{"id":78493,"date":"2015-01-15T10:05:00","date_gmt":"2015-01-15T08:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/78493\/smooth-start-to-the-academic-year\/"},"modified":"2015-01-15T12:30:34","modified_gmt":"2015-01-15T10:30:34","slug":"smooth-start-to-the-academic-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2015\/01\/15\/smooth-start-to-the-academic-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Smooth start to the academic year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Not even the wet weather could dampen the spirits of the little Grade Ones as they took their first steps into their formal schooling careers, on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Schools in Germiston were rearing to go and everyone the GCN spoke to said that they had a successful first school day.<\/p><div class=\"stream-item stream-item-in-post stream-item-inline-post aligncenter\"><\/div>\n<p>Excited youngsters couldn\u2019t wait to catch up with their friends and see what the new year had in store for them.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Assumption Convent Grade Ones\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3kXkFMvdcSU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p><div class=\"stream-item stream-item-in-post stream-item-inline-post aligncenter\"><\/div>\n<p>Principal of Primrose Hill Primary School Gail van Vliet, told the GCN that it was business as usual.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEveryone is settled and already working according to their timetable,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are having a lovely day.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eric Roux, the principal of Alston Primary, said that things were running smoothly and that they had a beautiful group of Grade Ones.<\/p>\n<p>The deputy principal from Galway Primary School, Koos Pretorius, told the GCN that although things had been hectic everything was going very well.<\/p>\n<p>After doing thorough preparation last year, the start of the school year ran very smoothly for Germiston South Primary School.<\/p>\n<p>Lanette Fouche, principal of the school, said, \u201cWe have been busy, especially as we have added another Grade R class but I am happy with the way the day has gone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Leonor Ngozi, the principal of Ithembelihle Lsen School, was pleased that all the children were already working from early in the morning and that they had welcomed back so many \u201cold\u201d faces, as well as quite a number of new ones.<\/p>\n<p>Laerskool Die President\u2019s principal Sybrand van Dyk, said that everything had run smoothly and he extends an invitation to Afrikaans speaking families to consider the school as they still have limited space available.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are looking forward to the year and are excited to teach our pupils,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Primrose Hill Grade One speaks\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1BNXbDgxR9w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Marius van Rensburg, the principal at Laerskool Elsburg, said that they had no incidents and the Grade Ones attended orientation on Tuesday to get themselves familiar with the school and to help them feel more at home.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe had a great start this year, I think this was the best year with an enrollment of 154 Grade One pupils,\u201d said Laerskool Elspark\u2019s principal, Fred Gericke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are also excited about the eLearning programme we are currently instituting in all grades.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Chris Kruger, the principal of Laerskool Oosterkruin, was also looking forward to the new year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe day was super with no hiccups,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Acting principal of Primrose Primary Rosemary Maluleke, told the GCN that the day had gone \u201csuper well\u201d and everyone was working by 8.30am.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere were lots of excited Grade Ones, and one or two that were in tears but they soon stopped crying,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Les O\u2019Neil from Wychwood Primary said that they had had no tears, no problems and everyone was working well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe first day of school went well. We had an enrollment of 140 Grade One pupils. It was interesting to see that this time around, the parents were crying while the children were laughing and smiling,\u201d said Laerskool Delville\u2019s head of department and Grade One teacher, Louise van Vuuren.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have big plans for the year. We always try and have a theme each year and this year our theme is to try and get involved in reading.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReading is a big problem, and we want to start a programme that will get our children reading as much as possible,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p>Dinwiddie Primary\u2019s principal Gail du Preez, told the GCN that everything was going well and the children were settling in nicely.<\/p>\n<p>According to Anette van Coller, the head of department for the foundation phase and Grade One teacher at Laerskool Elandia, the first day of school was perfect.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo child was crying today,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe had a Grade One orientation day where the children were divided into and sent to their different classes. They were introduced to their teachers and each other, so the children came in and knew exactly where to go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Assumption Convent\u2019s marketing manager, Marinella Sousa, said, \u201cThe first day of school went very well. The new Grade One girls settled in easily and the one or two tears were quickly replaced by big smiles.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Carmel Calore, the marketing manager for St Catherine\u2019s School, said that the school was well prepared and that the parents and their children had come in last year to get them ready and acquainted with the school.<\/p>\n<p>The School of Achievement was running as normal.<\/p>\n<p>Tinus du Preez, the principal, told the GCN that everyone was there and all were working well.<\/p>\n<p>Afrikaanse Ho\u00ebrskool Germiston\u2019s principal Retha du Toit, said, \u201cThings are very good. Everyone is in class and we have had no problems.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Michael Roux, the acting principal of Ho\u00ebrskool Elspark told the GCN that the day had been excellent with no issues.<\/p>\n<p>Moeketsie Kolokoto, the principal of Dawnview High School, echoed these sentiments and said that they had started the year well.<\/p>\n<p>Germiston High School was also up-and-running smoothly with only one or two admission issues.<\/p>\n<p>Principal Andr\u00e9 Beukes told the GCN that all their planning had been done last year and everything ran smoothly.<\/p>\n<p>Ho\u00ebrskool Goudrif\u2019s principal Marius Mills, said that they had also had a smooth start to the new year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEveryone is in class working and we are on the go now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-78493 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/assumption-convent-welcomes-its-grade-ones\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsassumh_624816556\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_624816556-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_624816556-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_624816556-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_624816556.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78514'>\n\t\t\t\tGrade One pupil at Assumption Convent take time out of their busy first day on Wednesday to have a snack. From left, are: Ria Billimoria, Daniela Buffa Pace, Tatiana Azevedo, Nectaria Pouroullis and Chidera Ngwu. All the girls are six-years-old.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/assumption-convent-welcomes-its-grade-ones\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsassumh_540895584\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_540895584-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_540895584-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_540895584-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_540895584.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78513'>\n\t\t\t\tAssumption Convent Grade Ones Anna-Beth Gorst (6, left) and Lerato Magooa (6) show off their colouring-in skills.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/assumption-convent-welcomes-its-grade-ones\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsassumh_566742433\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_566742433-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_566742433-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_566742433-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_566742433.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78511'>\n\t\t\t\tTina Toi, a Grade One teacher at Assumption Convent, and two of her pupils, Araviana Lamothe (6, left) and Tiffany Rogerson (6) take a break on their first day of Grade One, on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/assumption-convent-welcomes-its-grade-ones\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsassumh_594650412\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_594650412-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_594650412-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_594650412-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_594650412.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78512'>\n\t\t\t\tAssumption Convent was thrilled to welcome six-year-old twins Kaylin (left) and Morgan Hutton to Grade One. The twins were excited to start \u201cbig school\u201d.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/assumption-convent-welcomes-its-grade-ones\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsassumh_591302673\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_591302673-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_591302673-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_591302673-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSASSUMH_591302673.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78510'>\n\t\t\t\tJanet Brown (back) and her Grade One class at Assumption Convent couldn\u2019t wait to start learning on the first day of \u201cbig school\u201d on Wednesday.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/grade-ones-excited-to-tackle-the-yearor-grade-ones-start-their-school-careers\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsprimmh_570856162\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_570856162-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_570856162-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_570856162-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_570856162.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78507'>\n\t\t\t\tBeena Ramkelewan (back) and her Grade One class from Primrose Hill Primary, were already hard at work on Wednesday, during on the children\u2019s first day of school.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/grade-ones-excited-to-tackle-the-yearor-grade-ones-start-their-school-careers\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsprimmh_584326199\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_584326199-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_584326199-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_584326199-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_584326199.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78508'>\n\t\t\t\tPrimrose Hill Primary Grade One pupils Zwivhuya Mudau (7, left), Wandile Mapasa (6) and Chinonyerem Obioha (5) take some time to look at their reading books.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/grade-ones-excited-to-tackle-the-yearor-grade-ones-start-their-school-careers\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsprimmh_553396276\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_553396276-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_553396276-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_553396276-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_553396276.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78506'>\n\t\t\t\tGrade One pupils Neo Tshabalala (6, left) and Olwethu Mtetwa (6) from Primrose Hill Primary School, were thrilled to be at \u201cbig school\u201d, and had already made friends.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/grade-ones-excited-to-tackle-the-yearor-grade-ones-start-their-school-careers\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsprimmh_538594249\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_538594249-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_538594249-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_538594249-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_538594249.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78505'>\n\t\t\t\tThe Grade Ones and their teacher Angie Bar (back) from Primrose Hill Primary School, couldn\u2019t wait to start learning. They were very happy to be at school on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/grade-ones-excited-to-tackle-the-yearor-grade-ones-start-their-school-careers\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsprimmh_634429518\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_634429518-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_634429518-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_634429518-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_634429518.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78503'>\n\t\t\t\tBagavathi Perumal (back) and her Grade One class from Primrose Hill Primary School, were excited to start learning on Wednesday, during the pupils first day of \u201cbig school\u201d.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/grade-ones-excited-to-tackle-the-yearor-grade-ones-start-their-school-careers\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsprimmh_613972175\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_613972175-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_613972175-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_613972175-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSPRIMMH_613972175.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78504'>\n\t\t\t\tChumani Bungane (6, left) and Tlhalefo Konyana (6) from Primrose Primary School were ready to start their first year of school, on Wednesday.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_605157815\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_605157815-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_605157815-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_605157815-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_605157815.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78549'>\n\t\t\t\tZelda Fanoe\u2019s Grade One class hold their pencils up high to show their readiness for their first year at Laerskool Elspark.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_548506713\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_548506713-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_548506713-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_548506713-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_548506713.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78548'>\n\t\t\t\tAngelique van der Walt\u2019s Grade One class shows off their first coloured-in pictures as Grade One pupils at Laerskool Delville.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_553936075\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_553936075-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_553936075-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_553936075-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_553936075.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78546'>\n\t\t\t\tGrade One pupils at Laerskool Elandia show off their colourful work. They are seen with their teachers, Zena Teixeira (student teacher, left) and Anette van Coller who is also the school\u2019s H.O.D in the foundation phase.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_544449187\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_544449187-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_544449187-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_544449187-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_544449187.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78545'>\n\t\t\t\tTiaan, Carla and Elsj\u00e8 Muller are Laerskool Elspark\u2019s Grade R triplets. The trio were very excited to start school.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_538976210\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_538976210-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_538976210-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_538976210-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_538976210.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78544'>\n\t\t\t\tLaerskool Elspark\u2019s chairman of the governing body Jacques Groenewald (left) and the principal, Fred Gericke, are excited to get started with the school&#8217;s eLearning programme this year.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_539254004\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_539254004-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_539254004-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_539254004-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_539254004.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78547'>\n\t\t\t\tLaerskool Elspark\u2019s Renette Devenier has already started introducing eLearning to her Grade One pupils.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_606667696\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_606667696-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_606667696-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_606667696-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_606667696.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78539'>\n\t\t\t\tLaerskool Elspark Grade One pupils in Maryke Geldenhuis\u2019s class show no fear of starting big school.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_546979278\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_546979278-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_546979278-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_546979278-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_546979278.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78542'>\n\t\t\t\tDamien (left) and Danica Erasmus were among the Grade One twins at Laerskool Elspark.\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_622370213\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_622370213-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_622370213-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_622370213-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_622370213.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78541'>\n\t\t\t\tShinese (left) and Jaendre Bianchina are a pair of Grade One twins who were thrilled to start school together at Laerskool Elspark.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_643840458\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_643840458-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_643840458-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_643840458-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_643840458.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78540'>\n\t\t\t\tEste (left) and Carli van Rooyen are another pair of twins who were excited to start school at Laerskool Elspark.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/local-schools-enjoy-a-great-first-day\/attachment\/03gcnschoolsbackps_599563665\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_599563665-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_599563665-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_599563665-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSBACKPS_599563665.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78543'>\n\t\t\t\tLaerskool Delville\u2019s Grade One pupils in Louise van Vuuren\u2019s class. They were not only excited to start class, but had already made friends.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/dinwiddie-primary-school-welcomes-their-new-students\/attachment\/03gcnschooldinwlh_597678228\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_597678228-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_597678228-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_597678228-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_597678228.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78556'>\n\t\t\t\tDinwiddie Primary School opened its doors to a new batch of Grade One\u2019s on Wednesday. Ashley Zimunya (left) and Mbuyi Tshangala were two of the new additions to Vanessa Potgieter\u2019s class. The boys were nervous but excited to get the year started.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/dinwiddie-primary-school-welcomes-their-new-students\/attachment\/03gcnschooldinwlh_630263311\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_630263311-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_630263311-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_630263311-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_630263311.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78554'>\n\t\t\t\tKnethiwe Dlamini (left) and Chesta Jain were two of the new faces in Teresa Pestana&#8217;s Grade One class on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/dinwiddie-primary-school-welcomes-their-new-students\/attachment\/03gcnschooldinwlh_640012529\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_640012529-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_640012529-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_640012529-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_640012529.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78553'>\n\t\t\t\tTsholofelo Mokoena and Aaron Moodley smile for the camera on their first day as Grade One students.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/dinwiddie-primary-school-welcomes-their-new-students\/attachment\/03gcnschooldinwlh_583296062\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_583296062-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_583296062-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_583296062-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_583296062.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78555'>\n\t\t\t\tCharmaine Brookes welcomed her new Grade One class to Dinwiddie Primary School on Wednesday. Among the new faces were Tiara Mundy (left) and Katlego Mvumbi, who were excited for their first day.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/dinwiddie-primary-school-welcomes-their-new-students\/attachment\/03gcnschooldinwlh_604089858\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_604089858-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_604089858-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_604089858-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_604089858.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78552'>\n\t\t\t\tWhile Praise Chisuko (left) gives a sure smile on her first day of Grade One, Tanveer Gewanlal was a bit nervous. The two started their school career at Dinwiddie Primary School on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/dinwiddie-primary-school-welcomes-their-new-students\/attachment\/03gcnschooldinwlh_634213474\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_634213474-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_634213474-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_634213474-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLDINWLH_634213474.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78551'>\n\t\t\t\tNtokozo Tshabalala (left) and Hayden Theron show off their cheeky smiles. The two joined Genna Evello\u2019s Grade One class on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/new-faces-at-st-catherines\/attachment\/03gcnschoolscathlh_573113630\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_573113630-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_573113630-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_573113630-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_573113630.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78536'>\n\t\t\t\tRifumo Mongwe (left) and Bonolo Luthuli were two of the Grade One\u2019s to join Nicky du Preez\u2019s class. The two were excited to get their school career started.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/new-faces-at-st-catherines\/attachment\/03gcnschoolscathlh_644816767\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_644816767-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_644816767-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_644816767-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_644816767.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78537'>\n\t\t\t\tLethabo Mlaba (left) and Olwethy Madhlala smile shyly on their first day of Grade One. The two were among the excited students to begin their school career at St Catherine\u2019s Primary School.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/new-faces-at-st-catherines\/attachment\/03gcnschoolscathlh_574862754\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_574862754-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_574862754-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_574862754-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_574862754.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78535'>\n\t\t\t\tMmatema Segooa (left) and Chole Spolander took a moment to strike a pose on the first day of school. The two started Grade One at St Catherine\u2019s Primary School on Wednesday, and were eager to get their stationery organised.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/new-faces-at-st-catherines\/attachment\/03gcnschoolscathlh_636886485\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_636886485-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_636886485-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_636886485-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_636886485.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78532'>\n\t\t\t\tYoung Prisha Naina gets stuck into her first colouring activity as a Grade One. The shy Naina was one of the new faces at St Catherine\u2019s Primary School, on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/new-faces-at-st-catherines\/attachment\/03gcnschoolscathlh_613095627\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_613095627-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_613095627-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_613095627-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_613095627.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78534'>\n\t\t\t\tIzabella Rodliques and Cameron Davids were two of the bright new faces to join St Catherine\u2019s Primary School on Wednesday.  The two were excited to be going to big school.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/image-gallery\/school-news\/2015\/01\/15\/new-faces-at-st-catherines\/attachment\/03gcnschoolscathlh_625172705\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_625172705-200x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-78533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_625172705-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_625172705-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2015\/01\/03GCNSCHOOLSCATHLH_625172705.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-78533'>\n\t\t\t\tKelehohile Nxumalo smiles proudly at her desk. Nxumalo began her school career at St Catherine\u2019s Primary School, on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/p><div class=\"stream-item stream-item-below-post-content\">\n<div class='tenancy_slot tenancy_slot_1 jannah_ad' style='display: none;' data-query-id='abca11ec5709eb6e3e96a441926da3cf'><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Back to school for Germiston\u2019s children.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1848,"featured_media":78512,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"hasGravity":false,"cxt_article_byline":"Melissa Hart","cxt_disable_google_ads":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,8516],"tags":[6283,2568,979,969,6209,6282,2734,1074],"class_list":["post-78493","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-headlines","category-local-school-news","tag-academic-year","tag-back-to-school","tag-germiston","tag-germiston-city-news","tag-germiston-schools","tag-grade-ones","tag-melissa-hart","tag-schools"],"amp_enabled":true,"category_labels":{"Category":"News","SubCategory":"Schools"},"tag_labels":["academic year","back to school","germiston","germiston city news","germiston schools","grade ones","melissa hart","schools"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1848"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78493"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78493\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}