In Duduza, NN Ndebele Secondary School was all systems go as Grade 12 learners made their way to class after months of no schooling.
Alex Kunene, circuit manager for Gauteng East at the Gauteng Department of Education, says he is impressed to see how well the staff have worked to get the school ready.
“I’ve been here since 7.15am.
“My purpose was to check the school’s readiness, like cleanliness of the school and the grounds and make sure the furniture placements follow the social distancing regulations.
“The toilets are also clean.
“I am impressed.”
He admits that township schools are hardly taken care of.
Principal Billy Mashiane says the learners will have to get used to the processes.
“The school received a little more than 220 learners.
“Timetables for Grade 12s are ready; their curriculum will not change,” he says.
The principal explains there are five water stations that can accommodate 20 learners at a time.
Break time has been divided into two so that learners do not all come out at the same time.
“Educators who are not preoccupied at any given period will watch over the learners to ensure learners stick to the regulations.”
Learners are encouraged to receive meals from the school’s nutritional programme, which will come in disposal plates.
Deputy principal Toreen Martins says: “The classrooms will be desanitised.
“Each class and each toilet has a sanitiser.”
Screening will be done randomly by teachers of lower grades throughout the day.
“There are teachers everywhere, monitoring the situation,” she adds.
The school hall has been turned into a staff room because there is enough space.
Kitchen staff wear the proper uniform and wash and sanitise their hands.
The school has a sick room for anyone whose temperature is more than 38 degrees.
“Sr Lindelwa Nyandeni is on call for when we need help with health issues.
“She will also monitor the sick bay.”
No vendors are permitted to sell at the school.
Monitoring by officials of the Gauteng of Department of Education is going to take place daily.
In Kwa-Thema, principal Selby Nkosi of Zamani Primary School and his staff have a maximum of 20 learners per class.
“The Grade Sevens came back today; it was a fairly good morning.
“We expected that the learners may need some time to get used to the new processes, but tomorrow they will do better because they already know what to do.”
Registration and screening takes place as learners walk into the school.
“This situation has proven that school staff can do better.
“Orientation classes are still taking place.
“There are soap dispensers in the toilet and there is running water in all the toilets.”
No visitors or vendors will be permitted on the school premises.
“Learners don’t share utensils when they eat and will eat in classrooms.
“They will go on break in a staggered manner.
“We discourage going out or to the toilet during class time.”
Also read: Suspect arrested for school burglary and vandalism
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