Private schools to test the waters first in 2021

Most private schools will start their school year on Monday 01 February 2021, while state schools are expected to return on 15 February 2021.

The outlined return dates are as follows:

• 25 January 2021: The principal, the school management team including Education Assistants and General Assistants (Basic Education Employment Initiative) and non-teaching staff must return to school;
• 1 February 2021: All educators must return to school;
• 1 February 2021: Private school learners may return to school;
• 15 February 2021: All learners must return to school.

Even with a two-week academic head start, the fees collection ball rolling and perhaps a marketing advantage to count amongst the pros for the Privates, during these torrid times where the risk of contracting Covid-19 is higher than ever before, it’s not certain if anyone is as much concerned about the benefits as they are about staying focused, staying safe and staying open.

In this respect there has been media coverage about Privates asking their students to produce negative tests or stay home, while others have discretely asked parents to aim at their own form of home quarantining in the lead up to the start of the academic year.

As far as the state schools are concerned, the next couple of weeks could provide them with vital intel from Privates, which may may serve to better preparing their students and staff for the challenges ahead.

Question:

Where will risk management require a greater effort: boarders or day students?