Dowerglen High in need of support to grow
“One of the biggest problems we have is that our infrastructure is collapsing.”
For Dowerglen High School to grow, the school needs the continued support of the community to establish a great academic facility.
ALSO READ: Dowerglen High thanks Edenvale Ladies Circle
With the assistance of businesses and the community, the school’s feeding scheme is up and running and the basics are in place.
However, the school’s principal, Dr Larry Harmer, hopes to focus on improving infrastructure and the learning environment at the school.
“One of the biggest problems we have is that our infrastructure is collapsing.
“We have classrooms with holes in the wall and peeling paint but the teachers are getting the same academic results.”
Harmer said if the learning environment was better, learners could potentially do better.
Another issue Harmer highlighted is the need for new window panes and window putty. He said in some places the window putty is falling out of the frames.
This will create a safety risk for learners at the school, specifically if a pane of glass falls onto a learner.
Other issues he highlighted included the plumbing, electrical wiring and tiles in the consumer studies class needing replacement.
ALSO READ: R 10 000 donated to Dowerglen High’s feeding scheme
Harmer said although the feeding scheme is operational, the school needs a stainless-steel basin and plumbing to assist with washing up.
“The infrastructure as a whole needs improvement. We have trees lifting paving or blocking the sewerage. None of it has been maintained for close to 20 years.”
He said over the years there were never the funds to address these issues.
Harmer said the school needs at least a 22-seater vehicle to transport the learners to and from tours, excursions, and athletics meetings.
“We do not expose our learners to anything except school and where they come from,” said Harmer.
He said by having a transport vehicle allows learners to get exposed to more activities, which will help grow their minds.
After following through with the 30-, 60- and 90-day plans Harmer said the basic functionality is in place.
He said this was his immediate goal after joining the school.
ALSO READ: Paint donated to Dowerglen High
“The discipline, the lateness and behaviour have all improved. The old school is no longer here. A new Dowerglen High has been born and is developing.”
Harmer said the school simply put a new discipline model in place which the learners bought into.
So far, the school has welcomed 181 new learners this year.
ALSO READ: Child Welfare supports Dowerglen High
Harmer said with the establishment of a new governing body, the school has started the process of sourcing a new principal.
“I don’t know how long I will be here but while I am here, I want to continue creating something long-lasting for the next principal.”
“I envision having two great schools side by side, which will help grow our children.”
Also follow us on:
