Western Cape last day of school is Wednesday 18 March

Following the President’s announcement last night, I joined the other MECs for Education for an urgent Council of Education Ministers (CEM) teleconference with national Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, this morning, to discuss implementing the Cabinet’s decisions.

The Head of Department is also sending a letter to all schools today to inform them of the decisions taken.

The implementation of the decisions, as confirmed by the CEM are the following:

All Western Cape schools will close for learners on Wednesday, 18 March, not before 11h00. Schools will thus be closed on Thursday and Friday this week. Schools will reopen on 14 April. Importantly, public schools cannot decide to close earlier than Wednesday on their own. The Head of Department will make the decision in consultation with the school, myself and health authorities.

Teachers are required to remain at school until Friday, 20 March, to complete end of term paperwork.

The Heads of Department for all provinces will meet on Wednesday to finalise the adjusted learning programme for the year.

We understand that this will be a stressful time for our schools, and that parents and their children will be concerned. We urge you not to panic, and we will do everything we can to support you during this time.

It is essential that you practice these hygiene steps to reduce the spread of both Covid-19 and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water
• If you cough or sneeze, do so into your elbow
• Don’t shake hands – rather bump elbows or do the Safety Shake (tapping feet together gently)
• Don’t touch your face unless you have washed your hands

Please visit www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus for up to date information, or contact the national (0800 029 999) or Western Cape (021 928 4102) 24-hour hotlines for information.  The national Department of Health also has a WhatsApp number with information – 060 012 3456.

This will be a difficult time for all of us, but I ask that all parents, teachers and school leaders help us to face this challenge head on and engage actively in the education of all learners. We will keep you updated on any changes that occur which will affect our education system.

Soundbite: Min Schafer on school closures