City schools hopeful about start of 2022
It’s all systems go for city schools opening their classrooms to new and returning learners today.
While Covid-19 protocols remain strictly in place, many city schools have found ways to conduct important orientation programmes for new grades with some adjustments to ensure safety for all staff and learners.
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School (GHS) is excited to welcome all learners back to the campus, with the same strict Covid-19 protocols in place.
“We cannot and will not compromise on safety, and will continue to abide by the standing operating procedures of the Disaster Management Act. We will, however, try to reclaim some semblance of normalcy this year. We have permission for example, to run our full programme of extra-mural activities,” said GHS headmaster Andrew Graaf.
The Grade 8s will once again enjoy their orientation programme and traditional induction, with all Covid-19 protocols in place. However, the Grade 8 sleepover that would usually happen on Friday night is no longer taking place.
The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC) is fully prepared to kickstart the academic curriculum.
“We are less anxious as many staff and learners have been vaccinated, however, we are still proceeding with caution and will continue to ensure that the school remains a safe space for learning by following the recommended Covid-19 protocols,” said marketing manager Sandi Tenza.
The school has already kicked off their orientation programme for the new Grade 8s this weekend. “The Junior School has a character arranged for them to meet and interact with on arrival to help with first day jitters.”
Despite the severe damage to the school campus caused by December’s hailstorm, St Charles College has been hard at work ensuring the school is ready to welcome their learners back to their beautiful campus today.
All Covid-19 protocols will remain in place, including daily temperature screening, masks, distancing and sanitising. All new learners will be welcomed to the school at a special outdoor function.
The school strongly encourages vaccination against Covid19.
They have not had the need to pursue a vaccine mandate as currently 97% of staff is vaccinated. “We will continue to monitor the situation and may consider this in the future,” explained St Charles principal Allen Van Blerk.
“We hope parents and boys will continue to prioritise education and we are excited that sport and cultural activities are likely to go ahead.”
The dedicated management team at Epworth has worked diligently to ensure all necessary procedures and protocols are in place to welcome their learners back to school.
The Grade 8s kicked off their orientation programme on Sunday, which will run throughout the week and culminate in an exciting camp. “In the pre-primary school, at the Grade RRR level, we will be implementing a staggered intake over the next few weeks.
This is standard practice and enables our teachers to concentrate on orienting small groups of learners at a time.”
The goal is to keep the Epworth community safe and healthy. “Our hope is to see our learners grow and flourish as we support them to develop a mindset and skill set that will equip them for whatever the future holds.”