Pretoria - The first day of school got off to a good start in most schools in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria.
When BuaNews arrived at Thohoyandou Primary School shortly after 8am, learners were at the assembly with school principal Mpelewane Rosina Seima-Matsapola welcoming them.
"As usual learning and teaching will start today. There are measures in place to ensure teaching and learning is not affected by late registration. We've already drafted our 2010 time table," she said.
Yesterday morning the school, which scooped the provincial Segarona (drama, arts and culture) best school award last year, had already admitted 60 Grade 1 learners and 35 Grade R learners. Many more parents were still queuing to register their children.
At the Esikhisini Primary School learners were already seated in their allocated classes before 8am. However, there were still many parents queuing to register their children at the administration block.
School principal Maud Sybil Langa said she was disappointed that some parents left registration to the first day of school.
"These late registrations have a negative impact on our planning and preparations. We have already sorted out stationery and text books, compiled class lists and time tables, so with the late registrations, it means we have to do it once again," she said.
At the Edward Phathudi Comprehensive High School learners were excited to get started with their new academic year.
School principal Mike Masango said after welcoming the new learners and briefing them about the code of conduct, learners were allocated their respective classes.
He said learners had already been given stationery and textbooks so that learning could start immediately.
However, at the Flavius Mareka High School - a no fee school - the day got off to a slow start. School principal Mogole Mphahlele said classes were delayed while tables and chairs were still being set up.
"Crime is high in this area, so every year when we close, we lock all the chairs and tables in our storeroom. I am hopeful that we will start teaching at 10am," he said.
