1.2 million pupils start new school year
Around one million children started the school year around the province, with over 92 000 heading to grade 1, and over 96 000 to grade 8.
On Wednesday January 18, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC for education, David Maynier, welcomed back pupils to Starling Primary School in Bridgetown.
The school caters for all pupils, including those who are academically challenged, and were one of the schools who bore the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic crippling the already poor community surrounding the school.
Acting principal, Renjeni Chetty, said: “As the staff of Starling Primary School, we are ready, geared up and enthusiastic for lift off to engage in teaching, guiding and assisting our learners to reach their potential holistically.”
The premier and MEC took a tour around the school and visited the Grade R and 1 classes, wishing the excited but nervous little ones the best for the year.
Premier Winde said that the values that the school were exemplary and he was pleased to see that maintenance was well under way. The school is having its parking area refurbished and toilets renovated. He said parents and the governing body must support the school and that neighbourhood watches must protect their schools.
“I urge you to all work hard, but also be kind to yourselves and your fellow learners. Take pride in your schools and do your very best. And to our parents; thank you for being our partners in securing our learners' futures by registering on time, supporting your learner and holding us to account. To our teachers, other school staff and Western Cape Education Department officials, I commend you for the important work that you do in offering our learners dignified places of teaching and learning.”
Mr Maynier said the school had a proud history of excellence.
“This is a big year. We are focusing on getting things back to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic. I would like the teachers and all the pupils to be focused on getting things back on track,” he said.