Despite learners of at least two Northern Cape schools not being able to return to the classroom during the reopening of schools on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the provincial Department of Education has indicated that the academic year started on a smooth note.
DESPITE learners at two Northern Cape schools not being able to return to the classroom during the reopening of schools on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the provincial Department of Education has indicated that the academic year started on a smooth note.
Department spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, said the opening of the New Petrusville Primary School was delayed to ensure all measures were in place.
“The department is aware of the situation at the new Petrusville Primary which is currently under construction where the department is replacing the asbestos school building. The department has decided to open the school on Monday, January 22, due to the exposure of asbestos which poses a health risk to educators, support staff and learners.
“The delay is intermittent to the rainfall over the past few weeks in the area. The contractor assured the department that the school will be safe for occupation by the end of this week. The school, together with the district office will institute a curriculum recovery plan for the three days lost,” said Van der Merwe.
He said learners at the Topline Intermediate School also missed the first day of school after community members were unhappy over learner transport.
“Parents in the area closed the school due to the distance the school is situated from the community. Parents are demanding a new school to be constructed in the community, or for the department to consider to provide transport.
“The department has tasked the district office to engage with the community to explore the possibility of providing transport to learners. The department hopes to resolve this matter soon,” he said.
Van der Merwe added that the department will conduct a survey to establish any other teething-problems at their schools.
“The department will conduct a 10-day snap survey which will identify shortcomings and challenges schools might be confronted with. These include additional school furniture, additional educators and additional Teaching and Learning Support Material.
“The district officials are busy conducting a headcount of learners per classroom per Grade to determine the availability of space at schools, particularly in the Frances Baard District,” he said.
“No major disruptions were reported in the Province. Members of the Executive Council of the Northern Cape Provincial Government, Members of the Provincial Legislature and Members of Parliament visited schools in all five districts to monitor the opening of schools.
“The department will continue to monitor and assess the first 10 days of schooling and intervene immediately in matters where learning and teaching are affected,” Van der Merwe concluded.
