Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
109 000 little ones take giant steps
Jbjsaturday
WIDE- EYED and filled with expectation, 109 000 Grade 1 pupils and their anxious parents made their way through the gates of Western Cape primary schools this week.
Although some were scared and even tearful, they took their first steps on this exciting journey of learning and discovery.
Many have pinned their hopes on becoming our future doctors, firefighters, teachers, police officers, scientists and astronauts.
Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schafer extended a warm welcome to all the new pupils and parents. She said: “This is the beginning of the rest of your life. Be excited… make the most of this opportunity because it will set them up for the future.”
As you experience your first few days at school, you will learn class rules, get to know your teachers and classmates, make new friends and begin learning new and exciting things.
You can look forward to singing songs, learn to put your hand up when asking a question and not shout out in class, as well as find out where to keep your lunchboxes and bags. You may have been asked what you did over your holiday and asked to tell the class a bit about yourself.
Here some Grade 1s share why they looked forward to “big school” and what their first day of was like:
Chloe Ajam, 6, attends Tuscany Glen Primary in Blue Downs. She loves her new uniform but has her misgiving about homework. “I hope there is more to big school than just homework.”
Amelia Carew, 6, and Ashlee Austin ,7, who attend Kronendal Primary Grade 1, looked forward to seeing the friends they made in Grade R. On the first day of school, Amelia enjoyed tracing her hand on paper. “I also liked it when my friend, Ashlee, and I got to play with red and green monster toys.”
Ashlee says: “The best thing about my first day was seeing my friends.
Zeek Nicholson, 6, who attends Pinelands Primary, says: “I am happy about being in Grade 1 but I was bit nervous on the first day. Then I started feeling happy again because I love Grade 1. I have a nice teacher, Miss Ross. I enjoy the work she gives us because I am learning new things and I enjoy drawing.”
Lilitha Zide, 6, a pupil at Surrey Estate, says she loves the school’s garden. “I love my uniform and I can’t wait to learn new things”
Faith Damons, 6, is at Sid G.Rule Primary School in Grassy Park. She could not “wait to see all my friends and I am so excited to meet my new teacher.”
Jemma-Blythe Macleod, 6, is at Erica Primary in Belhar. “I want to learn words and poems. I know my bigger brother will take care of me.”