Friday, 13 January 2012

School overload

Super sweet school smile Tiny tot Tiana Andrew puts on a brave and toothy grin for her first day of ‘big school’ at Emmanuel Pre-School in Richards Bay

Few first day problems, but City population growth poses challenge

As Zululand pupils streamed through school gates on the first day of the new school year on Wednesday, full house signs were quick to go up, clearly indicating serious challenges facing the region to accommodate rising numbers of pupils. While schools were frantically trying to accommodate latecomers, Richards Bay Education Ward Manager, Dr VE Sikhosana, confirmed there were challenges surrounding admissions.‘With the population growth in Richards Bay, we are seeing more people moving to the area.‘However, with the newly opened Birdswood High and with Richards Bay High now being dual medium, there is a wider scope to assist parents,’ said Sikhosana.

At Mgezeni High School in Mambuka Tribal Authority in Mandlazini, Principal Thami Mchunu said they had enrolled 1 270 pupils.‘We are in the process of constructing new classrooms as we have insufficient space.‘But teaching has commenced and stationery has been distributed,’ said Mchunu.‘We are about 80% complete with registration.‘Some parents are still leaving it to the last minute,’ said Old Mill Principal LM Mbambo.‘While playgrounds and school halls are needed, the most important factor is that every pupil must pass well.’ This was the message from Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga as she visited Phesheya Primary School in Ngwelezane. Accompanied by KZN MEC for Education, Senzo Mchunu, members of the provincial parliament and uMhlathuze City Mayor, Elphas Mbatha, the school visit formed part of the schools’ functionality monitoring programme.

The Minister said early childhood education was imperative and urged teachers and parents to work together to improve pupil performance.‘While the focus is usually on the matriculants, our Grade 1 pupils must also work hard and perform at their peak,’ said Motshekga. Teachers wasted no time in getting down to serious work with principals reporting a good start to the academic year.‘Everything went well on the first day. Our new Grade 8s underwent orientation and for the rest lessons went according to timetable.‘However, we do have a long waiting list and have enrolled about 1 000 pupils,’ said John Ross College Principal, Miss Jeanine King.