Dear Parents
Good day, as-salaam alaykum, tobela, goeie dag
I am writing to you as we face a two-week extension of the national lockdown and the uncertainty of what might still lie in wait for us. The Covid-19 global pandemic has gripped the entire world and left us confused and apprehensions, even fearful of how to best respond and know with certainty what will become of us as a human race. These are extraordinary and unprecedented times, we need to be more adaptable, creative and show strong leadership in every aspect of our lives. Our President has set a strong and powerful example and we need to take heart in his actions.
We have to accept that this outbreak will not be overcome in one grand, sweeping gesture, but rather by the collection of individual choices we make in the coming months. This virus is unforgiving to unwise choices. There is no alternative to total enforced isolation through national shutdown and the advertised preventative measures. And it is the only way to overcame the challenge before us.
I have spoken, via zoom with all our teachers this weekend and we are well placed to start an online program when school was due to resume. I fully understand that this in itself is new and challenging for us all but we believe that with patience and commitment from all we can continue with our teaching and learning programs.
You will receive various forms of communication from us regarding the delivery of an online program. These will include emails, WhatsApp and SMS messages, the school website and Facebook page. Most of the information will be repeated in an attempt to make it available to all as I know there is a wide disparity in access to information.
The most important people in the scenario are your children and our learners. Let them know that we do think of them and that we miss them, that they matter, and that it is fine to feel overwhelmed at this stage. Let them know that we will do everything in our power to keep moving forward. Share this email with them. They are our only focus at the moment and all our planning, effort and energy will concentrate on them. Take comfort that teachers are really only a message/phone call away.
As a parent be supportive and understanding. We are all moving into unknown territory and will quickly learn new ways of doing old business. Do as much as you can to assist your child/children at this time. We are all on a learning curve on so many levels but as South Africans, we have overcome much adversity in the past and are known for our resilience and commitment to succeed.
At this stage long term planning is not possible but we will cancel holidays, work Saturdays and even evenings with the Matrics if we have to make up for lost time. Our commitment to your children is without question. Despite challenging economic times we will make every effort to assist those who find themselves in need and until things normalize, no child will be excluded from our teaching and learning programs
I will be making regular communication with you in the days and weeks ahead. Please be alert for such messages.
Much affection and blessings to you all
Brian