Smooth return for seniors in local primary and high schools
The Western Cape was the only province in South Africa where Grade 7 and 12 students were allowed to return to the classroom on June 1, CX-PRESS chatted to a few teachers and students about their experience of the first week back at the grindstone under Covid-19 regulations.
Plett Secondary teacher Tania Schlechter said that about half of their matrics had returned to school on June 1.
“Last week, around 65 of the total of 130 Grade 12s attended classes. On Monday, June 8, there were another 10 shaved off this total, but hardly any of our students have underlying health issues.
“Of course one has to keep your distance, however, we now somehow know more personal
things about one another – do you have a sore throat or any other symptoms?
“The youngsters easily forget about the distance rule but on the whole, it feels as if they are generally more obedient than ever. Time will tell how this will change once the Grade 8 and 9 learners return, but we are using this time with our matrics to prepare for all eventualities.”
Some comments from Plett Secondary students include:
• I miss that teachers can’t stand close to us when explaining the work. – Lucille Olivier
• Masks make it harder to hear what teachers are saying, and I miss our fellow students from other grades. – Brueesfoit Ruiters
• I miss the tuck shop! – Hay-tin Michaels
• The things I miss most are going to the library and playing sports. – Etholine Philander
At Plett Primary, the three Grade 7 classes – two English and one Afrikaans – have been following a strict regime of homework throughout the months of April and May, and students generally seemed excited to return on June I.
Headmaster Kobus Koekemoer and senior phase department head Susan Fourie furnished parents with extensive instructions by May 29, covering all aspects from masks to arrival and departure times, the details of screenings and classroom routines.
According to School Governing Body member Mimi van Huyssteen, whose son Auru is one of eight Afrikaans-class Grade 7s currently attending school, the children seem generally excited to be back behind their desks.
“All work gets done in the classroom, so the fact that there’s no homework makes it much more bearable. Auru feels completely safe at school. Of course, the masks took some time to get used to but by now everyone is in the habit of only taking them off when having a bite during break time.
“Many parents seem concerned about sending their children back to school, but I can absolutely vouch for the fact that Plett Primary is doing everything in its power to keep the kids safe.”
Source: CX-press News