After a six-week break, swimming and playing games, the children in a part of Brabant really have to believe it on Monday: the schools will start again. For example at Het Kompas primary school in Werkendam. “And that’s pretty exciting.”
“Are you excited?” Director David Hulshof opened the new school year with this question. The municipality of Altena (except for the villages of Hank and Dussen) is part of the Central Netherlands region before the school holidays, and schools there started again on Monday morning. With the resounding ‘yes’ that followed, you would almost think that the students are happy that the holiday is over.
But that doesn’t apply to everyone: “Well, it has to be,” says one of the older students. She sees a clear disadvantage. “It’s a shame we had to get up so early again.” Her girlfriend agrees. “But once you get back into the rhythm, you’ll be fine.”
For some kids it’s a lot more exciting. For example, a mother tells that her daughter is allowed for the first time. “She just turned 4.” And that is also an emotional moment for mom and dad. “It is another period that you close. But we still have one and a half sitting at home. It is also nice to now have extra time for that little one.”
“A little rest in the tent, which is nice.”
Other parents can also live with the end of the holiday. “Back to the normal rhythm. A little rest in the tent, also nice. Although you notice today that it is still exciting, you know. New children, new class, new teacher…”
Director David understands that all too well. “Some children go to school for the first time today. They then have to let go of their mother. Sometimes it is difficult, but after an hour it is generally fine.”
Most of the province does not have to think about the textbooks just yet. All schools that fall under the South region will not start again until Monday 5 September.