If there’s one thing I have learned about parenting, it’s that nothing truly prepares you for the emotions of a new school year — especially when your baby is starting Grade 1.
One minute you are excited, planning lunches and checking uniforms, and the next minute you are swallowing tears at the gate like you’re the one being dropped off.
Yoh. Parenting is not for the weak, and yesterday morning reminded me of that in the most dramatic, heartfelt way possible.
Olivia has been counting down the days like it was Christmas all over again. Throughout the festive season she was hella excited — talking about her uniform, her new class, and how she is now officially a “big girl.” The confidence was loud. The excitement was real.
The vibes were giving “2026 is my year.” And as her mother, I was fully convinced we were going to walk into Sterkspruit Christian Private School like two celebrities arriving at an award ceremony. I truly believed this would be one of those smooth, cute, picture-perfect mornings.
But the moment we arrived at Sterkspruit Christian Private School yesterday morning, everything changed. One minute my daughter was holding my hand calmly, the next minute she started crying like she had just been told the world is ending. The tears came out of nowhere and they were not the soft, polite tears.
They were the real “Mommy please don’t leave me” tears that grab your heart by the throat and squeeze. I stood there trying to comfort her, trying to be strong, trying to speak with confidence, while my own emotions were doing their own thing inside my chest.
I held her little hand and walked her to Grade 1A, reminding her that she is brave, she is loved, and she is safe. But let me be honest — I also wanted to cry. I had to gather every piece of strength inside me just to hold it together. I was telling Olivia, “You’re okay my love, you’re going to have so much fun,” while my spirit was silently praying, “Lord, please carry us both.”
That moment of leaving your child in a new space, especially when they are crying, is the kind of pain you don’t expect until you live it.
And then, as if God knew we both needed a break from the emotional chaos, Olivia saw some of her old classmates from Bethel Kiddy’s College. Yoh! The way she calmed down a little bit after seeing familiar faces. And I won’t lie — I also calmed down too. Suddenly it wasn’t just a new class, it wasn’t just a new beginning, it became something that felt a bit more familiar, a bit more possible.
Children are so interesting. They can cry like their hearts are breaking, and then two minutes later they are okay because they saw a friend. That small moment of comfort made a big difference for both of us.
I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt shout out to Sterkspruit Christian Private School. From the very beginning, we have felt welcomed and guided. The application process alone can humble any parent, especially if you are trying to do everything right and you don’t want to miss one form, one signature, or one detail.
But the staff here have been so warm and supportive, and I truly appreciate that. The reception team has been amazing, patient, and reassuring, especially on days when you are nervous but trying to act like you have everything under control.
A very special thank you to Onke, the lovely receptionist who has been helping us through the process with such kindness and calmness. Your guidance made things easier and lighter, and it honestly felt like walking into a school that cares about families, not just paperwork.
And a big shout out to Warona, one of the students who was so kind and welcoming, walking us to the classes and making both me and Olivia feel supported. Those small acts of kindness matter so much, especially on a day where emotions are high and your heart is doing things you can’t even explain.
I also want to salute the teacher we met and the rest of the staff who were so friendly and professional. There is something powerful about being in an environment where everyone seems to know that this is not just “a school day,” but a big moment in a child’s life.
Even the way the school is run, the way things are organised, the way you can feel structure and excellence in the atmosphere — it gives you confidence as a parent. It makes you feel like, “Okay, my child is in good hands.”
And can we please talk about the pride we feel as parents in Sterkspruit? Sterkspruit Christian Private School has an excellent academic record, and seeing their 100% matric results recently is something the whole community should be proud of.
Not everyone can say their local school is producing excellence like that. It shows discipline, strong leadership, commitment, and a culture of success. So yes — we are proud. We are grateful. And we are excited that our children get to be part of an institution that clearly takes education seriously.
As for Olivia… please. My daughter is going to be famous at that school. If she is not already the main character, give her a week. She will be the one greeting teachers, making friends, and convincing the whole Grade 1A class that she runs the place. Because that’s Olivia — big personality, big heart, and big confidence… even if the tears tried to steal the show yesterday morning. The truth is, she is brave. And I am proud of her for facing something new, even while scared.
To every parent who had to walk away while their child cried, please know you are not alone. You did it. You are strong. Even if your chest felt heavy and your eyes almost betrayed you, you did it.
Parenting is love, and love sometimes looks like leaving your child in a classroom while your heart remains behind for a few minutes. But we keep going, because we believe in the future we are building for them.
Here’s to the new school year. Here’s to growth. Here’s to excellence. Here’s to children becoming who they are meant to be. And here’s to Sterkspruit Christian Private School — thank you for welcoming our babies and giving them an environment where they can shine.
All the best for the rest of 2026. Grade 1 has officially met Olivia, and I promise you… it will never be the same. 💛🎒✨
