Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Back to school
THE school bell has rung, holidays are over, shoes are polished, pencils are sharpened, it’s time for school again.
Schools around the city opened their doors and close to a million pupils made their return this week.
It’s been a busy week for Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer and Community Safety MEC Alan Winde with the start of the 2019 academic year.
The two took time out this week to visit various schools and welcome Grade 1s and the other pupils to the education system.
According to Schäfer, primary schools across the province welcomed 108 325 Grade 1s and 83 360 Grade 8 pupils.
“I would like to welcome all our new learners and their parents into our Western Cape schools. A special welcome to the learners who have started school for the first time,” said Schäfer.
Schäfer and Winde visited Forest Village Leadership Academy in Eerste River.
Forest Village welcomed 119 Grade R pupils and 168 Grade 1 pupils this week.
The start to the school year is an exciting time, not only to learn more, but also to make new friends.
The department appealed to parents to play active roles in their children’s education by encouraging reading and writing skills.
“I would like to wish all our learners, educators, officials and parents the very best of luck for a productive and successful year ahead,” said Schäfer.