Tiny backpacks, uncertain glances, and parents holding on just a little longer than usual marked the beginning of a new journey at Apeejay School, Noida, as its youngest learners stepped into school for the very first time.
The three-day orientation programme, held from March 23 to March 25 between 8:30 AM and 9:50 AM, introduced students of Balvatika 1 (Nursery) and Balvatika 2 (LKG) to their new environment. With regular classes set to begin from April 1, these sessions serve as a gentle transition from home to school.
A Warm and Colourful Welcome
The school ensured that the first day felt inviting rather than overwhelming. A vibrant selfie point at the entrance welcomed families, quickly becoming a popular spot for capturing this important milestone. Bright and cheerful decorations added to the atmosphere, making the campus feel lively and reassuring.
This year, the school welcomed 19 new admissions each in Balvatika 1A, Balvatika 1B, and Balvatika 1C, along with 12 in Balvatika 2A and 10 in Balvatika 2B, each child stepping in with their own mix of excitement and hesitation.
A Structured and Reassuring Start
The process began smoothly outside the pre-primary and primary block, where parents completed registration by getting their child’s name ticked at designated desks. From there, families moved towards the reception area, where they met teachers for the first time.
Soon after, the children were gently guided into their classrooms, often the first moment of separation for many. Inside, teachers had thoughtfully prepared activities to make children feel at ease. Rhymes played on smart classes, and beautifully decorated rooms created a cheerful, engaging environment that helped soften the transition.
A Morning of Mixed Emotions
The first day naturally brought a range of emotions. Some children walked in curiously, taking in their surroundings, while others found it difficult to separate from their parents.
“I am very nervous, but also excited. I keep looking at her whether she is crying or not and I am keeping a tab on her. I hope she is settling down,” shared the mother of Nandini Gupta from Balvatika 2A.
For some parents, the moment was especially emotional. “My heart sank when I saw him crying. But I am sure he will be okay,” said the mother of Pratham Veer from Balvatika 1A, who also expressed her hope that her child would learn in a happy, pressure-free environment.
Learning Through Play
A key highlight of the day was the sports activities conducted by Sportsguru in the multipurpose hall. As the session progressed, children slowly began to engage, turning initial hesitation into movement and participation.
Parents stood at a distance, trying to locate their children and capture these early moments on their phones, quietly observing how they were adjusting.
To make the experience memorable, children were given small takeaways including whiteboard slates, puzzle maps, juice, and biscuits as parting gifts on the first day.
Parents Learning to Let Go
For parents, the orientation was just as significant as it was for children. While some chose to stay on campus throughout the session, others dropped their children and returned home, placing their trust in the school.
“It is a mixed feeling. Obviously excited, but seeing your three-year-old go to school independently is also a bit nerve-wracking,” shared father of Adhrit Vats from Balvatika 1C, whose child had a smooth start to the day.
Even for children with prior play school experience, the transition came with its own challenges. “He cried a bit, as we expected. Now the teachers are saying that he is settling, so we are relieved. This is a new experience for us also,” said the parents of Amay from Balvatika 1A.
A System Focused on Safety and Comfort
Alongside emotional support, the school placed strong emphasis on safety and organisation. Dispersal was conducted in a structured manner, with students released class-wise. Each child was handed over only after the parent signed a register, ensuring a secure process.
For parents who had opted for school transport, additional reassurance was provided. They were invited to stand near the buses, watch their child board, and even follow the bus if needed. In cases where parents were delayed, the school reached out to them directly.
These measures helped build confidence among parents navigating this new phase.
Building Trust from Day One
The approach to the day was rooted in warmth and reassurance. “We just need to give them a warm welcome, a smiling face, and a trust factor that eases the anxiety. Making them feel at home helps everything settle easily,” said Ms Kavita Luthra, Incharge of Foundational Years.
Adding another dimension to the experience was a Scholastic book fair, where parents could explore and purchase books for their children, encouraging early reading habits.
A Milestone Worth Remembering
Principal Dr Neha Sharma described the day as a quiet but powerful turning point. “It’s a milestone day in the life of a child,” she said, reflecting on the mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with stepping into school for the first time.
She pointed out that while the initial days may be filled with hesitation and separation anxiety, the shift happens sooner than expected. “There comes a day when the parent is saying bye, and the child is not even looking back because they are so excited to meet their school friends and teachers,” she added, capturing the moment when unfamiliar spaces begin to feel like a second home.
Calling it “a very beautiful phase of life,” she noted that these early memories, often marked by a few tears and many photographs, stay with families long after the child has grown.
The Beginning of a New Journey
As the session came to a close, the atmosphere had begun to shift. While a few tears remained, many children had started to explore their surroundings and respond to new experiences.
The orientation may last only a few days, but it marks the beginning of something much larger. It is the start of friendships, routines, and memories that will stay with these children for years to come.
And one day, when they look back at photographs from this very first day, it will remind them of where it all began.