Excited Grade 1 learners lined up for the first day of school at Zwaanswyk Academy in Retreat on Wednesday 19 January.
While the children were eager to get a glimpse of old friends and new teachers, some parents looked on emotionally.
According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) 1,1 million learners started the 2022 school year, including 105 000 Grade 1s and 97 000 Grade 8s.
Isabella Johnson (6) and her mom Charlene waited outside the school gates at 07:15.
“She is very excited to be at school. Monday and Tuesday I spent with her prepping her,” said Charlene.
Isabella was all smiles and looking forward to the day, while her mom felt rather emotional.
“It is scary for me as a parent, not being able to take them into the classroom because of Covid protocol, but she has been at this school since Grade R so at least I know she will be okay.
“She was up early this morning. She is my eldest and I think it is very exciting for her to start school. There haven’t been any tears, but mommy has shed a lot of tears this morning.”
Placed either in the “Mermaids”, “Monsters” or “Into the jungle” class, Isabelle was happy to be placed in the Mermaid class.
Holding her six-year-old daughter Chardeney’s hand, Samantha said the Grade 1 learner was very excited to go to school.
“She can’t wait to see her old friends from last year and to make new friends this year. She said she wants to pick roses to give to her teacher.
She was in crèche from an early age so she is excited for school.”
Lwandile Mahlati and his seven-year-old son Omandla also looked forward to the new school year.
“I joked with him yesterday that he won’t be going to school today and he wasn’t happy,” he said. “He told me he will go to school.”
After a short wait for the school gates to open, a long line of parents and learners made their way onto the school grounds where Grade R and 1 teachers greeted the learners.
Mary-Anne McDonald, a Grade 2 teacher, said the school has three classes of Grade Rs and three Grade 1 classes this year.
“There are 25 children per class in Grade R and around 30 to 32 in each Grade 1 class.
“Most of the Grade 1s have already been here for Grade R last year.”
She added while Covid had impacted learners last year they adapted well.
“Covid had a huge impact on learners last year, some were impacted negatively and missed having a routine and seeing their friends, but they adjusted very well.”
Meanwhile Education MEC Debbie Schäfer visited Perivale Primary School in Lotus River for the first day of school.
In a statement, Schäfer said it was unfortunate learners were attending school on a rotational basis despite recommendations from experts.
“I wish our learners and school staff the very best for the year ahead. The pandemic is far from over, and while our schools have shown much resilience during this pandemic, the learning losses, together with ongoing rotation, is a heavy burden to carry.
“There are tough times ahead, but I am comforted by the self-evident dedication and passion of our officials and school staff.”
She added that an extra 18 000 places will be made available for learners throughout the year.
“We anticipate that two new mobile schools, in Bothasig and Fisantekraal, will be completed by the end of the first term.
“Four additional schools are under construction and will be completed during the course of this year.”
Despite over 32 000 late applications, latest figures indicate that 442 Grade 1 and 2, as well as 419 Grade 8 learners have yet to be placed.
Schäfer added that the department has unfortunately already received reports of buildings damaged by theft and vandalism over the school holidays.
“I urge schools to report any such incidents to Safe Schools as soon as possible.”
