'Smooth' start to school year for Ferreira Primary School in Joburg CBD’s

There were cheers all round as Ferreira Primary School in the Johannesburg CBD reopened for the year.

Most learners had arrived an hour earlier just to catch up with their friends after the long holidays and were content to simply get out of their parents’ cars and head in to the school.

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But‚ for others it was an emotional time as they had to part with their parents.

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Six-year-old Lwakhe Mashabane‚ who was starting Grade 1‚ couldn’t stop crying as her father tried to encourage her to enter the classroom.

Nine-year-old Umar Patel‚ who is going in to Grade Four‚ managed a smile‚ but said: “I hate school because they give us so much work. The holidays went by so fast. I just hate school.”

Sharaaz Muhammad‚ an 11-year-old starting Grade 6‚ seemed a bit more content: “I'm really excited about coming back to school. It’s a new year‚ new people‚ new attitudes‚ so I really want to change myself. I enjoy school because it gives you the knowledge to help you further in life.”

The parents were generally confident that their children would enjoy school.

“I am excited and scared for my child. He is starting Grade 1 and he is super-excited‚ he even promised he won’t sleep in class‚” said Busi Nyembe.

For Razeena Nanabhay‚ Wednesday marked the second generation of his family to attend the school: “I am from the neighbourhood. The principal of this school used to be my maths teacher‚ and today I am bringing my child for grade one.”

Grade 1 teacher Mayandri Moodley said it would be a hard day‚ but rewarding: “It is going to be a long day as we have to give them their stationery and uniform. But I am excited for them; most of them are not used to sitting still for hours.

We give them leeway for the first two weeks. However‚ most of them are disciplined because they've been in preparatory school before. So‚ hence‚ you won't see parents hovering around to make sure they are okay‚ the kids are simply happy to be back.”

Principal Motara Farouk noted that that his school is small and can only take 256 learners from Grade 1 to 7.

“I am happy because most of the learners are from pre-school‚ so discipline is not an issue. I myself was a pupil here‚ came back to teach and today I am the principal.

I am passionate about this community. Parents are happy‚ our admin was smooth and we are ready to begin the year‚” he said.

– TMG Digital