Pretoria - Schools in Atteridgeville hit the ground running this morning with learning and teaching beginning on a high note.
Inland provinces kicked off the academic year today,
Unlike in previous years, when queues of late applicants marked the first day of the academic year, registrations in schools around the area were already completed last year.
Gauteng MEC for Local Government and Housing, Humphrey Mmemezi, visited three schools in Atteridgeville - Phelindaba Secondary, N'Wa Mhinga Primary and Isaac More Primary - to show his support to schools and ensure that the first day of the 2012 school year ran smoothly.
Mmemezi encouraged learners at Phelindaba to stay focused on their studies and steer clear of drugs, especially nyaope (a mixture of dagga and cheap heroine), which is often used in the area.
"Government is doing its bit by putting a big budget on education and it's up to the learners to ensure that they pass and this time get distinctions," said Mmemezi, adding that he was happy to find the school ready and looking forward to a successful 2012.
School principal Michael Motsheeneng said teachers were ready to teach and all the learning material necessary had been delivered.
"All teachers are in the classrooms and we have no shortage of them. They've been trained for CAPS [Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement] and all the learning material, including stationery, textbooks and CAPS is here," said Motsheeneng.
In one of the oldest schools in Atteridgeville, N'Wa Mhinga Primary, Grade R and Grade 1 pupils came prepared to learn. They could be heard from the school gate reciting numbers and reading from their books.
Last year, the school's Grade 3s participated in the first Annual National Assessment (ANA) tests and according to the teachers, they did well.
The teachers told Mmemezi that through the provincial Literacy and Numeracy Strategy - launched by the provincial Department of Education - learners could now write and express themselves freely.
Mmemezi said more focus should be put on Grades R to 4, as this was where a solid foundation was laid for a successful school career.
He challenged community leaders, including councillors and church leaders, to preach the gospel of education wherever they interacted with community members.
"We must talk education if we want to liberate ourselves and discourage the use of drugs, and when electing SGB [school governing body] members, choose people who understand and have a passion towards education because we need people who will guide teachers and have interest in the development of schools," he said.
He further warned that this year would not be the year for striking but learning. "We won't compromise the education of our children at the expense of the union."
Meanwhile, an education summit will be held on 18 February to help propel schools in Atteridgeville to be amongst the top achieving schools. The summit will tackle challenges facing education in Atteridgeville.
Tshililo Victor Rambau, coordinator of the Teacher Development Centre - which is organising the summit - said the summit aimed to uplift and motivate learners, parents and teachers in order to deliver good results.
"The issue of awarding top achievers in the area [with] bursaries, certificates and trophies... not only for matriculants but learners in primary schools, will also be on the agenda," said Rambau.
