education.
When the large crowd outside the school of parents rushing to safely drop off their young children before the 07:30 bell had subsided, a flurry of activity began within. Children made their way to various classrooms where teachers explained some of the rules, showed them where the bathrooms were, organised who would sit where and began learning the names of their charges.
It was a time of great excitement as Grade 1 teacher Jackie Pienaar gave her new class a fun picture to colour in with their wonderful new crayons. It was clear from spending some time with this class that the children were having a ball while being gently guided by caring hands.
Principal Frik Kruger said, “We always love the first day of a new school year. It comes with great expectations of achievements yet to come and seeing little minds grow and be nourished is a joy.”
Thirty of the 144 learners moved up to Grade 1 from Grade R at the same school, giving them the best possible footing to begin their formal academic journey. So successful has this programme been that they have created another class which has 27 places, should any parents wish to enrol their little ones this year.
For the next three weeks, teachers and staff will ensure new routines are formed, final seating arrangements within classrooms are worked out and children settle in for the term ahead. “There is a special focus too on helping those learners who need some additional English language support to ensure all pupils can navigate themselves around their new environment safely and with confidence.”
The school has employed a new remedial teacher to assist in this throughout the year, and The Link Literacy Project has a team of volunteers who give one-on-one support to learners especially struggling with English and numeracy. “All of these efforts are in a bid to give our learners the best education we can.”
Aside from academics, the 57-year-old school excels in athletics having come third in the district last year, says Kruger.
Related Article: Northcliff Primary School’s new Grade 1s loved their first day of big school
