Back to school: young learners share their hopes and dreams

A wave of eager six-year-olds, many flashing toothless grins that tell the story of their growing up, returned back to school yesterday.

Some sprinted across the playground to reunite with old friends, excited to share their holiday stories. Others clutch their new notebooks with enthusiasm, eager to dive into homework. Then there are those who wander in at their own pace, content to simply go with the flow and see where the day takes them.

Rae Leigh Rodgers, 6, who wants to be a teacher said she felt great and happy to return back to school to see her friends after the December holidays, while Khwezilomso Tshwete, 6, who wants to be a scientist when he grows up, was excited for a whole other reason.

Khwezilomso said he was looking forward to doing homework and learning maths and history.

Friends from grade R, Hezekia Chadwick, 6, and Cairo Ruiters, 6, were more looking forward to seeing each other.

The boys hugged one another as they stood in their classroom lines, only to learn that with big school comes changes - as they were separated into different classes.

Cairo, who wants to be a doctor one day, kept adjusting his tie to make sure he looks neat, while Hezekia, 6, who wants to be a soccer player like Christiano Ronaldo, directed the rest of the grade ones to stand in a line.

Skyler Theys smiled from ear to ear, while waiting for her name to be called.

The bright eyed girl, who wants to be a paramedic like her grandma one day, chatted away while greeting every learner, who she knew from the previous year.

Mikhai Martin, 6, politely asked his mom not to hold his hands while walking into school.