Dear Parents, Learners, Staff and Friends
As are most people, I am more than concerned about the state of the economy and how it’s affecting each and every one of you. However, the payment of school fees remains critical to the survival of the school and regardless of current challenges, one has to face the reality that if we don’t receive payment of fees, we may not be able to offer any tuition and there may well not be school for your children when schools open again.
If this were to happen, your options for the education of your children are frankly, brutally inadequate and the long term damage may be irreparable. I urge you not to take advantage of a distressing situation and place the education of your children at risk. I estimate that there are about 3000 learners currently attending independent schools in the Mokopane area. If they were all to close, there is absolutely no possibility of the government absorbing these learners into the state system and the consequences will be dire.
Clearly, we are not in a position to write off debt but we can consider a variety payment plans. However, we will need evidence of reduced income and a conversation before we can pursue these options. I also urge you to please explore all avenues of government financial relief at this time.
Regardless of what we all may think, the world, and that means schools, teaching and learning has changed and we all have to adapt accordingly. You likely went to school, sat at a desk in a classroom and had a book and a teacher in front of you, and as did your older children perhaps. This is no longer how teaching can be done and we all have to accept the virtual schoolrooms, online teaching and blended classrooms (Blended learning is an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods) will become the norm. There is simply no getting away from this.
I am pleased to remind you that should a student or parent need any source of emotional support or help outside academics, that we have a counsellor on standby. You may contact Naasira Lambat at 0797771517
For the short term we will follow the DBE announcement regarding the opening of schools. Cleaners and Management can return from the 11th May and teachers from the 18th May. As soon as teachers are allowed to return we will be making printed material available to supplement our online program. We anticipate that Grade 7 and 12 learners will return on the 1st June and the remaining grades phased in after that. We have made special arrangement for the Foundation Phase regarding access to stationary and work books.
As always stay safe and stay healthy
Warmest regards
Brian
