‘Rather safe than sorry’ – Highway parents react on the extension of school holidays

The Department of Basic Education postponed the reopening of schools to 15 February and many Highway parents have expressed their relief with the department's decision.

Chantal Moreira (Pinetown)

THE extension of the school holidays has been met with mixed reactions.

Many Highway parents have expressed their relief with the department’s decision.

Schools were initially scheduled to reopen on 27 January, but the Department of Basic Education postponed the reopening to 15 February.

ALSO READ: Universities to re-open between March and April

The announcement was made by the department during a briefing on Friday morning.

Schools that have already opened had to close.

Education stakeholders, including governing body associations and teachers’ unions, met with the department on Wednesday, 13 January following recommendations made by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) to postpone the resumption of the academic calendar as the rate of Covid-19 infections soar.

The education sector recorded a staggering 1600 deaths in the last year, most of whom were educators.

Tracey Rossouw (Queensburgh) – My only concern is that we do not know who will be my son’s class teacher as yet but we are very happy with the decision. The online classes were very helpful and have adapted in the last year, so we were hoping the children can continue learning that way.

Chantal Moreira (Pinetown) – With the virus spreading so fast, I am very happy with the extension of school holidays. My daughter will continue with online classes. I truly believe it safer that way for everyone.

Nhlanhla Mkhize (New Germany) – The Department of Education’s decision is a good thing and safer for our children and teachers. We can see that the virus is going viral and we need to be sure before sending the children back to school. All we can do is encourage our children to study at home to try and keep their minds fresh.

Thembisile Dlongolo (KwaNdengezi) – I have mixed emotions. I feel like children are losing out. On the other hand I understand that the decision was made so that they can be safe.

Muki Cele (Klaarwater) – It was definitely the best decision, if they need to extend the holidays again, so be it until the situation becomes better and safe.

Jason Rogers (Queensburgh) – Children must just go back to school. They are driving us up the wall.

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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.

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