While many parents battled to hide their tears while dropping their little Grade 1s off on the first school day of the year, the children were nothing short of smiles in the east of Pretoria.
Their joy marked the beginning of their seven-year adventure at primary school.
Smiling and excited faces, as well as a few teary ones, flooded Curro Hazeldean Primary in the east of Pretoria on Wednesday morning.
The little ones were all spotless in their school uniforms, eager to make new friends and learn at the big school.
During a special assembly, the newbies were welcomed and encouraged by teachers, school leaders and the principal. They also got a chance to see the school’s mascot.
For many, it was their first time at a big school, and the first time away from the comfort of home, however they were all excited to start this beautiful chapter.
Six-year-old Arabella Moses said she was excited to start big school.
“I am very excited to learn and meet new friends. I am very happy to start Grade 1 and to meet my new teacher.”
English and class teacher Rita Pelcher said she was privileged to welcome 20 new friends in her class.
“We usually average from 18 to 22, but I got 20 learners this year and I am excited to meet them as they are also excited to be here.”
She said the children will be exposed to robotics, chess, swimming and computers and are also allowed to play on the jungle gym once a week, adding that it is going to be a great academic year.
At Maragon Schools Olympus eager Grade 1 learners took their first step into formal education.
Rekord was on hand to capture the special moment as the little ones, dressed in their crisp new uniforms, arrived at school with wide eyes and excited smiles.
For many, it was the first time on a big school campus, the first time in a formal classroom, and the first time away from the comfort of home.
Despite the first-day jitters, the Maragon Olympus staff were on hand to ensure a smooth transition for the new learners.
The school’s head of marketing, Ilze Bartosch said they welcomed over 200 Grade 1s for the year 2025.
She said they understand that starting school can be a daunting experience for young children.
“That’s why we’ve put in place a comprehensive induction programme to help them settle in quickly.”
CENTURION:
In Centurion, parents displayed a mix of joyful anticipation and nervous apprehension as their children embarked on their educational journey.
At Laerskool Wierdapark, six-year-old Paige Kemp expressed her excitement for her first day.
“I am happy and excited to start school.”
Her mother, also Paige Kemp, shared her hope that her daughter would adjust well to this new chapter of life.
Franje Luus (6) admitted to feeling nervous on her first day.
Her mother, Madeleine, reflected on the decision to enrol Franje at Wierdapark, explaining that it was influenced by the positive experiences of her other children at the school.
“I look forward to seeing how she will adjust,” she said.
Amid the mix of emotions, Hanko van der Merwe, another excited six-year-old, shared his eagerness to learn.
His mother, Reinette, expressed hope that Hanko would not only learn to read and write but also grow to his full potential.
School principal Francois Bosman said approximately 200 Grade 1 learners enrolled at the school this year.
To ease the transition for both students and parents, the school hosted a welcoming event the evening before class commenced to allow the learners to familiarise themselves with teachers, classrooms and each other.
At Laerskool Hennopspark, the excitement continued as six-year-old Rioné Breedt expressed her readiness to learn and make new friends.
Her mother, Marioné, said time goes by really quickly, and that kids grow up really fast.
She hopes Rioné learns to believe in herself and reaches her full potential.
Amelie Parsons, another six-year-old, conveyed her lack of fear about starting school, hoping instead to forge new friendships.
Her father, Jaun, recognised the significance of the first day.
He stated that it is always a special day when children begin their education journey.
Six-year-old Aleiah Linden’s mother, Charlize Berg, shared her pride and a touch of nervousness for the year ahead.
“She is surrounded by people who believe in her, and I’m so excited to see how much she and every one of them will grow,” Berg said.
She expressed her wish for Aleiah to pursue her dreams and recognise her capacity for great things.
Laerskool Hennopspark welcomed a total of 216 Grade 1 learners.
NORTH OF PRETORIA:
In the north of Pretoria, the first day of school for many Grade 1 learners at Laerskool Danie Malan and Laerskool Wonderboom was filled with laughter, tears and anxiety on Wednesday.
Big smiles were all around as the young ones and their guardians made their way to their classrooms to start their first day of school.
All learners were allocated their seats when they arrived, with their parents given the opportunity to kiss their children goodbye and take pictures of them.
“I feel excited because this is a new chapter in her life and where her educational journey starts but I also feel a bit sad and nostalgic that my little girl is growing up and starting to be more independent,” said an emotional Charlotte du Plessis.
“It feels just like yesterday she was starting to walk and now she is sitting in her school clothes in the classroom.”
Another parent Quentin Meyer who has been a resident of Pretoria North for 42 years said he is very proud and honoured that his children will attend school in Pretoria North.
“My child is starting Grade 1 today and as he begins this new chapter, we are confident that he will thrive, learn, and enjoy every moment in this nurturing and supportive environment,” said Meyer.
The learners were supplied with crayons and paper to draw and colour in as they waited for the rest of their classmates to arrive before the big day officially started.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
