Belizean students return to school
The calendar says that the official end of summer will not come for several weeks, but today thousands of Belizean families bid farewell to the two months of relative relaxation as children made their way back to classrooms across the country. News Five’s Jose Sanchez put aside his fears and put on his newly pressed uniform to join in the annual rite of passage.
Jose Sanchez
There are many firsts in life, first date, first kiss. Perhaps you remember the first time you rode a bicycle or wore long pants. But do you recall your first day at school? Whether it was good or bad, today we visited some Belize City schools and captured the memorable first day with our camera.
The first timers at Holy Redeemer School had it easy. They were on an adventure, some sported new clothes, and bags. Not only did they have a bunch of new friends all around them, some of them even had mommies standing on the sidelines. The mommies were too shy to speak to us, but their children were not.
Child #1
“Daedra”
Jose Sanchez
“Today is your first day?”
Child #1
“Yes sir.”
Jose Sanchez
“Do you like it?”
Child #1
“Yes sir.”
Jose Sanchez
“What do you want to do today, learn?”
Child #1
“Yes sir.”
Jose Sanchez
“What do you want to learn?”
Child #1
“I want to learn my abc’s and homework.”
Child #2
“Amber Flowers.”
Jose Sanchez
“Do you miss your cartoons?”
(Shakes head yes)
Jose Sanchez
“What do you want to do today?”
Child #2
“Learn.”
While things were going smoothly at Holy Redeemer Primary School, the pre-schools were another story. Though they are probably hoping this day was just a bad dream, September 4th is definitely one day some children can’t wait to forget.
(Children crying)
Some of these kids will have a serious talk with mommy and daddy when they get home. For others the first day of school was chance to let off some intellectual steam.
Jose Sanchez
“Do you miss your cartoons?”
Child #3
“Yea.”
Jose Sanchez
“Which cartoons do you like to watch?”
Child #3
“I like bugs bunny. He likes carrots. He says “What’s up doc?”
Jose Sanchez
“You like carrots too?”
Child #3
“Yea, I like to eat them.”
Jose Sanchez
“What do you want to do today?”
Child #4
“(talks incomprehensively)…playing computers you know.”
We wish the teachers good luck. At some point in the day things will calm down a little, but only for a while. It turns out that the worst day is usually the second because many children never realize that they might have to go back.
Reporting for News Five, I am Jose Sanchez
Pre-school teachers report that it sometimes can take as long as a month for newly enrolled children to settle into the educational rhythm.
