New beginnings: children embark on their 12 year school journey

Eager little faces lined up in a neat row, each child clutching a bag that seemed almost too big for their small frames.

Some wore bright, toothy smiles, their excitement bubbling over, waving goodbye to their teary parents, while others stood quietly, their lips pressed into nervous grins, and eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.

It was a big day—Grade R, the start of a journey that would shape their schooling careers.

Naya Goliath, 5, was excited to walk into her new classroom at big school.

Naya even asked her mom to leave, leaving mommy feeling more emotional than the first-timer.

“She wanted to know why my eyes were wet and said the children were supposed to cry and not mommies,” her mom Lezaan commented.

Keara Jessica Heneke, was just as excited and could hardly wait to leave her house to go to school.

The five-year-old already knows that she has to work hard in school to become a teacher one day.

Her mom Constance Heneke said her little girl was more worried about her looks than anything else.

“She wanted to know if her hair is right…that was it, that was her only concern.”

Lemiah Cox, 5, didn't flinch one bit and walked into the classroom with her head held high.

Her father Lance Cox, said it's more likely his heart melted with every step she took forward.

“She is my only girl, so watching her walk her first steps into big school was really a moment.”

Zion Gelderbloem, 5, could only express how excited and great he was feeling but couldn't say any more words.

Jeriah-Jade Smith, 5, was up bright and early for his first day of school and also couldnt wait to make new friends.

However when he came to school, Jeriah-Jade looked a bit sad to say goodbye, but soon smiled again realising that he liked his teacher alot.

Jorja Jacobs, 5, predicted that her mommy would be the one crying.

“I am excited for school and I’m not going to cry but mommy is. I’m excited to make new friends.”

Nova Meyer like all the other new little faces, was scared but very excited to start school.