CAPE TOWN – Over 100 000 Grade 1 learners in the Western Cape started the beginning of their school year today.
Parents were full of emotion as they had to let go of their little one’s hand as they start their new chapter.
Parent Sharnelle Cader said she is proud of her son Kayden who had no tears and walked proudly to his new classroom.
“I was so proud of him. My son was diagnosed with high functioning autism when he was younger. I wasn’t sure last year whether he would make it to Grade 1. But his school is very supportive, and he will get the support he needs.”
Another parent, Claudia Woods said she was emotional.
“What helped was seeing my son Micah being so calm. When I saw him walking to class, it dawned on me that he is now in big school.”
Meanwhile Tamboerskloof Primary School was abuzz this morning as eager learners arrived early, parents exchanged goodbyes, and teachers prepared to welcome a new year of learning.
They were joined by David Maynier, provincial education minister and Premier Alan Winde.
Maynier said 73 000 Grade Rs and 102 000 Grade 1s are starting their school careers while 97 000 Grade 8 learners start their high school journey.
In total, 1.2 million learners are registered at Western Cape schools this year.
Winde wished the learners well for the year ahead.
“Whatever challenges lie ahead, we will overcome them together. We will be behind you every step of your education journey.
“These young people will go on to be South Africa’s doctors, traffic police, retail professionals, technicians, tradespeople, accountants, farmers, engineers and businesspeople. School is a critical first step towards independence and we are delighted to see the future in such good hands.”
Winde expressed his gratitude to teachers and school staff and said they are the “backbone” of the education system.
Admissions
Maynier said they would continue working to ensure that every child seeking placement is accommodated in the province’s schools. Over 1 000 learners have yet to be placed.
“This is a challenging task, as hundreds of new applications are arriving each week. We appeal to any parent who has not yet applied to do so immediately at their district office. We appeal to parents to ensure that they provide accurate, current contact details to our districts so that we can reach them when a place becomes available for their child.”
Visit the WCED website on https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions
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