Back to School – 1st June 2020
Source: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde – 30 May 2020
https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/update-coronavirus-premier-alan-winde-30-may
On Monday (1st June 2020), learners in Grades 7 and 12 will return to school as part of a phased process. The Department of Education in the Western Cape has put in place a number of safety measures to ensure that learners and school staff are protected. We understand that for many parents, and teachers, there will be concern and anxiety associated with this return.
The Department in the province has spent R280 million so far to procure PPE and cleaning materials including 2.4 million face masks, 7013 thermometers which will be used to screen staff and learners and schools daily, as well as millions of litres of disinfectant, hand sanitizers and soaps for cleaning and personal hygiene. Measures have been put in place to ensure social distancing in schools and the department is engaging with learner transport to ensure that this is also conducted safely.
Measures have also been put in place to accommodate learners and staff with underlying illnesses which might make them more vulnerable to infection.
The Department, principals, teachers and staff are all working hard to ensure that a return to school and to learning does not come with increased risk. During this time, we encourage parents to talk to their children about the return to school and how they can best protect themselves while at school. This includes discussions about regular handwashing, ensuring that distancing is practiced at all times, and that masks are worn correctly.
Resources and guidelines can be found at: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/back-school