There were tears of sadness and joy, but also lots of giggles as the Cape’s new batch of kiddies made their way to big school on Wednesday.
The Western Cape Education Department says more than 1 million pupils started the 2020 school year in the Western Cape.
For some first time Grade R and Grade 1 pupils, it was a rough start to their school career, while others seemed very eager to be rid of mom and dad.
The Daily Voice visited schools all over the Cape Flats to see how the little one fared on their first day.
At about 7.30am at Seaview Primary in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, the earlybird kids and their parents waited anxiously for the bell to ring.
An overprotective Esther Wilson, 29, from Tafelsig, came to settle her five-year-old son, Caleb Joshua Wilson, into Grade R.
PROUD: Caleb and mom Esther Wilson at Seaview Primary. Picture: Venecia Valentine
Caleb has a tracheostomy (an incision in the windpipe to help him breathe) and the mom admits she was not keen on sending her little boy to school yet due to his condition, but then realised it was time to let go.
“He is five years old now, it’s his time, everyone was telling me to let him go because it won’t be fair to keep him home because of the
tracheostomy.
“Caleb is excited to be at school, he woke up at 6.30am and wanted to leave immediately!”
However, an anxious Arshad Dunn, 5, clung to his dad Riyaaz, 41.
CLING: Arshad Dunn, 5, and his Daddy Riyaaz. Picture: Venecia Valentine
“I had to bring his bicycle to school so he would come with me. He is feeling excited but nervous because it’s a new environment,” the dad explains.
Meanwhile, everyone was impressed by the relaxed attitude of Tafelsig resident Imaad Kamaar, 5, who complained about seer voete due to his new school shoes, and also wanted an “early lunch”.
“I’m fine, I like it here, I can’t wait to meet my teacher and make new friends,” the confident boy said.
He then asked his mom, “Mommy, I’m hungry, can I please have my bread?” and enjoyed his peanut butter sandwich on the steps before sauntering off to his classroom.
It is not clear what Imaad was planning to eat at break time.
COULDN’T WAIT FOR BREAK: Imaad Kamaar. Picture: Venecia Valentine
Meanwhile, Maher Amod, 5, could barely eat his breakfast because of the excitement.
“I just wanted to get to school and meet my new teacher and friends,” he says.
His mom Zaahida Mohammed, 24, said he got up at 6.30am and she didn’t even bribe him.
“Usually for creche, I needed to bribe him to wake up and go, but today he was awake before everyone and barely touched his porridge because he was so excited.”
At Caradale Primary in Rocklands, Grade R teacher Ms Soules had to console a tearful Unoko Kadeni, 5, from Khayelitsha.
Caradale Primary, Ms Soules takes her Grade R class for toilet routine. Video: Venecia Valentine
“We only have this one pupil who is a bit emotional but we are doing well today, it’s a very good way to start,” said the onnie.
In another class, a sobbing Rameez Abrahams was inconsolable, saying: “I don’t want to talk, I just want to go home.”
At Petunia Primary School in Scottsville, Grade R pupil Kim-Lee Fredericks tried to make a run for it but was caught just in time.
Her teacher Eliz Fillis spent the morning comforting the sad little girl.
According to the WCED, they have about 107 000 Grade 1 pupils this year, an increase from the 104 336 learners in 2019.
MAKING A RUN FOR IT: Kim-Lee Fredericks. Picture: Solly Lottering
At high schools, a projected 93 000 pupils are registered for Grade 8.
Education MEC Debbie Schäfer says safety in schools remains a priority.
“Safety will remain one of our key concerns in 2020. We will continue to work with partners at SAPS and the Metro police to ensure that our learners and teachers are safe at school,” she said.
While some parents are still trying to find placement for their children, the WCED has opened two new schools - Delft High School and Disa Road Primary School - and added more classrooms to many other schools to accommodate increasing numbers.
VIDEO: Venecia Valentine
“To parents who are having difficulties enrolling their child, or who have failed to enrol their child, I urge you to approach the local district office as soon as possible, for assistance with finding a place at a school,” says Schäfer.
“Special walk-in centres have been set up to assist parents at district offices, and each office has identified specific officials who will assist parents who struggle to find a place when schools re-open.”
Visit the WCED website for the list.
