The first day of the 2024 school calendar tugged both at heartstrings and brought about smiles as Bloemfontein’s Grade 1s took their first steps into the world of big school. The morning was filled with all kinds of emotions as children took on this new journey. Parents, too, were caught in bittersweet moments as they watched their little ones embrace this milestone. The team at Bloemfontein Courant visited various schools in the city to capture these moments.
Learners at Olive Ridge Primary School were excited to start their first day in grade 1. From the left (top) are Thendo Nebaimoro and Naledi Thebe. Front: Realeboha Matile
Chase Borchard van Grey Kollege se ma vertel haar “mamma-hart is bietjie bang”, maar vertel ook “ons is altwee opgewonde, en hy gaan baie goed doen.”
Mpho Lekhalanyane is opgewonde om sy eerste dag in graad 1 by Universitas Primêre Skool te begin. Sy ma, Lebo, sê die eerste dag was vir haar vreeslik oorweldigend en emosioneel.
Karabo Nkere is happy to be in Grade 1 at St Michael’s School for Girls. “I am happy to get homework and also to make new friends.”
Carter Crossman (on the left) is very excited to start his first day at school. Mom Leanne Carter said that it is a very bittersweet moment because Carter is the baby at home. Tiffany Jacobs, mom to Leo (on the right), who started his first day at St Andrew’s, said Leo’s first day in grade 1 is really emotional for her but she is really excited for this journey in his life.
Anja Sevenster was excited to start her first day at EduPlus. She was eager to smile for a picture for Bloemfontein Courant.
Vholuga Maswime is starting at Grey College, his father spoke about his son’s first day at school, saying, “It is great and exciting, and I am excited for him. It is a wonderful day that he is beginning grade one.”
Mamma Marelize Bosch sê sy is baie dankbaar en dat dit ’n groot voorreg vir haar is want haar dogtertjie, Caylah, is in graad 1 by Universitas Primêre Skool en in dieselfde klas met dieselfde juffrou as haar oudste dogter. Caylah glimlag langs haar ouers, Kobus en Marelize.
Kwezi Mondli is excited to make new friends this year at St Michael’s School for Girls. “I am excited because I like Grade 1 and I am excited for the New Year and for my friends.”
T.K. Montsitsi from St Andrew’s Primary School’s parents said they are very happy and proud of their son. William Montsitsi, T.K.’s father said that “it is all systems go. We are well prepared for his first day in grade 1.”
Ché Leigh Hefer’s mother greeted her daughter starting at St Michael’s School for Girls emotionally, saying, “I am very nervous, but excited as well. Sad, emotional, all the feelings. She’s excited, she couldn’t wait to get up this morning.”
Karabo Moss’ mother said, “I feel so excited and she is excited as well,” with her daughter starting at St Michael’s School for Girls.
Aiden Tsaha’s mother is looking forward to being hands on with her son’s school work as he starts Grade 1 at Grey College. “I am so excited to have our little one starting grade one. I am super excited, I am looking forward to helping him with homework, I am going to be in Grade 1 again.”
Izandri Husselman from EduPlus was keen to show off her brand new pencil case and to share a smile.
Eyoabe Feysa from Grey College and his father told Bloemfontein Courant, “I am excited for my son starting grade one, because it means my boy is big. I didn’t see that coming.”
News Team
