Kempton Park high school re-opens despite 82 teachers being in quarantine

Their 14-day quarantine period, which commenced on June 1, is due to one of the teachers having tested positive for Covid-19.

As a result, the Grade 12 learners were welcomed back to school by members of the Department of Education and members of the school governing body (SGB).

According to Roy Mkhonza, chairperson of the SGB, the principal was informed of the positive case on May 31.

“The principal was notified that a male teacher tested positive for Covid-19 on May 31. This was alarming because staff were at the school during the last week of May to help prepare the school for re-opening,” said Mkhonza.

“The teacher was among those who reported to school and was in contact with other staff members. The teacher found out after he had gone to hospital with his pregnant wife and although his wife tested negative, he tested positive.”

Mkhonza said all staff members who were in contact with the teacher were tested last week.

“The principal sent out a message and all staff members had to report to the school for testing. Members of Birchleigh North Clinic assisted with the testing.

“More than half of the staff have received their results back, which were negative. The school facilities had already been cleaned prior to the positive case and Dinare Cleaning Services were called again to deep-clean, disinfect and sanitise the premises again.”

Mkhonza said the teachers were expected to return to work on June 15. He also said the department would run the school for the entire week until the staff return.

The school has 235 Grade 12 learners, who were introduced to a different way of schooling on Monday. They had to stand outside on the markings to observe social distancing as they waited to have their temperature taken before entering the premises. From there they moved to sanitising stations.

Although all learners wore their own masks, they were also issued new masks.

The screening procedure will be done every day. There is also an isolation room and a nurse adopted to assist should there be a need.

Certain classrooms were prepared and only 20 learners are accommodated in each class. As you step into each classroom, you are met by a sanitising station which learners and teachers are expected to use upon entry and exit and whenever necessary.

Liquid soap can also be found in the toilets. The classrooms were divided into blocks and during breaks learners are to stay in their respective blocks.

The new rules and regulations were relayed to learners through orientation periods.

From June 10, school hours have been extended to 4pm instead of 2.30pm to catch up and complete the academic year.

Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).