Thank you once again to all those who attended the orientation sessions on the new Managed Email Solution (OWA) email system for Western Cape schools.

To recap: this project forms part of the Western Cape Government's programme to provide highspeed, broadband connectivity across the province, starting with schools.

The new broadband system has made it possible to provide the new email service free of charge to schools, and will help to improve communication between schools, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and all role-players.

It is important to note that the WCED will in future only use the new email system for all official email communication with schools.

Because the new email system is a web-based service, it will enable everyone to access their emails anywhere at any time from any device which has an internet connection.

The interface is suited to all devices, from desktops to tablets and smartphones. This will provide immediate access to critical information that is stored on your email account as your emails and information required will always be available to you, wherever you may be.

Please note the following:

  1. We will conclude orientation on the new system by the end of August 2016. All principals and school administrators will have received invitations to attend the sessions by this time.

    It is very important to note that principals cannot send staff to represent them at these sessions because by law we cannot provide user information to an alternative person. It is therefore imperative to attend if you have been invited to do so. We will not be organising additional sessions after 31 August 2016.

  2. Should you have not attended an orientation session for whatever reason, please contact your Circuit Office for your email credentials and instructions on how to access your emails. Your Circuit Office will also provide you with details on where and how to access the support materials.

  3. The Go Live date for all schools will be on 01 September 2016. From this date, the WCED will use the new Managed Email Solution (OWA) email address as your school's primary email address, and the school's current or old email address as the secondary email address. It is important to note that all official communication will be sent to both email addresses for the interim. The WCED will phase out use of the secondary email address by December 2016.

  4. Any support queries can be directed to our Centralised Service Desk at 021-900 7123 or email at SchoolsIT.Helpdesk@westerncape.gov.za.

  5. All support materials for the new system can be found at https://wcgschools.sharepoint.com/sites/TrainingMaterial/SitePages/Home.aspx. Please note that you will need your email account details to access the training materials.



SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2016:08:11