Germiston South Primary welcomes the new norm
Some parents told GCN although they were concerned, they were grateful for their children to return to their schoolwork.
Last week Tuesday was a difficult day for many parents and learners as they returned to school after being home for six months.
GCN visited Germiston South Primary School to see how ready the school was for the learners’ return.
Some parents told GCN although they were concerned, they were grateful for their children to return to their schoolwork.
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School principal Lanette Fouché was confident in the school’s capability.
“We had already started with the return of other grades and it was only our Grade Five group left,” she said.
“When the older grades returned during the first phase of reopening of schools we were worried because it was all still new and we had to find a new normal. We didn’t know what to expect and how the children will react and handle all of these restrictions and adhere to them. But now we know what to do and are prepared.”
“Like any new way of doing things, there were challenges at first. Some were anxious and we had a case or two of learners testing positive for the virus, but that did no discourage the other learners. They continued coming to school.”
She said the school has put in place all the necessary precautions for the learners.
“Since the Grade Fives only got back recently, we will start with orientation and the learners will watch a video explaining to them what Covid 19 is and how they need to conduct themselves while in school to ensure they are safe.
“We have handwash stations in every classroom and we are ensuring social distance in the play grounds and class.”
Instead of learners in the higher grades changing classrooms, teachers are the rotating classes and Grade R learners remain with the same teacher the whole day.
“Grades are not coming to school all at once. They alternate in days,” said Fouché.
“We are able to cope with checking children’s temperatures for morning checks. Teachers are very supportive and hands-on. We are able to manage the mornings.
“We had two Covid-19 brigades assign to us by the department of education, but we are not a big school and we gave them to another school that was in a dire need of assistance.”
GCN asked the principal about the mental state of the learners and teachers with the new norm.
“When we started with the other grades it was difficult for both the children and teachers because there was some level of anxiety and worry. As weeks went by it got easier. We got into a routine and everyone played their part in making sure they are safe,” said Fouché.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.
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