The provincial education department (WCED) is ready to welcome back learners as they return to school today (Wednesday 18 January).
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for WCED says: “In preparation for the start of the school year, parents will need to ensure that they have read all the communication sent from their schools regarding uniforms, stationery, and other requirements.
“Learners must be prepared and ready for the first school day and should be punctual every school day.”
Hammond explains that a routine is important for learners, and parents can begin to bring back old habits lost during the school holidays such as early bedtime reading and sleep.
“This year, we appeal to parents to make a determined effort to promote and encourage daily reading in their homes,” Hammond says.
Parents should be involved
Parents are also advised to take an active and keen interest in the daily school activities of their child and participate in school activities where possible, assisting with fundraising drives or school initiatives such as sports or cultural events.
Parental participation and support for their child’s school positively impact the school environment and will benefit their child.
WCED readiness
According to Hammond the WCED has prepared well for the new school year to ensure that teaching and learning begin from day one.
For example, schools were provided with the opportunity to order top-up textbooks for the 2023 school year as early as May 2022. The orders were fully delivered to schools by 28 October 2022. This amounted to R62,6 million.
“This year we start the school year afresh with a sense of optimism and hope and with renewed energy.”
Hammond says that the focus will continue to be on recovering the learning losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the improvement of quality education for every learner, in every classroom, and every school in the province.
“We acknowledge that the recovery period will take some time, but we are certainly working hard to ensure gains in each grade,“ Hammond says.
The WCED looks forward to their return and welcome all new learners entering the system.
