First day of school for Maragon Grade ones

Maragon Primary School welcomed hundreds of excited six and seven-year-olds for the first day of school on 12 January.

The only tears in the morning came from the parents as they waved goodbye and gave kisses to their little ones for the 2015 academic year. The first-time ‘scholars’ interacted with one another from the get go, like old friends at a reunion.

“This year, the kids do seem more confident, whereas last year there was a bit of anxiety. Parents are usually more anxious than the children and we offer sessions with the parents beforehand to get them used to the school and the classwork,” said Grade 1 teacher Sonett Swart.

Swart has been a Grade 1 teacher for 10 years and still talks with enthusiasm about the first school experience for children. The small class of 25 pupils allows the teacher to give individual attention to each child.

She says the most important aspect is that both parents and children have a positive outlook about the first day. “We have a welcome day for the pupils and parents, to get everyone prepared and familiar with the classrooms. There is also a Grade 1 class just for parents. We usually just give out what the kids will be doing in the classroom. It helps make the adjustment as smooth as possible.”