All systems go for 2022 academic year
2 February 2022
Over a million learners were welcomed at schools in the Western Cape on Wednesday 19 January for the start of the 2022 academic year.
Approximately 104 000 learners started Grade 1 and 93 000 learners entered Grade 8. (More data will be produced following the 10-day Snap Survey).
Head of Education in the Western Cape, Brent Walters, visited Bonteheuwel secondary school on Wednesday. He explained how success doesn’t just fall into one’s lap, it requires hard work and determination and encouraged Grade 12 learners to embrace the opportunities presented to them.
Provincial Education Minister Debbie Schäfer celebrated the start of the school year at Perivale Primary School in Grassy Park where Principal Zaahier Jacobs and his staff were on hand to dry any tears from learners who were nervous about heading to ‘big school’ for the first time.
The school’s 740 learners will move into a new building in the next few months.
The WCED has made over 18 000 extra places for learners to accommodate learners this year, by approving additional teaching posts, adding extra classrooms, refurbishing existing classrooms, and constructing schools. Six new mobile schools are either being constructed or are in the final stages of planning for construction this year.
The Minister wished learners and school staff the very best for the year ahead. “The pandemic is far from over, and while our schools have shown much resilience during this pandemic, the learning losses, together with ongoing rotation, is a heavy burden to carry. It is thus fitting that the WCED’s theme for 2022 is “The year of learning: Leadership driving resilience”, and the Department will be focused on driving resilience and well-being with the necessary support structures in place this year.
“There are tough times ahead, but I am comforted by the self-evident dedication and passion of our officials and school staff.”
The news of 1 February 2022, that the 1 metre physical distancing requirement at schools will be relaxed on 7 February 2022 is welcomed news for many schools and learners. The “Year of Learning” is already starting off on a positive note!
We wish all our principals, teachers, school based staff and learners the very best for the exciting year that lies ahead!