Gone are the years of snot and tears as 2026 welcomes a very eager and excited cohort of Grade R and Grade 1 learners into the new school year across the Western Cape.

Classrooms were filled with nervous smiles, tiny school uniforms and proud, often emotional  parents on Wednesday morning as thousands of children officially began their “big school” journeys.

This year marks a major milestone for families across the province, with 73 000 Grade R learners and 102 000 Grade 1 pupils starting school for the first time. A further 97 000 Grade 8 learners are also stepping into a new chapter as they begin high school a critical stage in their journey towards further studies and future careers.

In total, around 1.2 million learners will attend public schools in the Western Cape during the 2026 academic year.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde welcomed learners back, saying the province stood firmly behind them as they embark on the year ahead.

“We wish all Western Cape learners well as they kick off the new school year. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we will overcome them together. We will be behind you every step of your education journey,” Winde said.

He added that schools play a vital role in shaping South Africa’s future workforce.

“These young people will go on to be South Africa’s doctors, traffic police, retail professionals, technicians, tradespeople, accountants, farmers, engineers and businesspeople. School is a critical first step towards independence, and we are delighted to see the future in such good hands.”

The Premier also paid tribute to educators and school staff.

“To our teachers and school staff, you are the backbone of the education system. Your hard work, dedication and sacrifice never goes unnoticed. Thank you for all you do in preparing young people for their careers and ensuring they are adequately equipped to become active participants in our economy.”

For five-year-old Gemma Atties, her first day of big school was filled with excitement and creativity. She said she felt good and couldn’t wait to start learning, painting and playing with play dough.

Her favourite part of big school, she said, was finally wearing her school uniform and being in a big class with lots of friends “to have fun with and learn together”. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Gemma confidently replied: “A painting artist.”

For her mom Gillian Atties, the moment was overwhelming.

“I felt so overjoyed that my tears started rolling. All I could think about was how time has flown – five years and my baby girl is finally in big school. I’m so excited for her future and know she will make her daddy and me proud,” she said, adding with a laugh that she might have been the first mommy to cry.

Rome Jones also stepped into Grade R with excitement. He said he feels great about going to big school and already dreams of becoming a policeman mostly because he loves the uniform.

He said he is looking forward to learning and playing at the park.

Rome’s mom Vicki said she had been preparing both herself and her son for the transition since early last year.

“It’s a huge milestone. Rome has an older brother at the same school, which has really helped with the anxiety and emotions that come with starting big school. I wanted him to celebrate himself instead of being afraid of this next chapter,” she said.

While she managed to keep it together on the first day, she admitted she had already shed tears at his crèche graduation.

For Jalil Jacobs, there were no tears at the school gate. Excited and confident, he announced that he wants to be a firefighter and was so eager to start that he didn’t even want a goodbye kiss.

“Time really flies. My child is growing up too fast,” his mommy Jody Jacobs said.

Meanwhile, Morgan Hendrikse couldn’t wait to start her first day of big school, already preparing for the day she becomes a teacher herself. Her father, Patrick Hendrikse, described her as the centre of his world.

“She is the love of my life. I never knew I could love a small human like this. She is my youngest, my last dew drop, and she rules my world,” he said.

Laiken Che Isaacs also dreams of becoming a teacher. She said it feels nice to go to school.

Liam Maart also began his big school journey feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. He said he is happy to be going to school and learning new things, and hopes to become a firefighter one day.

“I felt so proud and emotional watching my baby walk into big school,” his parent said. “My heart felt full seeing how fast he’s growing. We’re excited for the journey ahead.”

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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