Concerned learner group Heathfield High School
Cape Town - We, the Heathfield High learners are once again concerned about our education.
We came into a new year thinking we would have stability and structure at our school, especially coming from the terrible year we had last year, believing there would be no disruptions.
First: The first week of school there was no timetable set out for us learners. For three days we literally sat in class and did absolutely nothing. No programme was put in place whatsoever.
The following week, we came back with the mindset we were going to come to school to work; by Monday there was still no timetable.
Second: We found out that most grades don’t have teachers. How is this possible? This should have been sorted out before the school year had started. So we are currently sitting with the following issue, that across all grades from 8-12 there are learners without certain subject teachers.
Third: The dismissal times have been unreasonable for the past three weeks. Times change daily and we are only told on the day. We have been coming out at 1.30pm for this week, the reason being that the school does not have enough teachers, so us learners are losing out on lesson time. The learners enjoy going home early, but who must suffer at the end of the day?
Never in our time at Heathfield has this happened before.
When assembly takes place in the school hall, no teacher is there to supervise the learners. Smoking and the playing of soccer in the hall takes place.
Some learners have been complaining about subject changes; they are being forced to do subjects they do not want to do. There are currently no outside taps working at school due to vandalism and poor management.
Learners are becoming more defiant due to a lack of authority. It’s sad to say, but soon we will be back where we were last year, with half the learners outside and the other half trying to learn because adults don’t want to take responsibility or accountability for their lack of management.
We are told, “You reap what you sow.”
To the management of Heathfield – and for someone who fought so hard for the principal’s position – you should do better.
We deserve better.
Cape Times
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