Oceans Private School in Randburg said a recent internal effort to improve teaching quality unintentionally created short-term disruption for learners after several teachers were released following a performance review.

Principal Lionel Nitu confirmed that the school conducted a formal assessment of staff performance earlier this term, resulting in the dismissal of teachers whose work did not meet the required standard. While the decision was intended to strengthen academic delivery, the sudden vacancies left certain subjects without regular teachers for a few weeks.

Read more; Oceans Private School trims exams after teacher shortage disruption

According to one parent who did not want to be named, this gap affected her Grade 11 daughter’s classroom time and raised concerns about whether the academic interruptions could impact her year-end results. She said communication from the school felt limited, leaving parents unsure about what was happening.
“I have not received any proper explanation about what is happening. My child says some subjects have not had teachers for weeks,” she claimed.

Nitu acknowledged the delay in filling posts, explaining that the school underestimated how long the recruitment process would take. “We did have a performance review, and unfortunately, some of the teachers’ performance was not up to standard,” he said. “Although they were given several warnings, the board of directors decided to implement a new strategy to recruit new teachers. That created a bit of a vacuum for a couple of weeks.”

Also read: Classroom receives a new look at Oceans Private School

He said remaining staff members had taken on extra workloads to keep classes running, but admitted that the temporary gaps were most felt by Grade 11 learners who were preparing for exams.

To reduce the impact, the school adjusted its assessment plan. “We looked at the content that learners received and decided to trim the examination sessions to focus on what was covered,” he said. “It’s not a full exam for all the terms, but this way, we can make sure learners are not disadvantaged.”

Responding to concerns about communication, Nitu said the school had issued emails and WhatsApp messages throughout the process. “We responded to emails and sent out a memo explaining the situation. I will check again with my administrator to ensure that all parents have received it.”

He added that the school was continuing its recruitment drive and expected all teaching positions to be fully staffed soon.

Parents are encouraged to contact the administration with any concerns or requests for clarity regarding their children’s academic progress.

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