School disputes claims by residents
Sunnyridge Primary School comes under fire for allegedly having no adult supervision for their scholar patrol.
A concerned Sunnyridge resident claims that Sunnyridge Primary School’s scholar patrol members are left to perform their duties in the mornings and afternoons without any adult supervision.
“I am concerned for the safety of the children as I know how dangerous the roads in the area can be,” she said.
“I, personally, was pushed off the road by a truck at the corner of Windsor and Korhaan streets.”
The woman claimed she has contacted the school on several occasions to discuss the matter, but that no lasting solution has been put in place as, after a few weeks of adult supervision, the children are left alone once again.
The GCN contacted the school to find out why the children do not have adult supervision while on scholar patrol duty, and what lasting solution the school plans to put in place to address this issue?
“The school’s scholar patrol does have adult supervision in the mornings, as well as in the afternoons,” said Jan Nokere, on behalf of school principal Marianna Odendaal.
“There is adult supervision, five adults in the mornings and six in the afternoons.
“They are positioned at three points around the school, Korhaan Street and Pitts Avenue, each have a security officer, as well as a group on the corner of Windsor and Korhaan streets.
“The time for duty in the mornings is from 7.30am to 7.45am and in the afternoons from 2pm to 2.15pm.”
In response to claims that the teachers report for duty for only a few weeks and then stop, Nokere said: “The staff are monitored by the school management team and do report for duty.
“Occasionally a staff member might be absent and, should the office be informed, a substitute will do the duty.”
The school has called for additional support from the metro, to help address traffic concerns in the area, but has had no success.
“Our pupils’ safety is important and the school does everything we can to ensure this,” said Nokere.
Other articles you may be interest in
Dawnview High gives back to the community
Germiston SAPS visit local school
