2021 academic year commences at Woodlands

Woodlands International College in Boksburg welcomed its returning and new learners back to its pre-primary, junior and senior college campuses for the commencement of the 2021 academic year on January 13.
Although the return is several days earlier than the January 18 suggested return date for independent schools indicated by the Independent Schools Association of South Africa (ISASA) in a recent communication, college director Audrey Matthews explained the return date for independent schools is essentially at the discretion of each school, and can be informed by a number of considerations.

“The preparedness of each school to receive returning learners may differ significantly. Woodlands has exercised the utmost prudence and conservatism in returning to class today, in line with protocols established last year and modified in accordance with prevailing circumstances.”

The college has developed and published a detailed Covid-19 Response Return Strategy, communicated to all affected stakeholders and available on the college’s official website.
Matthews added the wellbeing of learners, academic staff and employees is of paramount importance to the college.
“We sought to balance the safety of all attending our campuses with our mandate to timeously and appropriately cover the 2021 academic curriculum.
“We believe our response promotes a Covid-resistant safe zone in which learning can continue in a responsible manner. For learners who are of necessity unable to physically attend our campuses we have developed – for prescribed cases – an online learning platform,” she said.
The college has, however, suspended the convening of any sporting events or congregations until prevailing regulations permit – and only then once it is safe to do so.

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