The 2021 school year for government schools finally started on Monday 15 February.
Learners on the West Coast made their way to class after spending several weeks at home. According to Avril Daniels, the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) Circuit Manager in Vredenburg, the start of the academic year for local learners started off fairly well.
“The thorough preparation before learners returned to school assisted greatly with the successful first day,” he said.
According to Daniels, all health and safety protocols were implemented at schools making sure all the learners and staff are safe. There, however, is only one minor hiccup which has been tended to from the start, and which is the placing of learners.
“In all, 188 learners in the circuit still need to be placed. Of this number the largest is among Grade 8 and Grade 1 English learners. These learners will be placed in schools as soon as possible.”
Millicent Merton, a spokesperson for the WCED, says the department is pleased overall with the start of the 2021 academic year, with most districts reporting no disruption to schooling.
“The number of unplaced learners is changing rapidly and constantly as placements are made,” she said.
Daniels wanted to assure parents resources are being provided to assist schools to lift the pressure.
He also wished to remind parents that if their children did not return to school within 10 days of the start of the new school year, they would be deregistered.
“We ask that parents be patient, for we are tending to their needs.”
