IN PICTURES | #BackToSchool2019: Tears, smiles & nerves on first day of school

09 January 2019 - 11:45

By timeslive

Bernadette Mekgoe shares a light-hearted moment with her grandson, Mokgwaro on his first day of school at Melpark Primary school in Melville, Johannesburg.

Image: Alaister Russell/The Sunday Times Bernadette Mekgoe shares a light-hearted moment with her grandson, Mokgwaro on his first day of school at Melpark Primary school in Melville, Johannesburg.

Grade ones across the country are taking their fist step in the formal academic system. Some pupils are more excited to venture into their new schools, while others have a harder time.

Our photographers were there to capture the moment, with parents comforting their children, and teachers helping the new pupils settle in on their first day at Melpark Primary school in Melville, Schotche Kloof Primary in Cape Town and Greenside Primary School.

Itumeleng Lesele bids farewell to his son Mickyle Steyn on his first day of school at Melpark Primary school.

Image: Alaister Russell/The Sunday Times Itumeleng Lesele bids farewell to his son Mickyle Steyn on his first day of school at Melpark Primary school.

Mahlatse Maredi fixes a name tag to his son, Boipelo Ramasehla on his first day of school at Melpark Primary school.

Image: Alaister Russell/The Sunday Times Mahlatse Maredi fixes a name tag to his son, Boipelo Ramasehla on his first day of school at Melpark Primary school.

Image: Sebabatso Mosamo/Sunday Times A Grade 1 pupil can't hold back tears on his first day at Greenside Primary School.

Image: Sebabatso Mosamo/Sunday Times Teachers help Grade 1 pupils settle in on their first day of school at Greenside Primary School.

Image: Sebabatso Mosamo/Sunday Times A teacher helps Grade 1 pupils settle in on their first day of school at Greenside Primary School.

Image: ESA ALEXANDER/SUNDAY TIMES A Grade 1 pupil in tears on the first day of school at the Schotche Kloof Primary.

Image: ESA ALEXANDER/SUNDAY TIMES Another Grade 1 pupil could not hold back the tears at Schotche Kloof Primary.