| 1. |
This circular should be read in conjunction with Circular 0212/2003 as well as the Regulations relating to the Minimum Teaching Hours per School Week and School Day in Public Schools in the Western Cape, published in Provincial Gazette Extraordinary No. 7065 of 28 November 2012, and any other relevant policies and legislation. |
| 2. |
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has noted some shortcomings in respect of the implementation of the South African Schools Act (SASA), 1996 (Act 84 of 1996). Section 20(1)(f) of the SASA requires that the governing body of a public school must determine the times of the school day consistent with any applicable conditions of employment of staff at the school. |
| 3. |
It has now been discovered that many schools in the province do not have comprehensive policies on school times. Many schools are guided by the traditional and historical view that schools should start at 08:00 and end at 14:30. |
| 4. |
The attached guidelines are aimed at assisting governing bodies to formulate their own policies that will accommodate the total educational programme of the school. The WCED wishes to stress that these guidelines are not meant to introduce a longer school day nor are they intended to be compulsory. The guidelines are introduced to underline the WCED’s commitment to enabling all our schools to strengthen their educational provision for the benefit of all learners. |
| 5. |
Principals are required by law to provide information as well as advice to governing bodies on policy matters. |
| 6. |
Once governing bodies have officially adopted a policy on school times, they must ensure that all parents, educators and learners are informed timeously before its implementation. |
| 7. |
Kindly bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all governing body members, educators and learners. |
SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2017:11:27
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