School enrolments open for 2020
Parents have a month, starting from 15 February, to apply for their children's
2020 school enrolment. Jessica Shelver, spokesperson for the Western Cape minister of education, says school admissions opened on 15 February and will close on 15 March. "This gives parents a whole month in which to prioritise their children's applications for the 2020 school year. This generally applies to learners entering Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8."
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to apply early and to apply to at least three schools, including their closest school. The following documents must accompany the applications: birth certificate, immunisation card, a transfer card/letter (if moving schools within or outside the province), the last school report card for learners who have been to school and, in the case of foreign learners, a study permit issued by Home Affairs.
Online application pilot project
The WCED (Western Cape Education Department) will be piloting their new online admissions website that aims to make the admission process easier and more accessible for parents, and reduce administration for schools. This will provide a digital record of admission applications so that the WCED can more accurately determine and eliminate "double-ups" within the system. About 350 schools take part in the pilot project. A link to the admissions website can be found on the WCED website, https://wcedonline. westerncape.gov.za/admissions-201920 under the learner enrolment tab. "The pilot aims to test the system and to determine what areas can be improved upon for a province-wide roll-out in the years to come," says Shelver. Thus parents can either hand in applications manually or use the system that is being promoted by the pilot schools. "For all other schools, applications must still be made manually," she says.
The online system will remind parents if they have not applied to a minimum of three schools, and to submit proof of residence. Parents are advised to contact the school beforehand or visit the school website to check their admission policy and the documents that each individual school requires.
Parents will be notified of the outcome of their application on 7 June this year. Parents must then confirm their final decision by 12 July 2019.
It should be noted that online applications do not automatically guarantee a place at the selected school.
Parents can contact Albie Ellman at the Eden & Central Karoo District office on
044 803 8300 / 044 803 8309 or e-mail Albie. Ellman@westerncape.gov.za Janine Fernold and Terri Botha were among the organisers of this event and looked altogether cute in their Minnie Mouse outfits. One of the learners having her hair sprayed before the walkathon.