The Department of Basic Education announced that schools are set to reopen on February 15, but this is met with mixed reactions from wary parents.
As the country battles the second wave of the pandemic, the Advertiser posted a question on social media, asking parents whether they are happy about children returning to the classroom on Monday.
The majority of respondents said they are happy about the reopening of schools – with others saying their children need in-school support, they want their children in the classroom for social interaction, supervision when they are at work and other reasons. Others find the distance learning model logistically difficult, but some see it as the safer option.
However, for some parents returning their children to the classroom amid the second wave is not the safer option, with others advocating for distance learning models as they are not convinced that government would ensure their children’s safety.
The most asked question about the reopening of schools on the set date is: Are schools equipped enough to handle the situation, with regards to provision of PPE, and capacity of the buildings to allow the required spacing?
With regard to that, management at the oldest high school in town, Boksburg High School, told this publication they are ready to get off to a flying start on Monday, as they have all safety measures in place to combat the spread of Covid-19 in the school.
“We’ve received our PPE, staff members have been attending for weeks now, and we have also on February 2 started to provide online learning to all our Grade 12 learners,” explained Enoch Thango, newly appointed principal of the school.
The school’s Grade Eight, Nine, 10 and 11 classes will be divided into groups, and will be using a rotational timetable for school attendance to conform to Covid-19 protocols.
The school is aware that some parents are a little wary about sending their children back to school, but management assured parents the school will do its best to prevent the spread of the virus among learners and staff.
“We have all the measures in place, and it’s not going to be the first time we implement these safety measures. We have done it before and the majority of our learners fully understand the new normal in schools,” said Thango.
Your comments
Karen Schoeman: For those who are not happy about schools opening, why not consider home-schooling. I am very happy that schools are opening and if the school PPE are in place why do you have to worry? A little bit of faith and prayer can do wonders.
Retha du Plessis Potgieter: About time! Very, very happy. Children are safe in school. Now they walk around in the streets and malls.
Anouske Truter: Very happy. Children need to be with each other, keeps them healthy.
Ingrid Konyane: Not happy at all, especially with the unresolved issue of the vaccine. I’m terrified for our children.
Bronwynn Basson: Yes! As a teacher and a mother! Unless you are completely self-isolating, no groceries, no takeaways, not going to work then you shouldn’t have a problem sending your child back to school. I almost lost someone due to Covid-19.
Cheswin Akaai: Very angry because Covid-19 is killing a lot of children.
Candice Roach: Well, both my husband and I are working from home, my five-year-old is in Grade RR attending school every day and my older son is set to go back next week. We are working from home and our children are attending school. Everything is just so confusing.
Jade Pridgeon-Nel: My child’s been back since January 13 and it’s the best for her. I can’t give her what her teachers do and as long as they are educated about Covid-19; they know the dos and don’ts.
Diana Petro Liebenberg: Not happy at all, especially just after everything my husband went through for one month now and still is going through with Covid-19. I am not happy.
André Retief: No education can happen if there is no education, for example, the cANCer government doesn’t have the slightest idea except to promote corruption in all spheres of this country. Pack your bags if you are young enough and start over.
Ayesha Sachoo: Yes, my children need to go to school. They miss their friends and I need them out of the house, LOL.
Charmane Burger: Yes, even my child is happy to go back to school.
Denise Terblanche: Speaking to children and parents, they all can’t wait.
Annelette Bezuidenhout: So excited! Can’t wait to see all the classmates and teachers. For us a daily go-to-school routine works best.
Elaine Krause: Ja nee, ek dink dit is hoogtyd. Hulle het nou lank genoeg leeggelê.
Retha Shaz Lehodi: Hulle moet skool toe gaan, finish en klaar.
Allen Mee: Definitely, yes. No issues.
Christelle van Deventer: Ek is baie bly dat die skole kan oopmaak.
Prieshka Ramcharun: Yes.
Wouter Retief: So glad.
Siyamthanda Quana: Yes.
Charlene Vosloo Roodt: Yes, very happy.
Rosa Venter: No.
Jacqueline Louw: Very happy!
Also Read: Survey reveals 90% of teachers scared of contracting virus at school
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