Some private schools reopen in Pretoria ahead of public schools

While thousands of learners from public and private schools that fall under the education public calendar in Tshwane wait to head back to school in two weeks, some private schools in the region have already reopened on Monday.

Hatfield Christian school opened its physical classroom doors on Monday for its second academic week after their first week was facilitated online.

“We remain cautious and are extremely diligent with all Covid-19 protocols, aware that the health and safety of our community is a priority,” said Debbie Holloway of Hatfield Christian school.

“We are so pleased to be together on campus. The overwhelming majority of families are back and looking forward to a degree of normalcy.”

Holloway said the school, which migrated to online learning, returned 100% to in-contact learning.

“Currently, all our teaching is taking place on campus, but we are aware this might need to change again should it be in national interest.

“We do have an online school that caters for high school pupils that runs parallel to our campus school. This has become an increasingly attractive option for concerned parents and teens from around the country.”

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Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Curro management, which manages several schools in the east of Pretoria, said they decided to head back to school following discussions with basic education director-general Hubert Mathanzima Mweli and independent school associations.

“Our will reopen today [1 February] with heightened protocols in place,” said Mari Lategan.

“Even though our grade 1 to 12 learners will return to school, parents still have the option to either return their children to school or to keep them at home where learning will continue online.”

Lategan said Curro management was confident they would be able to deliver effective learning, following their experience of remote learning they gained last year.

“Throughout the pandemic we have demonstrated compliance with legislation and prioritised concern for the health of our learners.”

Meanwhile, only teachers headed to public school this Monday while school management was back last Monday to prepare for reopening.

Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said there were no reports of any schools facing problems such as not having enough stationary or enough personal protective wear for teachers and learners.

Mhlanga said the department will later this week give a detailed report on the preparation done for reopening public schools.

“We will continue using the rotational learning system at our schools as the pandemic continues.”

The education department last month announced delay of the reopening of schools.

Learners were expected to be back at school on 15 February.

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