School’s back... and it’s emotional

The first day back at school was set to be a busy and emotional morning in the Jones household.

First stop for mother-of-three Jamée Jones was Somerset Primary to drop her nine-year-old daughter, Najah-Rae, as she began her last year at the school.

Next it was off to Sandy’s Middle School to take her 11-year-old daughter, Téja, for her first day at ‘big school’.

And then she rushed back to Somerset Primary again in time for Najah-Rae’s first assembly of the school year.

It doesn’t stop there either, because on Monday Ms Jones will be taking her youngest daughter, LaShée, for her first day at pre-school.

Mrs Jones told the Sun: “I always get a bit emotional when my girls start at a new school.

“I had tears in my eyes when I was doing the shopping to make sure they had everything they needed for the beginning of term.

“It makes me feel a bit old and reminds me that my babies are all growing up so fast.”

But it seems the girls take it all in their stride.

Téja is more excited about wearing her new black Docksiders for the first time than worried about starting at secondary school.

She said: “My new uniform is really breezy, it feels really nice. And I love my new shoes.

“I feel really excited about my new school because I get to meet new friends and experience a different atmosphere.

“I’m a little nervous I guess, but I know some children who will be starting at Sandy’s with me so that helps.”

For Mrs Jones, like many parents across the island, the start of term is the culmination of weeks of preparation.

She said: “We have had to get all new uniform for Téja.

“It’s a big adjustment for her and as parents we obviously want to make sure she is prepared for the next stage of her schooling.

“It’s an adjustment for me too and I try and get myself mentally prepared for it. She is very excited about starting big school and we have been very fortunate this year too as her godmother in America sent over all her school supplies like pens and pencils.”