Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust writes to say that Sister Grace continues to be a steadying influence in the community and at the school in these uncertain times. Here is her lastest school report:

SCHOOL REPORT FROM JULY – SEPTEMBER 2021

DUTIES:  Grade 12 students wrote their trial examinations prior to their final Matric examinations which will start in October 2021. These helped educators to assess and prepare students for final exams. Examination centres were visited by officials from the Department of Education and centre numbers were provided.

These grade 12 students attend school on daily basis, including weekends, to ensure they are well prepared. Meals are provided for learners as many come to school without eating or from disadvantaged families.

I offered pre-examination counselling, encouraged and motivated them to study and work hard so they can pass their final exams. Some were exhausted as they have to stay at school for the whole day. Others pupils continued to attend school on a weekly rotational schedule.

Learners with challenges received regular counselling and support throughout the term i.e. those with mental illness, pregnant learners in their third trimester and those with psychological issues.

Some of the challenges faced by learners:

• Some are writing while pregnant and might miss out exams as they will be on maternity leave. Two pregnant teenage moms are at home awaiting delivery.
• Poor sanitation. Mobile toilets are substituted though there are not enough to accommodate all.
• Over-age learners can cause trouble and are bad influence to those who want to learn. These students smoke on school premises, abscond classes after eating and do not submit their assignments and projects.

PROGRESS: Some dedicated teachers give their time to help learners during their free period

Meetshetshehla High School received donation of 300 new desks to replace the old ones to ensure leaners sit comfortably in classes.

Teachers attended workshop about preparation of exams and invigilation.

TRAINING:  

I attended a Leadership Collaboration Training Programme in the Waterberg District Community aimed at uplifting the Waterberg District, and showing how the private sector can work with the Government on various projects.

Representatives from various sectors attended i.e. the surrounding lodges, municipal workers, Schools and Private Intuitions.

The Hanns Seidel Stiftung funded the training, which is accredited. Participants will receive certificates.

MEETINGS: I attended meetings with the South African Police Victim Support Department (SAPS) and discussed how they can locate those selling illegal drugs, which is destroying the youth and leads to Gender Based Violence.

The Social Development and the local Government Clinic.

The officials from the Department of Education District office visited and interviewed me about bullying in schools and other challenges that I encounter amongst learners from surrounding schools. We agreed that if there’s any suggestion of school challenges that I should email them for attention.

STATISTICS: TOTAL NUMBER CONSULTED INDIVIDUALLY IS 151 (HIGH SCHOOLS ONLY)

PREGNANT – 5 (3 Meetsetshehla & 2 Leseding High School)

ASTHMATIC – 3  

COUNSELING – 45 (Psychological, Adherence to treatment, Bereavement, Substance abuse & HIV/STI)

MENSTRUAL ISUUES – 60 (provided with disposable pads)

OBESITY – 6 (referred to dietician)

CONTRACEPTIVES – 32 (referred to the clinic for preventive plans)

Schools closed from 1^st October and will re-open 0n 11^th October 2021 except for the grade 12’s who will continue to attend extra lessons.

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