Dawnview High School learners packed the school hall on the first day of school, on Wednesday, for the first assembly of the new year.
The children cheered as the 2019 matric results were announced, while officers from the Primrose Police Station slipped into the hall.
The team visited the school as part of their back to school campaign, having visited Hoërskool Primrose High School, Hoërskool Vryburger High School and Hoërskool Goudrif earlier on the same morning.
Sgt Styles Maome, communications officer for the Primrose police, was the first of the team to speak to the learners.
“We are here to welcome you to a new year of learning and also let you know what is expected of you,” said Maome.
“This school has been nominated as one of the schools who will be part of the Adopt a Cop initiative.
“Lt Col Solly Maswanganyi will be the police officer in charge of this school.
“So those of you who will be bringing dangerous weapons and other substances that I don’t want to mention to the school, he will show you the gate.
“So you must behave.”
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Capt Herman Legabe then took to the stage and explained that the police expected big things from the learners.
“From today we are going to root out the bad from not just the school, but from the children’s minds as well,” said Legabe.
“There will be nothing for parents and police to be ashamed and sad about and we will be proud of the school’s learners.
“To make this a reality we encourage learners to report when things seem amiss with their peers and friends, so they can get the help they need.”
Maswanganyi, the school’s new adoptive cop, then spoke to the children.
“Let us start 2020 on a good note,” Maswanganyi said.
“I will be here to address any and all safety and security issues and I can promise you that you won’t like the consequences for bad behaviour.
“But with that being said, I am not here to scare you or abuse you, I am here to keep you safe.”
Maswanganyi reminded the learners that they are the future and that they need to take that seriously.
“In 20 years the teachers, police officers and even journalists covering today’s event, will not be here,” said Maswanganyi.
“Instead you will be the teachers, police officers and journalists talking to a new group of learners – that is something to think about.”
Maswanganyi believes the school, learners and police will work well together in the year ahead and wished the learners well as they began their academic journeys.
“Remember, the captain has spoken,” said Maswanganyi.
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