School of Achievement’s positive about the future
"Learners are in general social beings and find the social distancing of 1.5 to 3m difficult to adjust to. With continuous practising and reminders, they do get it right."
Many South African learners bravely returned to school on August 24.
School of Achievement’s principal Tinus du Preez said the return of learners was successful.
“Our grades have returned on a staggered basis to adhere to the requirement of 50 per cent capacity. To assist learners with remote learning, we have been uploading work onto our website.” He added the school also arranged a drive-through on alternate Saturdays for parents to collect personalised packs of schoolwork for each learner. “Parents also make use of the drive-through to submit homework for assessment for learners who are still at home.”
Deputy principal Paul Fourie said there are 731 enrolled learners at the school who attend school on alternate days.
“Approximately 300 learners are currently back at school daily. We have six grades back. In the secondary school, we have Grades 10 to 12 and in the primary school, we have Grades One to Seven.”
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Social distancing
Fourie explained learners have adapted well with the three basic rules of containing Covid-19, which are mask-wearing, social distancing and regular hand sanitising.
“Learners are in general social beings and find the social distancing of 1.5 to 3m difficult to adjust to. With continuous practising and reminders, they do get it right.”
The deputy principal’s clear rules were communicated to parents and learners using various communication platforms.
“When the learners returned, all educators, support staff, administrative staff and general workers knew what to do, and they all adhered to the Covid-19 protocol.Sanitisers, scanners, soap, and masks were available to all in the school environment and the PPEs were utilised and placed all over the school’s premises.”
He said playgrounds and classrooms were adjusted and rearranged to adhere to the new policy.
“Markings and circles were painted on the walkways to indicate social distancing. Tuck shop rules were adjusted to ensure a safe environment.”
Fourie added they are fortunate to have two qualified nurses at the School of Achievement.
“They are both actively involved in the Covid-19 protocol. They are also involved in the dispensing of medication to our learners and to look after the medical well-being of learners and staff.”
The new normal
According to Fourie, the School of Achievement generally focus on the academic completion of the curriculum.
“No extramural activities take place. We are positive that the year will end well and we are doing everything possible for all role-players to be safe and successful.
“Teachers have no choice but to adjust to the best of their ability, to the benefit of the children and education in general. It is always difficult to change old habits. The educators at the School of Achievement are coping well with the new normal and are making the best of the situation.
“Teachers received continuous training via the same mediums as the learners,” said Fourie.
Parents’ support
“It is important for parents to emphasise to their children the importance of adhering to the basic rules and protocol as stipulated in the rules,” said Fourie.
“The community plays a vital role in the donation of PPEs and the supplying of items to help our families in need. During this time, we found that more children and families experienced social difficulties.
“While the school cannot guarantee the safety of all children, we will do everything possible within our ability to keep the school community safe. Parents also have the choice to apply for homeschooling and lockdown learning.”
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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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