Parents at Homevale High School in Kimberley, Northern Cape, have closed down the school in an attempt to force the Education Department to remove the newly appointed principal.
Both parents and teachers claim that the new school principal does not have the necessary qualifications and have accused the School Governing Body (SGB) of making unilateral decisions on the matter.
A meeting between all parties was held on Monday but some parents feel aggrieved and accuse the SGB of lack of consultation. However, the SGB chairperson Sonia Faywers says, ” We are here because we want our children to get educated. This school is for the last ten years under-performing school. And as parents we have decided that we are not going to tolerate a teacher or any person that are going to influence our kids’ education negatively.”
The education department has rubbished claims that the principal was not properly appointed.
Northern Cape Education Department’s Geoffrey Van Der Merwe says, “In this case we have complied with the recommendation of the School Governing Body there are lot of rumours doing the rounds that the new principal is unqualified and doesn’t meet the criteria we can also confirm that the newly appointed principal meets the criteria in terms of appointment of the principal at Homevale high school his got the necessary qualifications, skills and expertise. Our district officials met with the parents, SGB and have resolved that schooling will resume tomorrow.”
According to the department the school will be re-opened on Tuesday.
A catch-up program for the pupils who are preparing for mid-term examinations.
