The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) in conjunction with the interim school governing body of the new high school in Gansbaai has decided to change the proposed opening date of the school to 1 January 2010.

This decision was taken after re-evaluating the progress of the processes which determine the excellent functioning of the school. This will mean that the learners who are currently in grade 8 and 9 will finish their academic year at their present schools.

It is felt that this will benefit all the learners concerned. It will not be in the interest of the learners to expose them to different assessment processes by different teachers.

An induction and orientation programme for all new learners and their parents will be implemented in the last two terms of this year. Registration of new learners will take place over the next two terms, as well.

The Further Education and Training (FET) curriculum will be finalized within the next few weeks. Posts for educators will be advertised for filling according to the needs of the school. It is envisaged that the school will enroll grade 8, 9 and 10 learners for 2010 and will grow incrementally from there.

All decisions were taken after carefully considering the best interests of the current learners who are in grades 8 and 9 at Gansbaai Laerskool, Masakhane Primary School and Gansbaai Primere Skool.

The situation of teachers will also be taken into account. Consultations with teacher unions have to be conducted during this period as well.