Grade 1 enrolment remains headache for Walvis Bay
There are currently a total of 2 149 learners in grade one classes at government primary schools in Walvis Bay. Each year, the harbour town battles to place new learners at already-overcrowded schools. Now, with the enrolment process for next year set to commence next week, a meeting will take place at Immanuel Ruiters Primary School in Kuisebmond at 17:30 today.
Walvis Bay circuit education inspector Theresia Goagoses explained that the meeting will outline enrolment procedures. “This will also be a platform for parents to share insights on how we can improve the enrolment process, as we do not want them sleeping at the schools,” she said.
A common sight during grade-one enrolment is parents spending the night at the school in a bid to secure a place for their child. “As much as we are discouraging parents from spending the night at schools, they still do. Thus, at the meeting, we will discuss this and also inform them of the documents needed for the enrolment process," Goagoses said.
She further emphasised that the meeting is only to share information and insights, not for enrolment.
“Enrolment is set to take place next week at the respective schools. We will work on a first-come, first-served basis, and the children living in the area of the specific school will be given preference. If a child stays in Narraville and applies at Narraville Primary School, preference will be given.”
'Stop spreading false info'
Walvis Bay currently has eight primary schools. To accommodate all the learners, schools make use of the platoon system, which requires learners to go to school in the afternoon.
“Currently, learners from High Hope Primary School are attending school at !Nara Primary School in the afternoon.” Goagoses added that the ministry is constructing a senior primary school that will cater to grades four to six, while High Hope will then cater to pre-primary to grade three.
According to the education inspector, each year, the number of grade one learners increases. “We do not have latecomers per se, but parents who do not cooperate. However, for parents who are transferred from other regions for employment purposes, we deal with them at the beginning of the new academic year.”
She encouraged parents to attend today's meeting. “Attend the meeting so that you can get the right information and stop spreading false information. I am pleading with the parents to work together. Come share your insights on how we can make the enrolment process easier, and perhaps we can all come up with a better solution.”
Walvis Bay circuit education inspector Theresia Goagoses explained that the meeting will outline enrolment procedures. “This will also be a platform for parents to share insights on how we can improve the enrolment process, as we do not want them sleeping at the schools,” she said.
A common sight during grade-one enrolment is parents spending the night at the school in a bid to secure a place for their child. “As much as we are discouraging parents from spending the night at schools, they still do. Thus, at the meeting, we will discuss this and also inform them of the documents needed for the enrolment process," Goagoses said.
She further emphasised that the meeting is only to share information and insights, not for enrolment.
“Enrolment is set to take place next week at the respective schools. We will work on a first-come, first-served basis, and the children living in the area of the specific school will be given preference. If a child stays in Narraville and applies at Narraville Primary School, preference will be given.”
'Stop spreading false info'
Walvis Bay currently has eight primary schools. To accommodate all the learners, schools make use of the platoon system, which requires learners to go to school in the afternoon.
“Currently, learners from High Hope Primary School are attending school at !Nara Primary School in the afternoon.” Goagoses added that the ministry is constructing a senior primary school that will cater to grades four to six, while High Hope will then cater to pre-primary to grade three.
According to the education inspector, each year, the number of grade one learners increases. “We do not have latecomers per se, but parents who do not cooperate. However, for parents who are transferred from other regions for employment purposes, we deal with them at the beginning of the new academic year.”
She encouraged parents to attend today's meeting. “Attend the meeting so that you can get the right information and stop spreading false information. I am pleading with the parents to work together. Come share your insights on how we can make the enrolment process easier, and perhaps we can all come up with a better solution.”
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