The re-opening of schools is set to commence from Monday, 1 June this decision has been approved by the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet. Independent and public ordinary schools will open in all areas. Every school must adhere to and observe the health and safety protocols that will be put in place. Learners from grade 7 and 12 as well as small schools will be first introduced and the other grades will follow in due course.
Minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga said, “In reopening of schools we have been guided by three basic principles; to save lives. Learners and teachers who are in other provinces will be able to return to their residence. Arrangements are in place. All learners, educators and support staff will receive orientation and training at the start of the school reopening commencing with Grade 7 and 12. We are aware of the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on families and society in general. It is unprecedented and as a result an increase in social, mental, psychological and emotional difficulties amongst learners, educators and officials, is anticipated due to losses and trauma experienced through Covid-19. Schools as social institutions are serviced by the Psychosocial Support Services of the Departments of Social Development and Health. We have been working closely together with other departments in the Social Cluster.”
In addition to these, the Basic Education Sector has psychologists and social workers who had prior training on counselling. They will be able to use their skills to support schools. “We are mindful of the needs of learners with disabilities. The DBE is working with provinces to ensure that special schools are adequately provided for in all the plans we have put together,” she added.
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The revised school calendar
The revised school calendar will be gazetted soon. It indicates the opening and closing dates and the breaks in between.
Special schools
The department is working with organisations who are advising it on the best way forward regarding the phased-approach of the special schools. Planning and procurement have considered the needs of learners with disabilities and those in special schools. Provinces have put in place plans that will ensure that no child is compromised.
Early childhood development centres
Due and careful consideration will be made to ensure that the department maintain the delicate balance between allowing ECDs to operate, alongside the safety and health of the children and their caregivers. It is working together with the Department of Social Development on this matter as it straddles both departments at the moment.
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