The placement of learners in schools for the 2021 school year in the West Coast remains a challenge for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Avril Daniels, WCED Circuit Manager in Vredenburg, previously said the number of placements had been fluctuating and had also become a challenge due to late applications.
In preparation for the 2022 school year, and to make learner placements less challenging, the WCED decided to set an extension for applications, with next year in mind too, until midnight Thursday 1 April.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED, says the extension has assisted some parents.
As for the 2021 school year, Hammond says a total of 2 learners still have to be placed, and all learners are expected to be placed for the start of the second term.
“So far the academic year has progressed well,” she said. “Disruption to schooling has been minimal and schools are progressing with School Governing Board elections.
“We can be pleased with how our schools have managed Covid-19 compliance as well as catch-up programmes.”
She confirms that to date since the start of the pandemic 206 teachers in the West Coast District have reportedly had Covid-19, three of whom are currently active cases.
“Around 32 learners have reportedly contracted Covid-19 since schools reopened in 2020.”
