Lots of smiles... and a few tears

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet Advertiser visited a number of schools in Graaff-Reinet and the Karoo when the first term started on Wednesday 18 January.

The team captured many sweet and some bitter-sweet moments on film. Visit the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser's Facebook, Tiktok and Instagram platforms for many more photos information and videos.

PHOTO GALLERY: Graad 1's staan tou vir eerste dag

Bradley Rawlinson spoke to a few schools to find out how many new learners they expect. Graaff-Reinet Primary principal William Hector said 115 Gr 1 and 90 Gr R learners have enrolled. Brando Daniels of Kroonvale Primary said 103 Gr 1 learners were registered.

At Laer Volkskool, Deon Joubert was expecting 51 Gr 1s. Noleen Fourie said that 90 Gr 1s enrolled at Ryneveld Primary. At Adendorp Primary 20 Gr 1 learners have enrolled.

The new principal of Isibane Primary in Graaff-Reinet, Xoliswa Tono-Nazo, is the first female principal in the history of the school.

Tono-Nazo told Chriszanne Janse van Vuuren that 45 Gr R learners are registered. Tono-Nazo says they are hoping to increase this number as the requirement for an additional teacher is 60 learners, i.e. 30 per class.

Mariette Burger, Union spokesperson, says at Union Preparatory School it was smiles all round. "Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles waved goodbye to their precious ones as they embarked on their 12-year educational journey at the Union Schools in Graaff-Reinet. The first day for these little ones got off to an excellent start, with the learners quickly settling in. We are honoured to welcome our future matric class of 2034 to our Union family,” she said.

Amahle Olifant wasn't very happy on her first day in Gr 1 at Isibane Primary in Graaff-Reinet. Photo: Chriszanne Janse van Vuuren.