All parents have a responsibility to their child's or children schools. Schools are ultimately accountable to parents and learners and for every school to be successful it requires that parents get involved in all levels of school life, be it by just paying your school fees, serving on the governing body, attending meetings or helping out at a sports events.

The following is some general information on school governing bodies and payment of school fees:

What is a school governing body?
A school governing body is a structure that governs the school. It stands in a position of trust towards the school. It is made up of the principal, elected representatives of educators, non-educator staff, parents and learners in the case of secondary schools.

What happens if I'm not elected onto the school governing body?
Even if you are not elected onto the school governing body, you still have the RIGHT to be involved in the affairs of the school through attending meetings of parents.

You also have the RIGHT to be consulted by the educators or the principal about the schooling activities of our child. The principal and the educators at the school must timeously notify you about the behaviour, attendance and learning progress of you child.

Who makes the decision about school matters?
The Head of Department, through the principal, taking decisions about funding, discipline of learners and governance of the school.

Where can I lodge an objection against a decision or action?
You can lodge an objection against a decision or action of:

School fees:

The school may ask you to pay school fees. You are strongly advised to pay your child's school fees to enhance the quality of your child's education. However, if you cannot afford the required amount or can pay a lesser amount, you may write a letter to the school governing body (SGB), requesting exemption from paying school fees. The school governing body will inform you of its decision. A copy of the regulations dealing with school fees is obtainable at the school. The school must also assist you if you need help with your application for exemption.

This article first appeared in newspapers in the week of 17 - 21 January 2005