First day of school kicks off in KZN
KZN pupils are heading back to the classroom today. While thousands will be returning to their seats - many others will be starting school for the first time.
A Grade 1 teacher says the key to helping first-time pupils through their first day of primary school without tears is to keep them occupied.
Nirvana Nankoomar, who has been teaching for 22 years, says her 45 new Grade 1 pupils were allowed to come to school to settle in, yesterday.
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A teacher at Jai Hind Primary in Port Shepstone, Nankomar says the teacher's role is as important as that of a parent.
"When a little one comes to school for the first time - you become that child's mother. You become the parent. If it means me wiping her nose and giving her a hug - you have to make the child be at ease so that they understand that they're in a safe environment and their parents are coming back to them. It's about keeping them busy and keeping their minds occupied and you shouldn't have any tears," she said.
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Teacher Bhekithemba Dlamini from Bechet High School in Sydenham, has urged parents whose children are entering high school for the first time - to be prepared for a challenging year.
"We've had a good 2016 with a great matric result of 93%. Again, this year we're hoping to top that - we wish the best for our students this year. We hope for a great 2017," he said.