At the start to the academic year at Diversity High School on January 1 the principal, Moffat View SAPS and CPF outlined their programme for the year.
The Adopt-A-Cop initiative that assists schools and their school safety forums and the SAPS/CPF School Safety Team were introduced. The programme enhances participation at schools and supports children in building resilience against crime.
Principal Tsekiso Motlengoa said learners need to concentrate on the task at hand, which is their academic duties and forget about other things including drugs and dangerous weapons. He said management would guide the learners throughout the year.
“Discipline starts today, on the first day of school. I know some of your friends are not here, as they are still on holiday. They forget that when we deal with past arrangements or some of the criteria, we also check late coming and absenteeism. It is not only your marks that make you pass to the next level. We consider everything and start counting from today. When you come with an appeal, we start with absenteeism and if it is more than 20 days, we won’t even consider it.
“I wish this year is a different one. There are good changes here at school and we need to protect them. Let’s play our role to make the school better. We will continue to work with Moffat View SAPS, CPF and parents. Those who come to school with drugs and weapons, we are coming for you. Also report bullying here at school first, not at home. We welcome you and ask God to be with you in this academic year,” he said.
Sector manager Sergeant Moeketsi Tshabalala said they want to get every parent to participate in the school’s safety programme.
“This will help us and you to shy away from doing drugs, bullying other learners and carrying a dangerous weapon,” he said.
Also, Moffat View Sector 2 CPF chairperson and PRO Sagie Pillay thanked the parents who volunteered their time to be part of the safety team. “I also want to congratulate Diversity High School on the initiative of the national police of taking students from various schools in a competition ‘Searching for the National Provincial Commissioner’. The school won and well done.
“We need to work with the police to do better. Bullying and drugs this year are a no-no. We are not giving anybody chances. As soon as the principal says arrest, we will and you will deal with your parents. Tell your friends we are serious. Help us to nab the drug dealers. A school is a place of learning. You either want to be inside to learn and be disciplined or outside where we will deal with you.”
Acting station commander Lieutenant Colonel Bethuel Komape implored the learners to use their minds wisely and be disciplined. “When I look at you, I see innocent people. However, we need to control our minds. Remember everything starts from the mind, even if you want to carry a dangerous weapon, it starts from the mind.
“We also want to introduce the Adopt-A-Cop programme, so that we don’t become enemies. I’m also a father to children who are like you. We know your behaviour and you must carry yourself as a disciplined learner,” he said.
The team also visited The Hill High School with the same message as at Diversity High School.
