Briefing the media on Sunday on the province's readiness for the reopening of schools, Education MEC Barbara Creecy said it's all systems go for the start of the new academic year.
She said the new schools will not only help with the accommodation of new learners coming to the province, but they will also ease the pressure in some of the overcrowded schools. Plans to beef up teaching staff are well underway.
"In August last year, we distributed the vacancy list for teaching posts in our schools and all vacancies were filled... We have approved 500 additional posts for the new schools," Creecy said.
To ensure that learning and teaching start on the first day of school, Creecy said orders for Learner Teacher Support Material were placed by school principals and officials in May last year, including the delivery of the Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS) in October 2011.
"Admissions started on 01 August 2011 and this year, we anticipate 209 000 Grade 1 learners will begin their schooling career. We are also registering 110 000 learners in state supported Grade R facilities," said the MEC.
Parents who are still seeking space in schools have been advised to go to their nearest district offices where the department has set up operation centres. District officials will advise parents on the capacity of schools and help to place learners.
Late applications will be handled at the special operation centres established at head office and district offices to allow principals to manage the curriculum in schools from the first day of schooling.
The department also conducted an audit of furniture needs at all districts last year and a list of schools with shortages and damaged furniture was generated.
"We've placed orders and deliveries are currently underway. We have also procured furniture for the new schools and started maintenance work at 69 schools in May 2011. Currently, work is in progress at 42 sites," she said.
Also on Sunday, Creecy called on parents to deepen their participation in school governance by participating in the school governing body elections that will take place this year.
Creecy, who took part in the school cleaning campaign in Sebokeng and Olivenhoutbosch last weekend, said last year this time, the department launched the parents' guidelines booklet and conducted parental workshops in a number of underperforming primary and high schools. This helped to build partnerships with parents, educators and learners to make education a societal priority.
To prepare for the first day of school, the department enlisted the help of families, communities and other interested organisations. Schools in Gauteng and other inland provinces open tomorrow.
"They have cut grass, cleaned toilets, washed windows and removed weeds throughout this weekend ... This is part of how families can get involved in the education of their children," Creecy said.
About 150 schools throughout the province have been cleaned over the weekend.
Creecy, who took part in the painting of classrooms at Steve Tshwete Secondary School, attributed the school's improved matric results to parents cooperating with the school.
The school improved from a 68% pass rate in 2009 to 76% in 2010 and 81% in 2011. Of the 143 learners who passed, 17 obtained distinctions.
"... It is a result of parents' cooperation, who ensured that there was consistent attendance," Creecy said.
School principal Takalani Ndou said the school would continue with the programmes introduced by the department to assist learners as they were aiming for an 85% pass rate this year.
"We will continue to work with parents to ensure that learners attend Saturday classes and consistently attend school," said Ndou.
Parent Jimmy Phahlamohlaka, who came to the school to help with cleaning, said he was encouraged by the department's determination to improve the education of their children.
"Cooperation between the school and parents is very important as we get an opportunity to have our input towards our children's education and monitor their progress in school," said Phahlamohlaka.
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