Back to School with Phakamani Primary

A morning of high emotions and excitement for parents and the new learners entering into Grade 1 at Phakamani Primary School in Mofolo North on Wednesday morning.

Learners at the Phakamani Primary school, Mofolo North gather for the first assembly of the 2023 academic year in Soweto.

This as thousands of Gauteng learners kicked off their first day of the 2023 academic year across the province.

The school in Soweto welcomed about 50 learners who had applied online into their new classes on Wednesday while some of its 300 learners returned to the institution.

Phindile Ndlovu pictured with daughter who is going into Grade 1.

Christine Manyaka, Principal of Phakamani Primary School said they were hoping to have a good year and called on parents to be hands-on with their children’s educational needs.

School Principal of Phakamani Primary School, Christine Manyaka, pictured outside the office block after monitoring first day of school.

“The reopening of school is normally a hectic week in fact the whole month we expect it to be like this. But we are hoping that the new academic year will be a smooth one, as we have opened early which means that the curriculum will be taken to the maximum level and ensure that students are learning. I normally tell parents in the first meeting that their full participation is paramount,” Maynaka said.

Excited parents make their way into the school premises accompanying their children for the first day of the 2023 academic year in Soweto’s Phakamani Primary School.

“I can’t stress the importance of parental involvement. And for the school to survive and be able to carry out its curriculum mandate we need them. We encourage them to check their homework, and projects and come to meetings. We also encourage our teachers to know the kids in their class because they come from different homes so we are able to identify the issues and where we can meet them halfway.”

A grade 1 class gets underway at the Phakamani Primary School in Mofolo North, Soweto.

Noxolo Sithole, parent of a grade 1 learner at the institution said she could not contain her excitement.

Parents of Grade 1 learner Lindokuhle Sithole of Phakamani Primay school share excitement outside the learner’s new class.

“I am happy that this day is finally here. We woke up around 5 am, it’s also her birthday today so it’s been a beautiful morning, seeing my child all grown and on the path to making it in life,” she told Urban News. “I know It’s going to be a long and emotional day leaving her behind but I wish her the very best on this milestone,” she concluded, adding that she was also happy with the school the department placed her child.

Teacher Lindi Motene assisting parents and grade 1 learners with class allocation.

Another parent, Celokuhle Mahlaba said, “I am very happy and also a bit nervous. This is a big day as a parent but she is very happy. She could not stop talking about meeting her teacher and her new class. She graduated from grade R last year at this institution so it is a good school even with the support we get as parents. I was even able to minimize costs as she is still using the uniform from last year and they were given shoes last year.”

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