Dear Parents, Staff and Friends
As again we wait for feedback from the Department of Basic Education regarding the proposed opening of schools, I would like to assure you that our online program is growing from strength to strength. I speak to the entire staff regularly and their feedback is largely positive. We do have some access to learner and learner response issues, but we are dealing with these on an individual level. The grade 11 and 12 classes are doing particularly well and I want to compliment those leaners particularly on their efforts, but also not ignore the vast majority of our learners who are working enthusiastically in the new teaching and learning landscape.
I will continue to give feedback on the status of the opening of the school as and when I have it. We have purchased all our PPE’s and have an operational plan for the cleaning of the school that is compliant with DBE and health standards. We are ready to phase in the opening of school at fairly short notice.
I would like to share with you some feedback from our Foundation Phase at this time :
https://youtu.be/G2oRzUqbobg
In conclusion, when we were faced with the prospect of no option but to develop and deliver an effective online teaching program, little did we realise that our teachers would be the real stars, that they would became learners, embraced technology and provided quality teaching and learning amidst testing times. Preparing lessons, making digital classrooms and reaching out to all our students. And this meant many hours of screen time and often frustration.
I believe it’s appropriate to show our gratitude and thanks to the special team of MECS teachers who have multitasked as teachers, office workers, learners and home makers. Please join me with heartfelt and deep appreciation for their thorough and honest efforts.
A leader is as good as his team and I can say with great certainty of my team, from whom I derive my strength to look to the future, that you all are wonderful, unique and valued. Stay blessed and carry on the good work….
Have a safe and healthy weekend
Brian
