Schools take precautions during extreme heat

ZULULAND schools have taken mandatory measures to accommodate pupils and ease working conditions during the extreme summer heat.

With temperatures reaching a sizzling 40+ °C, some schools have had to improve facilities, such as install air-conditioners, and set new rules to ensure pupils are kept out of the sun as much as possible.

Veldenvlei Primary adheres to strict guidelines during extreme heat conditions, allowing pupils to continue with their school activities comfortably.

‘On very hot days, our pupils are not allowed to play during break times. The staff on playground duty encourage the the pupils to sit in the shade and eat their lunch,’ said Headmistress Marianne Truter.

Pupils can keep water bottles on their desks and can drink as much water as possible during lessons. Hats are also on sale at the school.

On humid days, inquiries are made about the discomfort index at noon and sport will then be organised accordingly. Parents are also notified in advance.

‘We are in the process of rolling out our D6Communicator system, and parents will be notified immediately with an alert SMS that the sport is being cancelled due to the weather,’ said Truter.

Although some teachers are adamant to continue with afternoon extramural activates, it is crucial to ensure pupils are given sufficient water breaks and time in the shade.

Grantleigh School’s policy of ‘no hat, no play’ has allowed pupils to continue with their afternoon sport and play time on hot days.

‘If the temperature is too hot to play sport, we bring them into the classrooms and keep them occupied,’ said Marketing Manager, Caroline Stevens.‘We encourage pupils to drink water in class and on the bus and many classrooms have water dispensers in them.’

KZN Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said outdoor activities should not be cancelled without clarifying that the heat index is too high.

‘The general policy is that if weather conditions are dangerous, but not threatening, pupils should continue with their extracurricular activities provided they drink enough water and are not exposed to the sun for long periods at a time,’ said Mahlambi.

‘Another option is to consider playing sport or doing outdoor school activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon.’