The South African Grade 7 and 12 learner population totals 67 000 and 37 000 respectively, and Monday, 08 June 2020, was the day that these learners were expected back behind their desks. The VIP Team did a walk about in schools around Vryburg, in Huhudi, in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, as teacher welcomed the learners back amidst the novel coronavirus outbreak.

MEC of Education in the North West Province, Wendy Matsemela has previously confirmed that all the 1570 schools in the province are expected to welcome learners today. Schools in Huhudi seem to have took hid to this call by the Department. Amongst other schools Bopaganang Secondary School, Moeti Primary School, John Frylinck High School, and Pule Leeuw Comprehensive School, all welcomed between 95% and 100% learners at their institutions, and all those not in attendance were accounted for.

According to Boitumelo Gopane, Principal at Bopaganang High School, they have been anticipating the arrival of learners since the beginning of the week. Principal Gopane showed us Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) for the school. All the learners and facilitators were wearing the necessary PPE. According to the Principal, the school houses 121 Matric pupils. “We are very happy to welcome the children back. We are going to be orientating them for the majority of the day today. To make sure that they are well equipped to carry on with their studies amidst the coronavirus pandemic.” Principal Gopane continued to give gratitude her team of teachers and all other facilitators. Learners, at around 8am, were sitting at their allocated desks, digesting orientations being carried out by their teachers.

Spirits were high and jovial at John Frylinck High School this morning. Grade 12 learners were cautious enough to observe social distancing as they waited in line to be screened before entering the school premises. Faces on masks, the cheddars went on between the teenagers. It was evident that the learners were existed about returning to their studies. The VIP Team was welcomed by Principal Kai, who led us on a walk about on the premises. The Principal took us into her confidence and shared with us the social or physical distancing structures the school has in place, as well as how the learners will be orientated to utilize them. At the entrance of the school premises, learners were individually being given clear instructions on how to use the clearly marked social distancing markings. “These social distancing markings will be one of the many new normals that these learners need to adopt to during these COVID19 times.” Said The Principal. She showed us the rest of the markings in classrooms, learners’ common areas, administration office and on walls premises.

These chools in Huhudi seemed to be putting to good use the Standard Operating Procedures Booklet, as a guide on the opening day. “Segments of the Booklet currently being printed out in our administration office, and the teachers are more than ready to orientate all the 98 Grade 12s in our school.” Said Pule Leeuw Comprehensive School Principal, Mr Motase. Teaching and learning of the curriculum was at the back of the Principal’s mind. He said it is important the institution finds the right balance between helping the learners adopt to the new normal as well as assisting them complete the their final year of high school successfully.

Measures contained in the booklet include plans for social distancing, where no more than two learners may share a desk, with no hugging or handshaking. However, the Provincial Command Council (PCC) in the North West Province resolved on single desks for learners, however some of our schools currently have a combination of single and double desks; but schools have ensured that social distancing is observed at all times. According to Principal Motase, the 98 learners will not be more than 20 in a classroom, with each learner sitting alone on a desk.

Principal Oupa Maselo at Moeti Primary School had an organized line of Grade 7 learners who were observing social distancing, while waiting for screening to get underway. Principal Maselo has earlier in the week confirmed to The VIP Team that the school is expecting 169 learners. There seemed to be a monitored plan under way this morning. Police presence was seen to be monitoring the areas surrounding the school. Keeping an eye on the lined up learners. The Principal has admitted to some minor teething problems, and was also confident assure us that all the necessary redress was being carried out by delegates.

“We have successfully conducted orientation on COVID-19 for SMT’s, educators, non-teaching staff, SGB’s and voluntary food handlers across the province in preparation for the return of Grade 7 and 12 learners on Monday.” Said Premier Prof. Job Mokgoro during his remarks regarding the resolution of the PCC’s report on the readiness to open schools, this past Sunday, 07 June 2020. The VIP Team has the pleasure of being introduced the Chairman of the School Governing Body (SGB), at Bopaganang High School, Mr Lenoto. He was there, Principal Gopane confirmed, playing an oversight role on behalf of the parents, as well as serving his duty as an SGB member, amongst those, that were brought up to speed with the necessary orientations during the progression of the week. John Frylinck High School has also, in line with the remarks by the Premier, issued a directive to all returning learners on the school’s social media page, alerting all learner that they will not be allowed to leave the school premises during course of the schooling day. Learners were informed to bring along their own utensils, the is because the school had organized food handlers who will ensure that all the returning learners are feed a meal.

Schools are calling on all parents to take part in the variety of communication channels at their disposal. The Vryburg Independent Post (The VIP Team) is grateful to all the schools that open their gates to us, and allowing us to carry out our duties as the 5th estate.

-The VIP Team

-NW Education

-DBE

-Jus4tos Photography