The start of the 2023 academic year kicked off today. For some it was a return to the school desks, while for others it marked the beginning of their schooling careers.
1,2 million learners headed to schools in the Western Cape. This includes 92 000 grade 1s.
Smile FM visited Floreat Primary School, in Steenberg. The school boasts 900 scholars, including 114 grade one students.
The eager little ones say they are excited to be at school this morning. pic.twitter.com/DmYRZv3ie8
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) January 18, 2023
It was a sea of navy as the little ones, clad in their oversized school dresses and shirts filled the playground.
Image by Lizell Persens
Zuhairaa Ramedies (6) is in grade one. She has big dreams of one day becoming a pastry chef.
“Because I can bake. I want to bake a cake, and make food. I (also) like painting and colouring in.”
Read more: Education department welcomes learners
Meanwhile, Raidon De Lange (8) explained why he’s thrilled to be in grade three:
“I am starting a new grade, and I’m going to write in cursive. I like doing my work. I get a lot of awards. I want to be a fireman, because my favourite colour is red, and I want to help people.”
Taygen Van Der Berg (6) also shared which career path he plans to follow:
“A policeman, to catch bad guys, because bad guys steal money and gold.”
Furthermore, it was also the first week for teachers and academic staff. In the province, 35 872 teachers and 7 578 public service staff will be on hand to support them.
Jody Ferndale, a grade 2 teacher. He says the reason he enjoys rearing children is because he was inspired by the educators who taught him:
“They inspired me to be what I am today. They always helped me.”
Veteran teacher, Rose Dryja celebrates 37 years in the profession this year:
“I’ve spent the majority of my years teaching grade 1. It is my favourite grade. I just love it when they’re small and needy.”
