The Gauteng Department of Education, teachers and parents are preparing for the return of learners to school as the 2021 academic calendar begins.
Learners will return to school on Monday, February 15.
According to the spokesperson of the department Steve Mabona, the multi-year recovery teaching plans will be communicated with parents and activity packs for learners with comorbidities who will be learning remotely from home.
In an effort to curb the spread of the Covid-19 at schools, the department will deliver masks, face shields and sanitisers to respective schools continuously on daily bases. At least 211 mobile classroom units will be allocated to different schools to address space challenges.
Kathorus Mail took to the streets of Kathorus to engage with parents on how they are preparing for the reopening of schools.
One of the residents, Thokozile Vilakazi from Vosloorus, said her child Asanda Vilakazi will attend Grade Three at Gagazi Primary School.
Vilakazi said she is confident that the school will provide the necessary measures to ensure that children are safe and protected all the times.
“So far I am pleased with how the school handled Covid-19 regulations last year, so I can’t really say I am stressed about my child going back to school. The school divided the learners into groups to avoid overcrowding, we will see how they plan to do it his year.
“A lot has changed and learners also have to adapt to the new ways of attending classes,” said Vilakazi.
Suzen Beta said although she is happy with how the school managed the situation so far, she is not comfortable with her child Monthati Peta going back to school.
“The department has not informed parents about the measures that are in place to control children since all grades will be returning to school,” said Beta.
“My child attends Eden Park Primary and I was pleased with how they managed everything last year. They were able to control the learners and they had a timetable available for children to attend in groups,
“To prepare I bought my children hand sanitisers and they already have masks. I also taught them to wash their hands regularly, sanitize and avoid touching their faces,” said Peta.
Vusi Seshuba agrees that children must return to school provided that safety will be prioritized for both teachers and learners.
“Teachers need to be protected. If there are no teachers then there is no school. Nobody knows when Covid-19 will be halt so we cannot destroy children’s future by insisting that they should stay at home,” said Seshuba.
Note
Learners on the nutrition programme will be expected to collect their food at schools till Friday, February 12.
