However, the school is being very flexible about the situation.
Witkoppen Road is being widened and re-tarred between Main and Rivonia roads. The construction was supposed to be completed by the end of February but contractors now predict that the project will be complete by 10 April. The area of the road, before and after the school is currently being utilised as a one-way stop and go. According to Jean Macleod of St Peter’s School, some mothers and fathers were sitting in the traffic for up to four hours a day.
The school, which includes girls’ and boys’ sections has found a groundbreaking and innovative way to cope with the serious disruption to the daily routine of parents and pupils.
On 4 March staff walked pupils to school from the corner of Main and Witkoppen roads so that parents would not have to turn onto Witkoppen Road. However, according to Macleod, this was short-lived as work on the road began early in the morning making it unsafe for pupils and staff to walk to school.
On 6 March the school instead implemented a flexible learning programme.
In the programme, pupils are allowed to work from home or come to school with flexible starting times. The pupils work through the normal school hours while doing the programme which has been compiled and prepared by St Peter’s teachers. According to Macleod, the programme is in keeping with progressive philosophies of education that encourage children to collaborate and research material on specific topics, either independently or in collaboration with peers. Pupils working from home are in constant communication with their teachers via email. They send through queries as well as their completed work.
Macleod said the programme would be in place until the road was operational.
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