Dear Parents Pupils, Staff and Friends
We have emerged from the level five lock down relatively unscathed and we now face the challenge of the level four shutdown and the likely return of teachers and the opening of the school. These have been difficult times for all of us and my heart goes out to those who have fallen on difficult financial times. As I have mentioned in all cases, we are prepared to listen and to assist where ever we can.
Yesterday’s announcement by the Minister of Basic Education did not provide the kind of clarity that we were hoping for. I believe that all we can really take away from it is that schools will open at some point and this will be a phased process. It also has to take into account the multitude of problems that government schools face across the nation. However, given the likelihood of an imminent opening of the schools, we are in the process of developing an operational plan that will allow for the safe return of students and teachers. I want to stress that unless we can confidently say that the school and our processes are safe, we will postpone any opening until such time as all necessary precautions are in place.
I would ask that, whilst you may hear and read many proposals and speculative reports, at the end of the day, any change in the status regarding the school operation will come from my office and will always fall in line with what is permissible under the disaster regulations.
While implementing the process of a safe opening and return to school, we will continue with the online programs that are currently being executed. We will also supplement the online programs with printed material where possible. Again, I must stress that we have to be mindful of the possibility of contamination in many aspects of this process and take precautions accordingly.
I want to thank all of our parents, learners and teachers who have willingly and without complaint, adapted to the new teaching and learning space that we find ourselves in. Undoubtedly, there will be a new normal and the world as we know it will be very different in the months to come. Rest assured that we are committed to the welfare and to the education of our learners. I have spoken to our teachers at length, and stress the critical need to “people first” in this crisis.
Thank you all for your support, for the communication with me and for your input into helping us function in the new normal.
Please stay safe and stay healthy
Warmest regards
Brian